Literature Brought to Life for LS and US Students

Children’s Author Margie Palatini Visits Lower School Students at Ranney
 

A lively literature experience was had by all when children's author Margie Palatini visited the Lower School on January 5, 2011 in RSPA Panther Hall.

Known for a number of children’s books, including Broom Mates and Stinky Smelly Feet, Ms. Palatini captured the audience with her readings and reassured the children that it is OK to use one’s imagination. She explained to Kindergarteners and first graders her inspiration, sparked by imagination, for one book called The Cheese. While noting that she generally is inspired by a whole lot of “mish-mashed mixed up stuff,” she explained that her idea for The Cheese began with the children's folk song, “The Farmer in the Dell.” Although Ms. Palatini had never before thought about the true meaning of the lyrics of the tune, she one day asked herself why “the cheese stands alone?” With that, she developed a story.

The children erupted with laughter as Ms. Palatini read as The Cheese aloud, using very animated impersonations. Highlighting a rat’s, cat’s, dog’s and family’s quest to eat the cheese that stood alone, the story ends with a dinner party that includes the cheese along with other delicious foods from the dell - and a message for young readers about the benefits of sharing with others.

During her second session with Beginners and Pre-Kindergarten students at Ranney, Ms. Palatini described the process used to publish a children’s story. After reading the story known as Bed Head, which was inspired by her son Jamie’s infamous bad hair days (practically every day of his life), Ms. Palatini then explained the steps taken to produce a book. From brainstorming, writing and illustrations, to printing, cutting, folding and binding, the children learned all about a process that takes an average of two years to complete!

Upon reading Lousy Rotten Stinkin’ Grapes to second and third graders in Panther Hall during her third session of the day, Ms. Palatini then opened up the floor to questions from audience members who inquired about her books, printing and more. Although eager hands shot up, and the children attentively listened to Ms. Palatini’s responses, it was eventually time to go. With that, she bid them farewell, but not before noting that they could very well be her next inspiration!

Upper School Students Study Playwright Harold Pinter Outside the Classroom

Prior to the holiday break, class advisors and Upper School English teachers Douglas Felter and Joan Fernandez accompanied 30 Ranney School AP Literature & Composition students on a trip to see “The Collection” and “A Kind of Alaska” — two Harold Pinter plays produced by the Atlantic Theatre Company in New York City. As Mr. Felter points out, “dramas were meant to be seen, not simply read.”

Before heading to the Classic Stage Company Theatre on East 13th Street, the group was given the opportunity to visit midtown Manhattan, seeing several exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art and stopping by to see the tree in Rockefeller Center.

To better prepare for their theatre-going expedition to the Big Apple, AP Literature & Composition classes at Ranney first studied and thoroughly discussed “The Collection” and watched a film version of the Nobel Prize-winning author’s play as well. Nothing, however, according to Mr. Felter, lives up to seeing a play performed live. “It provided us a wonderful complement and allowed us to discuss interpretation” of the text, said Felter.

While Mr. Felter has accompanied students to plays for some 35 years, including a memorable trip to see Al Pacino in Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” the December 15th performance held a much deeper meaning for the Ranney School teacher, who believes Pinter to be one of the greatest playwrights ever. In fact, the New York Times' Ben Brantley recently selected the Pinter play series as one of the top 10 best theatrical experiences of 2010. Mr. Felter agrees, noting that Lisa Emery’s performance in “A Kind of Alaska” was a true highlight for him during his long life attending the theatre.

All in all, it was a fruitful day immersed in the arts, where students were able to explore a deeper meaning to Advanced Placement Literature & Composition while traveling beyond the walls of the classroom — a unique experience offered often at Ranney.