Hayes Elementary first graders were excited to hear from author Reena Korde Pagnoni, who visited their classroom virtually on December 8, 2020. Pagnoni, the author of the Rambee Boo children’s book series, has published six books. The series features Rambee Boo, a puppy, and his adventures with Rock, his human brother. The author's visit was timely, as 1st graders are currently learning about how authors write and develop “How-to” stories, as well as how readers identify sequences of events in stories while reading.

“Ms. Pagnoni's visit fit perfectly into our learning objectives for reading and writing,” said Devon Moline, 1st grade teacher who organized the visit for students. “These two content connections make for transdisciplinary learning. The Rambee Boo series is written in a way that allow students to identify the sequence of events and implement this new skill.”

As an International Baccalaureate World School, Hayes Elementary students learn through the IB Primary Years Programme curriculum framework, which has a strong focus on transdisciplinary learning, inquiry and international-mindedness. Moline added that after the author visit, the 1st graders were able to reflect and make real-world connections during their post-visit discussion.

“The whole experience turned into a great discussion for our learning,” said Moline. “And Ms. Pagnoni was really able to connect to the students.  She made sure all our students knew that they were talented writers and authors JUST like her!”