For more than a decade, I have had the pleasure of working with and learning from Laura Shovan as our Poet in Residence. Her love of poetry shines through every lesson. She is truly a master and introduces the students to such a wonderful variety of poems. Each time I work with her, my love of poetry deepens. I am always thrilled to see the masterful, deep poems that the children create under her tutelage.
— Karen Hoge, 4th grade teacher, Howard County Public Schools
Laura’s Skype visit was a memorable experience for the children! They loved hearing about her writing process and learning how to develop characters. Laura has an amazing ability to quickly connect with a large group. She answered MANY questions about The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary with enthusiasm and inspired the writing of LOTS of poetry after our Skype visit.
— Andree Rolfe, Upper Elementary Classes of The Village School, Waldwick, New Jersey
Laura told the students about how she became a writer and the people who inspired her. Her appealing personality had a great effect on the students. She talked about her book The Last Fifth Grade of Emerson Elementary. She spent time walking students through writing their own Persona Poems. Even our most challenging students were engaged in the lesson. At the end when she introduced her new book Takedown and she was explaining the plot she had the students in stitches. We can’t wait to have her back at Ducketts Lane Elementary.
— Natasia Walker, Library Media Specialist, Ducketts Lane Elementary School
