Stratford School students showcase writing and oral language skills at the ‘Author’s Tea’
Throughout the school year, Garden City’s Stratford School students in Mrs. Werner’s class have engaged in writing across a variety of genres, guided by the study of exemplary "mentor authors." These include beloved children’s author Kevin Henkes, poet Shel Silverstein and literary great William Shakespeare. By analyzing the craft of these authors, students learned to write personal narratives, informational texts enhanced by student-designed text features, opinion pieces and argumentative writing supported by evidence and examples.
The culmination of this literary journey was the “Author’s Tea,” a celebration of student growth and achievement in writing, held on May 30. Students took full ownership of the event, presenting their work through self-led Canva presentations, reciting Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18” from memory and performing “A Million Dreams.” The students not only sang the song but also signed it in American Sign Language, highlighting that their learning extended far beyond writing and into alternative forms of communication and expression.
Students then introduced and shared their writing, communicating their individual writing goals throughout the year and articulating their personal author's craft. As part of this experience, students further developed their oral communication skills, learning to present with clarity, pacing and expression. They were responsible for every aspect of the event, from planning and scheduling, to setting tables with fine China and flowers they grew themselves, and decorating the space with original artwork.
“This event is so special to me, my students and their families,” said Mrs. Werner. “This year, I had several families experience the event for a second time with a second child that has been in my class. When I asked them about their experience seeing the event a second time, several families expressed that it is one of their favorite events and always a lasting memory.”
For the eighth year in a row, the Werner class “Author’s Tea” has left a lasting impression, with both parents and students sharing heartfelt reflections on the meaningful and memorable experience it provides.
"It was very fun to show what I learned all year in writing and I liked seeing how proud my parents were,” said Cooper Quinones, a student in Mrs. Werner’s class. “I introduced the CL.E.A.R. Strategy that we learned to prove our thinking with evidence. My favorite strategy that I used in my writing this year was using ‘because, but, and so’ to add more details to my sentences."
Parents shared how much they enjoyed this year’s “Author’s Tea,” with many describing it as one of the most meaningful and memorable experiences of their child’s academic journey thus far. They especially appreciated the opportunity to see students showcase their growth in sign language, singing, public speaking and writing and the event served as a celebration of the progress and learning that took place throughout the year.
A special thank you to Mrs. Werner for organizing and leading this special celebration of student growth.
