ABINGTON, Pa. — Penn State Abington education majors and about 120 enthusiastic second graders welcomed "My Quiet Ship" into port at Abington last week.
The book "My Quiet Ship" and its author, Hallee Adelman, were the centerpiece of an annual program that brings the college and elementary students together for several hours of mutual learning. It gives the children an enrichment experience on a college campus, and the Abington elementary and early childhood education students practice techniques to engage the youngsters in content.
With the Abington students taking on the bulk of the classroom management role, Adelman and several young volunteers read the empowering book "My Quiet Ship" to the group. Quinn, the main character in the book, builds a hideaway (his quiet ship) when he hears his parents arguing until he musters the courage to discuss the problem with them.
Adelman, who brought signed copies of the book for the children to take home, encouraged the second graders to enthusiastically engage in the writing process.
“What's most important when you are writing is that the reader feels your heart,” she told them.