It’s official: Third-graders in Tammy Schillinger’s class at Albany International Center are published authors. And on Thursday, they read their “All About Me” books to family members and friends in English and their native language.
The autobiography project was the brainchild of Schillinger’s daughter Olana, a student at Emma Willard. Olana wanted students to write about their country of origin, the language they speak, why they came to the United States, what they like best about their new country, holidays they celebrate, their family and friends, and what they want to be when they grow up.
Olana pulled together volunteers to help students write and illustrate their books in March. She was assisted by translators of Pashto, Dari, Swahili, Turkish and Spanish – all languages spoken by the students. She also organized a fundraiser to pay for the hardcover books, which recently arrived from the printer.
Translators were on hand on Thursday as well to explain the project to families and celebrate with the young authors and both Schillingers.
Take a look at a Facebook photo album from the readings. (You don't need a Facebook account to see the pictures linked in the highlighted text. A window may appear that says, "To see more from Albany City Schools on Facebook, log on or create an account,” but you can dismiss it by clicking “not now.”)
