Deaf author’s day

deafauthor032: Deaf author’s dayBefore Kern County public schools recessed for the summer, students from the Kern County Superintendent of Schools (KCSOS) and Bakersfield City School District’s Deaf Education programs met at Actis Junior High for the third Annual Deaf Author's Day.

On May 22,students from McKinley, Eissler, Van Horn, and Actisbrought books that they made to read and share with the other students, parents and staff.Approximately 100 students took part in this celebration of literacy.

Students paired up with a guest or another student to read the story together. Guests who did not know sign language read the words on the page, as the students signed. After a book was shared, the “listener” signed his/her name in the back of the book as a record. Then student and guest moved on to find other partners with which to share.

Actis Deaf Education Teacher Jolene Griswold originated the day two years ago, after moving to Kern County from Texas, where she taught for 13 years. This year, Griswold’s students had been working on a biography research project of famous Americans.

“Their books reflected the hard work of gathering resources, writing note cards, organizing information and writing the biography,” said Griswold, who organized the event.

Van Horn students made up their own exciting stories and illustrations.Some of the Eissler students made poetry books and others made a collection of stories. Students at McKinley made picture books. All of the books were well received by the hearing and non-hearing audience.

“When asked what their favorite thing is about Deaf Author's Day, some students replied that they loved reading the other students' books,” Griswold said.“Other students said that they loved to read their story to the people there.One thing for certain, the third Annual Deaf Author's Day was a big success!”
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