Author/storyteller Atinuke visits West Seattle’s Village School

| West Seattle news | West Seattle schools | WS culture/arts

(Photos courtesy Village Cooperative School)
The students of West Seattle’s Village Cooperative School have read her work – and now they’ve heard from author/storyteller Atinuke in person. She visited the school’s home on the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) campus today, after getting a letter from student Henry Banker, who wrote to her about reading her book “No. 1 Car Spotter” in the book club at school:

Atinuke’s books are set in Africa; she is a resident of Wales, born in Nigeria and raised in both Africa and the UK. Her 12 children’s books also include the “Anna Hibiscus” series, described as “a medley of traditional folklore and contemporary urban life” by Sarah Schieron of the Village School, who says the letter kindled “a conversation between author and student … and culminated in an in-person meeting today. This is a great example of how parent supported, small, cooperative educational settings promote innovative learning opportunities for school aged students.” Students from The Bridge School, a similar school in Normandy Park that serves ages 5-11, were at the Village School for today’s event.

P.S. Village School, in its inaugural year, is having an open house on Thursday, May 1st, 6:30-8:30 pm.

Rachel April 22, 2014 (9:38 am)

My son is in his kindergarten year and is a student at Village. He loves his school. This was such an amazing opportunity for him. We continued our exploration of Atinuke’s books at home and then he got to meet her. So cool!

Felicia April 22, 2014 (12:54 pm)

Thank you to Atinuke and all authors who take the time to answer their young readers questions. Henry’s question in a letter to Atinuke about her name led to a correspondence that resulted in her visit. With the support of the Village parents and Teacher Wendy, we all made this happen. Here’s to child led learning nurtured by parent cooperative communities! A warm thanks to the Bridge School (another coop elem school)for collaborating.

LDB April 22, 2014 (12:55 pm)

Atinuke is wonderful storyteller and children’s author. Nice story and thanks for covering it hear on WSB.
.
Happy to see interest in diverse early childhood education models expanding in West Seattle.

Dana April 22, 2014 (2:58 pm)

We have been so lucky to be a part of Village’s first year. There have been wonderful opportunities to actually experience and learn first hand from authors, builders, mechanics, artists and cooks! These experiences (and Teacher Wendy!) have made Village something special from the start.

Nadine April 22, 2014 (4:29 pm)

As a parent of one of the students at Village, I have to say how grateful I am to be part of such a small, family supported school that lets great things like this happen! Atinuke reminded me on Tuesday that sharing passion and love of what we do can bring joy to all!

jeng April 22, 2014 (5:30 pm)

Atinuke was a wonderful storyteller! Great day!

Check out Village Co-op School for a unique education experience. Project night and Open House on May 1st.

Teacher Wendy April 23, 2014 (8:47 am)

We are still giddy with excitement after our visit from Atinuke! I love being a part of a school where children make things happen…this is just one example of ways that students can not only participate it, but also lead their education.

Student showcase at our Open House on May 1st at the SSCC campus…bring your whole family to visit our circus (culmination of our “Things That Go” unit).

Dora Keating April 23, 2014 (6:44 pm)

My dream of having my kids have real world experiences as part of their education is amazingly being realized through the dedicated community of teacher Wendy and the parents in this Village. What an amazing chance for my older kid to be part of it all! And what’s more: my daughter loves it. Come visit the open house on May 1st and have a peek.

Sorry, comment time is over.