Question 1

Will this be a lot of work for my staff?

Accepted Answer

Definitely not! The turnkey, out-of-the-box program requires no prepwork for teachers.  Teachers reported “feeling like they had a co-teacher take over the class” when playing Susie’s update videos.

Question 2

WHAT IS THIS PROJECT ABOUT?

Accepted Answer

Kids are involved in the making of a children's book, from the rough draft to a published book on Amazon! They will cast votes on a variety of decisions such as characters, setting, cover design, and other aspects of book production. They will have the opportunity to see behind-the-scenes on HOW a book is created and published.

For kinds: Video invitation

Question 3

WHAT IS THIS PROJECT ABOUT?

Accepted Answer

Kids are involved in the making of a children's book, from the rough draft to a published book on Amazon! They will cast votes on a variety of decisions such as characters, setting, cover design, and other aspects of book production. They will have the opportunity to see behind-the-scenes on HOW a book is created and published.

Question 4

What is the optimal grade level. Would it be more K-2 class or 3-6?

Accepted Answer

Susie's answer: 
The quick version: Any/all grades TK-6th! Since I'm a SLP and am used to working with grade-level standards, I adjust the content to reflect what age I'm meeting with.  All worksheets/ printable materials are provided as different versions for different grade levels.
With TK-2nd, I keep things fun and fairly fast-paced with a focus on students feeling included in the process of making the book. This promotes a sense of ownership and excitement with books and the writing process.  Based on last year's program, which developed during distance learning, even just a little glimpse into the behind-the-scenes prior to publishing created a noticeable shift for kids.  I also have TK-2 worksheets that go along with each page of the book, so those can be fun writing prompts to get kids further engaged! Totally optional though. 
With 3rd-6th, it's more about the book publishing process and developing an appreciation of books.  Students love seeing the specifics of how rough sketches develop over time, the decisions that go into a cover design, etc. Until I dove into the whole publishing world, I had no idea how complex it was. It turns out, it's incredibly fascinating so I include them in the real-life version of it all. I show them that editing is "real" and all the versions I wrote and revised. My hope is that connecting writing standards with a real life book project that helps people will be a natural way to promote engagement in writing this year!

Question 5

WHEN DOES VOTING HAPPEN?

Accepted Answer

New votes post at 6:00 PM PST (M-F).  They are open through the end of the week. Once it closes, the winner of that decision is added into our book. It's like a choose-your-own-adventure style activity that decides all the parts of a book before it's published!

Question 6

HOW DO I EXPLAIN THIS TO MY CHILD?

Accepted Answer

Here's a video from the author explaining the project and inviting your child to join us!

For kids:video invitation

Question 7

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "SIGNING UP" AND "FOLLOWING ALONG"?"

Accepted Answer

In this program, they mean basically the same thing! Voting is optional.  And better yet, you don't need to decide ahead of time! Just jump in and start following along! 
 
You'll get an email when a new vote posts. If your child is involved in the book, have him/her cast their vote! And if you miss a day, no biggie. 
 
This is an opportunity to be involved in the making of a book and you get to decide how much or how little you'd like to participate along the way!

Question 8

How does the author interact with students and teachers?

Accepted Answer

The author sends a weekly newsletter to teachers, which includes a video message for students, allowing kids to feel included in all aspects of book production and see behind the scenes of the book publishing process. The author also visits a number of schools throughout the semester and is dedicated to visit the top 5 participating schools, no matter the location.

Question 9

WHEN DOES VOTING HAPPEN?

Accepted Answer

New votes post at 6:00 PM PST (M-F).  They are open through the end of the week. Once it closes, the winner of that decision is added into our book. It's like a choose-your-own-adventure style activity that decides all the parts of a book before it's published!

Question 10

WHERE CAN I SIGNUP?

Accepted Answer

Sing Up Here

Question 11

When does the program run throughout the school year?

Accepted Answer

The program runs during the Fall and Spring semesters. Each semester, students collaborate with the author to create a new "soon-to-be" best-selling book!
 
Fall/Winter 2021: Where's My Wish? (To be published in December, 2021)
Spring 2022: Title TBD by Students (To be published in May, 2022)

Question 12

I HAVE MORE THAN ONE CHILD. DO WE ALL HAVE TO AGREE ON WHAT TO VOTE ON?

Accepted Answer

Nope! You can submit one vote for each child.

Question 13

Why should I invest in this program at my school?

Accepted Answer

This is a literacy-based literary program that also provides social-emotional learning benefits, leadership skills, and community and philanthropic benefits.  All themes and materials are designed to strengthen positive character traits, create a unique bond with literacy, and build student involvement in the community.

Question 14

I'M SIGNED UP, BUT I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY EMAILS."

Accepted Answer

That's frustrating. I'm sorry about that. First, check junk mail. (I'm working on that!)  Then, if we need to change the email address on file, we can of course do that.

Question 15

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "SIGNING UP" AND "FOLLOWING ALONG"?"

Accepted Answer

In this program, they mean basically the same thing! Voting is optional.  And better yet, you don't need to decide ahead of time! Just jump in and start following along! 
 
You'll get an email when a new vote posts. If your child is involved in the book, have him/her cast their vote! And if you miss a day, no biggie. 
 
This is an opportunity to be involved in the making of a book and you get to decide how much or how little you'd like to participate along the way!

Question 16

How does this program differ from a traditional literacy program?

Accepted Answer

While Authorable was created to increase student engagement in reading and writing and  build a forever bond with literacy, it goes far beyond a traditional literacy program. There are numerous social-emotional learning benefits that come with the program as well. The communal voting process allows students’ voices to be heard while also re-establishing a sense of community within a school after being separated for so long.  Kids can rally around this, get excited, and celebrate their efforts by doing something helpful in their local community.

Question 17

What other skills can students learn in this program?

Accepted Answer

Students can learn a variety of skills including collaboration, leadership, the importance of voting and being informed, respectful listening, the value of project completion, the rewarding feeling of using your skills to do something helpful in your community, healthy coping/healing strategies, entrepreneurship,  compassion, taking time to help others, social-emotional learning skills, and philanthropy through the Authorable program.

Question 18

WHERE CAN I SIGNUP?

Accepted Answer

Sing up here!

Question 19

THE FACEBOOK POSTS AREN'T SHOWING UP IN MY NEWS FEED AND I'M MISSING THINGS WHEN THEY'RE POSTED!

Accepted Answer

You'll need to tell Facebook you want to see the posts. :) Here's how to adjust your settings:
​
On the upper right corner of one of our Junior Authors Program's posts, click the three dots. Select the option to "Favorite" Junior Authors Program and then posts will pop up more consistently for you!

Question 20

I HAVE MORE THAN ONE CHILD. DO WE ALL HAVE TO AGREE ON WHAT TO VOTE ON?

Accepted Answer

Nope! You can submit one vote for each child.

Question 21

What have been the reactions from students to the program?

Accepted Answer

100% of students surveyed in the pilot program said they wanted to return to the program in future semesters. Teachers describe their students as “extremely eager to be involved in the next book!”

Question 22

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Accepted Answer

ALL kids/students are encouraged to be involved (ages 1-18)! We currently have kids from across the US and in countries such as France, Ireland, Ethiopia, and India who are all participating!
 
Don't have children? No problem. Adults can follow along! Or even better, involve a niece/nephew, grandchild, or family friend.  Chat with them at the end of the week about which one they'd like to vote on and you can submit their vote for them!

Question 23

I'M SIGNED UP, BUT I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY EMAILS."

Accepted Answer

That's frustrating. I'm sorry about that. First, check junk mail. (I'm working on that!)  Then, if we need to change the email address on file, we can of course do that.

Question 24

What have been the reactions from educators to the program?

Accepted Answer

The reaction has been overwhelmingly positive. Here are a few testimonials from principals and teachers:
“As a teacher, I appreciate Susie’s enthusiasm and student engagement. She had the students hooked from the beginning and EVERYONE participated in voting! That rarely happens on Zoom, and I’m so glad to be a part of this.” —kindergarten teacher, Irvine, CA

"Kids don’t get opportunities to make many decisions right now. This gives children the chance to be in charge of something, to feel heard, and be a part of something that helps other kids. That’s powerful.”—Principal, Fresno, CA

"This could be a game changer to develop emerging-readers into students who love books." —Superintendent, Fremont Unified, CA

“I loved the results shown as bar graphs! After we submitted our votes, it automatically showed us that visual, so I turned that into a small math lesson with reading bar graphs!”—First Grade Teacher, Clovis, CA

"After our class activity with Miss Susie, I asked my class about their favorite part. Hands down, they said, “Voting!"—2nd Grade Teacher, Illinois

“We are ALL just thrilled to be a part of this! The kids want to be a part of something bigger than the walls of home and classroom... and I think all kids do! They're already asking when we get to do another one!"—3rd Grade Teacher, Fresno, CA

Question 25

HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED?

Accepted Answer

Your level of participation is up to you! There are no requirements, grades, or assignments.
 
You have the opportunity to vote on 3-5 items per week. They take 10-20 seconds, on average.

Question 26

THE FACEBOOK POSTS AREN'T SHOWING UP IN MY NEWS FEED AND I'M MISSING THINGS WHEN THEY'RE POSTED!

Accepted Answer

You'll need to tell Facebook you want to see the posts. :) Here's how to adjust your settings:
​
On the upper right corner of one of our Junior Authors Program's posts, click the three dots. Select the option to "Favorite" Junior Authors Program and then posts will pop up more consistently for you!

Question 27

I THINK MY CHILD IS TOO YOUNG. WHAT AGES IS THIS FOR?

Accepted Answer

Votes are designed for all ages and abilities! Each day, you're given 3 picture choices and your child simply selects their favorite!
 
In summary, no reading/writing skills are required to have fun and enjoy making this book together!

Question 28

Our campus is closed to visitors because of current procedures. Is that a problem?

Accepted Answer

Nope! Because Authorable was developed as a way to offset challenges during distance learning, all visits are through Zoom.  For schools who are registered, the extra “behind-the-scene” videos are available through the teacher portal to access at each teacher’s convenience. We have videos from the author about the writing process, tips from the editors, ask the author forums, and much more! Many teachers report using these videos as their quick introduction and "hook" for writing lessons. If your school isn't registered and you want a better idea of what the video library has available, contact us at info@authorable.com.

Question 29

I'M A TEACHER.  DOES EACH STUDENT NEED TO SIGN UP?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: no.  If you're doing the voting in class, they do not need to be signed up individually!
​
If you'd like parents to do extension activities at home or if siblings want to vote, parents are of course welcome to add their email to the group so they receive updates and voting links!

Question 30

How do I request a classroom author visit?

Accepted Answer

Of the classroom nominations each week, up to 5 classrooms across the country are chosen to receive a surprise "Author Visit"!  Although most of our classroom recipients are nominated by their school administrator, we also accept nominations from parents, community members, and teachers! Nominate a classroom by emailing the teacher's name and grade to info@authorable.com.

Question 31

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Accepted Answer

ALL kids/students are encouraged to be involved (ages 1-18)! We currently have kids from across the US and in countries such as France, Ireland, Ethiopia, and India who are all participating!
 
Don't have children? No problem. Adults can follow along! Or even better, involve a niece/nephew, grandchild, or family friend.  Chat with them at the end of the week about which one they'd like to vote on and you can submit their vote for them!

Question 32

I'M A TEACHER BUT I CAN'T ACCESS FACEBOOK AT SCHOOL.

Accepted Answer

No problem! Through the email, you'll receive a direct link to vote. (No access to Facebook needed.)

Question 33

HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED?

Accepted Answer

Your level of participation is up to you! There are no requirements, grades, or assignments.
 
You have the opportunity to vote on 3-5 items per week. They take 10-20 seconds, on average.

Question 34

What if I can only dedicate a little bit of time to the program?

Accepted Answer

While the framework supports various grade-level ELA standards and has a variety of social-emotional learning topics built in, teachers are finding that it fits best as a writing activity.  With many students showing below grade-level writing after a year of distance learning, this offers a way to get students truly involved in something meaningful and fun (while including and encouraging writing along the way). 
 
Bonus: It requires as few as 15 minutes a week.

Question 35

What is the current book about?

Accepted Answer

Good question! In our current children's book (to be published this December), our main character, Ava, is on a quest that leads her into a series of problem-solution situations along a mountain trail. Her obstacles (in a child-friendly way) represent some of the SEL topics educators ar seeing right now as they navigate all the COVID-related challenges (i.e., adjusting to change, a sense of unknown, creating a renewed sense of hope, etc). Our conversations within the story focus on being solution-oriented and using creative problem solving (with a growth mindset backdrop). And of course, there are fun and unexpected things embedded throughout the story to keep kids engaged and smiling. :)

Question 36

I HAVE ANOTHER QUSTION...

Accepted Answer

The FAQ title can be adjusted in the settings tab of the App Settings. You can also remove the title by unchecking its checkbox in the settings tab.

Submit a question

Question 37

I THINK MY CHILD IS TOO YOUNG. WHAT AGES IS THIS FOR?

Accepted Answer

Votes are designed for all ages and abilities! Each day, you're given 3 picture choices and your child simply selects their favorite!
 
In summary, no reading/writing skills are required to have fun and enjoy making this book together!

Question 38

What should I expect from a classroom author visit?

Accepted Answer

What it is: A 20-25 min virtual classroom author visit. Your students exprience a behind-the-scenes tour with Susie through the current children's book being made (to be published in December)! They even have the chance to help Susie make a few decisions for the book! 
Where: Zoom (I'll include the link in a calendar invite once we decide on a time). 
How to let your kids know: You can say something as simple as, "Guess what everyone?! I just got a message from a best-selling children's book author! She's making a new book and wants our help! She said she has a few questions for us?!" (acting excited and curious) "We get to meet her next week and see what her questions are!" 
What to expect: I keep things fun and fairly fast-paced. When I have them help make a decision, they'll vote via hand raises, if you can help me count the totals. Other than that, you don't need to prep/do anything!
Why: It's an exhausting year for all of us in education. This project is my way of supporting teachers and getting kids engaged and excited about writing/reading, amidst all the pressures related to learning loss. 
This fall's children's book: Ava (our main character) is on a quest that leads her into a series of obstacles along a mountain trail. Conversation prompts within the story focus on being solution oriented.  And of course, there are fun and unexpected things embedded within the story to keep kids engaged and smiling.

Question 39

I'M A TEACHER.  DOES EACH STUDENT NEED TO SIGN UP?

Accepted Answer

The short answer: no.  If you're doing the voting in class, they do not need to be signed up individually!
​
If you'd like parents to do extension activities at home or if siblings want to vote, parents are of course welcome to add their email to the group so they receive updates and voting links!

Question 40

I HAVE ANOTHER QUSTION...

Question 41

I'M A TEACHER BUT I CAN'T ACCESS FACEBOOK AT SCHOOL.

Accepted Answer

No problem! Through the email, you'll receive a direct link to vote. (No access to Facebook needed.)

Question 42

What are the extension activities?

Accepted Answer

The program offers a variety of reading and writing-based extension activities that require no prepwork for teachers and can provide additional classroom activities related to the program.

Question 43

I am not confident my students have the skill set you are looking for (with the COVID gaps).

Accepted Answer

This is actually why we’re here! No specific “writing level” required. Since I'm a SLP and am used to working with grade-level standards and it’s easy to adjust the content to reflect each grade/classroom.  We’re here to help make writing fun this year so your students can make as much (enthusiastic) progress as possible.  You can have your students track along with the book process simply by showing them the 5-min video update each week.  If you choose to use the writing materials, there are versions available for grades TK-6 so you can scan and find something for the level you need.

Question 44

I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION...

Accepted Answer

Submit a question

Question 45

Is Kindergarten too young?

Accepted Answer

We welcome our youngest readers and early writers! With TK and Kindergarten classrooms, we keep our discussions quick and fun. They are excited to be working on a book with the *real author* and enjoy the process of helping make choices. We have the opportunity to discuss story elements and build in predicting and inferencing prompts. TK and Kindergarten students *love* the writing prompts that track along with the story because it feels like they're helping to write our story.  Pro tip: Prep a separate folder (AKA "Portfolio") for all of their writing and artwork related to the book so they can save it alongside their physical copy of the hardcover book once it's printed. It's a great snaphot of their writing journey as a young writer.

Question 46

Since this involves a children’s picture book, is 4th-6th grade too old?"

Accepted Answer

Not at all! 4th-6th grade students are consistently some of the most involved kids we have! Because we get to dive into the specifics of book publishing, students get to see how they’re current writing standards are used in real life. We even have our national team of editors available for questions and they provide “expert tips” for our established writers.

WELCOME TO THE RESOURCES & DOWNLOAD PAGE!

Free Classroom Writing Prompt Good news! We even created 4 versions to accommodate all writing levels. Fun fact: This is the actual writing prompt pictured in the opening scene of the book! Download here!

Frequently asked questions

Will this be a lot of work for my staff?

WHAT IS THIS PROJECT ABOUT?

WHAT IS THIS PROJECT ABOUT?

What is the optimal grade level. Would it be more K-2 class or 3-6?

WHEN DOES VOTING HAPPEN?

HOW DO I EXPLAIN THIS TO MY CHILD?

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "SIGNING UP" AND "FOLLOWING ALONG"?"

How does the author interact with students and teachers?

WHEN DOES VOTING HAPPEN?

WHERE CAN I SIGNUP?

When does the program run throughout the school year?

I HAVE MORE THAN ONE CHILD. DO WE ALL HAVE TO AGREE ON WHAT TO VOTE ON?

Why should I invest in this program at my school?

I'M SIGNED UP, BUT I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY EMAILS."

IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN "SIGNING UP" AND "FOLLOWING ALONG"?"

How does this program differ from a traditional literacy program?

What other skills can students learn in this program?

WHERE CAN I SIGNUP?

THE FACEBOOK POSTS AREN'T SHOWING UP IN MY NEWS FEED AND I'M MISSING THINGS WHEN THEY'RE POSTED!

I HAVE MORE THAN ONE CHILD. DO WE ALL HAVE TO AGREE ON WHAT TO VOTE ON?

What have been the reactions from students to the program?

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

I'M SIGNED UP, BUT I HAVEN'T SEEN ANY EMAILS."

What have been the reactions from educators to the program?

HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED?

THE FACEBOOK POSTS AREN'T SHOWING UP IN MY NEWS FEED AND I'M MISSING THINGS WHEN THEY'RE POSTED!

I THINK MY CHILD IS TOO YOUNG. WHAT AGES IS THIS FOR?

Our campus is closed to visitors because of current procedures. Is that a problem?

I'M A TEACHER. DOES EACH STUDENT NEED TO SIGN UP?

How do I request a classroom author visit?

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

I'M A TEACHER BUT I CAN'T ACCESS FACEBOOK AT SCHOOL.

HOW MUCH TIME IS REQUIRED?

What if I can only dedicate a little bit of time to the program?

What is the current book about?

I HAVE ANOTHER QUSTION...

I THINK MY CHILD IS TOO YOUNG. WHAT AGES IS THIS FOR?

What should I expect from a classroom author visit?

I'M A TEACHER. DOES EACH STUDENT NEED TO SIGN UP?

I HAVE ANOTHER QUSTION...

I'M A TEACHER BUT I CAN'T ACCESS FACEBOOK AT SCHOOL.

What are the extension activities?

I am not confident my students have the skill set you are looking for (with the COVID gaps).

I HAVE ANOTHER QUESTION...

Is Kindergarten too young?

Since this involves a children’s picture book, is 4th-6th grade too old?"

WELCOME
TO THE RESOURCES & DOWNLOAD PAGE!

Free Classroom Writing Prompt
Good news! We even created 4 versions to accommodate all writing levels.

Fun fact: This is the actual writing prompt pictured in the opening scene of the book!

Download here!