Gifted Program Beloit Schools

Margo Hosie

An average of over 100 students in grades 1st through 6th have participated each year in the Beloit Elementary School Written & Illustrated Project taught by Mrs. Hosie. To become a part of creating a book, a process that requires a bulk of the work to be done at home on students' own time, these young writers/illustrators sign contracts committing to the requirements of the project. The requirements include writing an original story, planning layout for illustrations, drawing and coloring illustrations, designing a cover and other support pages, and gluing it all together in book form. There are also many other details that have to be done. 

While parental involvement is important and necessary, all work (the story and the illustrations) has to be the entire effort of each child so that the words 'written and illustrated by'  on each cover accurately state the book is truly the work of the child.

The 2011-2012 project will culminate with a special celebration at this the 20th anniversary authors' party on Thursday, April 19, 2012. The party will feature a returning guest who will work with students during the day of the party and then help present awards and meet the public that night. This person has been part of the creative process of many endeavors, including numerous books. The guests' identity will be revealed to the students in 2012 sometime prior to the party.

Some previous guests include Brad Sneed, Christine Schneider, Lois Ruby, Nolan Carlson, Doug Bowles, Tom Averill, Marsha Diane Arnold, Lora Kay Reiter, Dr. Richard Bergen, Anna Riphahn, and David Melton who created Written & Illustrated through his Landmark Editions Publishing Company. Last year's guest, Kansas author/illustrator Tim Raglin of Independence, Kansas, echoed what all previous guests have said. They are amazed at the outstanding work accomplished by Beloit students and have enjoyed their time in the community. 

A special note to parents and other interested adults: "I am issuing a challenge to you - why not make this the year you commit to writing and illustrating a book? Just contact me and I will help you get the process going. I can't wait to see what you will create! Perhaps someday in the future it will be you who is speaking to students at an authors' party telling them how your writing career began." - Mrs. Hosie