Every fifth grader at Helen Haller Elementary recently turned their creative dreams into reality by becoming published authors! Thanks to a generous grant from the Sequim Education Foundation (SEF), each student wrote, revised, and published a professionally bound book, marking an exciting milestone in their academic journey.
The project used StoryJumper.com, an online platform that helps students bring their ideas to life through writing and illustration. Throughout this hands-on process, students explored every stage of book creation. They brainstormed ideas, crafted characters and storylines, and worked diligently to bring their stories to life through engaging words and colorful illustrations. Beyond writing, they also learned how to format and design each page, adding personal touches to make their books uniquely their own.
The finished books showcased a vibrant mix of genres, from thrilling mysteries and captivating narratives to detailed autobiographies and practical how-to guides. Each book reflected the students’ diverse interests and talents, highlighting the incredible range of voices and ideas within the classroom.
A huge thank you goes to the dedicated fifth-grade team: Mrs. Castell, Mr. Danielson, Mrs. Forrest, Ms. Holt, Ms. Maynock, and Mr. Reno who provided guidance and encouragement throughout the project. Their support helped turn a big idea into a meaningful accomplishment, inspiring students to believe in their abilities as writers and creators.
The Sequim Education Foundation’s generous support made this project possible, giving every student the opportunity to see themselves as real authors. This experience fostered not only creativity and literacy skills but also a sense of pride and ownership in their work. These young authors have shown that with imagination, effort, and the right support, amazing things can happen.
Congratulations to Helen Haller’s newest authors! Your published books are a testament to your creativity, hard work, and excitement for learning. We look forward to seeing how your stories continue to grow.