What To Expect
Prior to reading aloud The Story of the Can’t that Could, the students are engaged in a conversation and asked to share something they learned to do recently that they could not do a few months ago. We discuss how some things are difficult at first but become easier after several tries and determination. Like pulling up a zipper, swimming, and riding a two-wheeler. The entire discussion is age specific. We then focus on that great feeling of accomplishment that comes with success. This leads into the story and the importance of, and rewards that come with adopting a “Positive Growth Mindset”.
After the reading, we review some pages in the book and the students point out how “Can’t” became a “Could”. They realize the only thing that changed was the character’s mindset.
Second graders are often curious about the publishing process and if that’s the case, the process becomes an additional topic for discussion.
In the wrap up the students are asked to share something they are currently feeling challenged by. We talk about how they must first believe they can and the importance of adopting a positive Growth Mindset as well as the importance of changing one’s self talk from “I can’t” to “I can’t yet“.
The reading can be read from the book or projected onto a smart screen.
What are teachers saying about the presentation?
“Ms. Cohn’s presentation fit right in with our school’s resilience theme! Our 1st and 2nd graders really enjoyed meeting Can’t and learning about having a positive mindset. Ms. Cohn’s presentation was one our students really related to! Thanks again for coming! We hope you’ll visit again when your new book is released!” –Krista Fitzpatrick, Teacher – Librarian at Waldron Mercy Academy
“Thanks again for coming in and sharing ‘The Story of The Can’t That Could’! It was a big hit with the students and the teachers were very impressed with you, as well!” –Mercy Mize, Second Grade Teacher at Fern Hill Elementary, West Chester, PA
“Thank you so much for visiting our first graders! My team loved your visit and how you spent time with each student that purchased a book. The kids definitely enjoyed the story and couldn’t stop talking about Can’t. We definitely want to have you back in the fall with our new group of kids!” –Danielle Scheer, First Grade Teacher at Montgomery Elementary, North Wales, PA
“We really enjoyed having you! I’m glad you enjoyed our author signing table! Thank you for taking the time to share your book, experience and individual time with my students. I appreciate it!” –Jodi Joseph, first grade teacher at Glen Hill Elementary, Cranston, RI
More comments can be found by clicking here or on the “Reviews” tab above.
Is there a fee for the visit?
That depends.
There is no charge for locations within an hour of our location (Plymouth Meeting, PA) provided your school agrees to send our flyer home to parents notifying them of the visit ahead of time. It gives parents an opportunity to pre-order a signed copy of the book(s) for their child. We also request a follow-up flyer go home with the students after the visit. You may request an example of both flyers by clicking here.
If you choose not to utilize the flyers, the fee to visit within one hour of our location (Plymouth Meeting, PA) is $360 which includes one case (24) of signed books. You get to choose to get all the same book or mix it up. You also get to choose who to give the books to. Click here to request samples of the two flyers and/or inquire any specific details.
Locations outside of the one-hour radius of Plymouth Meeting, PA would be required to utilize the two flyers, pay for any travel expenses, and purchase one case (24 books) of signed books for $360. You get to choose to get all the same book or mix it up. You also get to choose who to give the books to. Click here to request samples of the two flyers and/or inquire any specific details.
Joan C. Yingling 