Staff writer
Adora Svitak of Redmond, Wash., is a child prodigy in reading and writing. Using the Interactive Distance Learning network, the 11-year-old girl related with teachers Monday during the TEEN in-service in Marion. She appeared on a big screen in the USD 408 Performing Arts Center.
Svitak started reading books at age 3 1/2 and wrote her first book at age 7.
At the age of 6, she received a used laptop from her mother and with the help of spell check became a prolific writer. She is particularly interested in historical fiction and has written several such books.
Svitak appeared on Oprah Winfrey’s show and various TV networks, and soon began teaching others about the joys of reading and writing.
Her presentations mostly are given using video conferencing and webcasting, and she is associated with the Center for Interactive Learning and Collaboration.
“Writing is fun, empowering, and exciting!” she told in-service participants.
She encouraged teachers to be learners themselves, “reading with intent” about topics that interest them and then writing about them from different perspectives.
She said teachers need to participate in their students’ writing projects by asking questions about the topics at hand that will stimulate their thinking and get them going.
She also encouraged teachers to exploit children’s love of gross or funny things to make learning exciting.
Following her presentation, she conducted a question-and-answer session with the audience.
More can be learned about Adora Svitak at her website: www.adorasvitak.com.