Sue Mendoza teaches special education at Stafford Elementary. Loving to write herself, Mendoza loves to have her students get excited about writing and what could be better than to have your own book published? So, she decided to make it a school project having the students write and illustrate their own books and get them published through Student Treasures Books.

Student Treasures Books has publishing kits that are free to the school. The students will write their stories, draw their illustrations and then it will be published into a full color hardbound book. Mendoza said, “This project helps show the students the publishing process and helps the students with their writing skills. This project is for pre-K through the sixth grade so everyone is involved in getting a book published. Pre-K through 3rd grade will be working on a class book. These classes will have one book per class with everyone’s stories in it. Fourth grade through sixth grade will be working on individual books.”

Mendoza said the students are really enjoying writing and drawing the pictures for their books. Kinsey Whatley (2nd grader) said, "I am having a lot of fun doing this project. My favorite thing to do is to write and draw. Karen Cortez said, “I really like doing this project and I can’t wait to have it published.”

Mendoza said, “These books become keepsakes that will be cherished by teachers and families over the years. Along with being a keepsake it is also a wonderful tool to get the students excited about writing.”

Just another fun day of learning at Stafford Elementary.