This week, 56 sixth graders at Terra Vista Middle School achieved the status of published authors as they received the official copies of their class book, Tidings of Terror. Each of the student authors contributed a holiday horror story accompanied by original artwork.
Claudia Duron and her sixth grade Honors Reading Language Arts classes celebrated the book's release with a festive publishing party in the TVMS library. Students and attending parents enjoyed hot cocoa and cookies as a few of the young authors shared their chilling tales aloud.
The excitement and pride the students felt seeing their hard work in print and holding the hard copy in their hands was the very reason Duron was inspired to pursue this project.
“It’s one thing to write a story,” said Duron. “But it’s something else entirely to hold a published book in your hands and know that your voice has been shared with the world. I truly believe this will be a moment they’ll cherish forever!”
The idea for holiday horror stories came from a fun class brainstorming session where the students let their imaginations run wild. They loved the idea of taking a beloved holiday tradition and giving it a spooky twist. Duron came up with the title, Tidings of Terror, which sparked much excitement and creativity among the students.
This project became a true labor of love for the students. Duron explained that the student authors had so much fun developing their stories, finding ways to blend horror and holiday cheer, and getting creative with characters and plot twists.
“It was inspiring to see them so engaged and excited about the process,” said Duron. “I am so incredibly proud of my students for their hard work, creativity, and passion throughout this entire project.”
Duron explained that there is something magical about seeing your words come to life in a real, tangible book. It helps the students understand the power of their voices and that their ideas can make a lasting impact.
“It’s an experience that builds confidence and inspires them to keep writing and dreaming big,” said Duron.
To bring this classroom book to life, Duron utilized the Studentreasures publishing program. Studentreasures help give the students an authentic publishing experience for free. After writing their stories, they had to go through the editing process, which included revising drafts and perfecting their work.
The students were actively involved in every step, from choosing the theme to learning about formatting. It was a team effort from start to finish, and seeing the final product come together was incredibly rewarding for the class.
Beyond learning about the writing and publishing process, Duron wanted the students to gain a deeper appreciation for the power of their words.
"I want them to walk away feeling proud of what they’ve created and confident in their ability to express themselves.,” said Duron. “Most of all I want them to remember that writing can be both fun and meaningful, and they have the ability to tell stories that others will enjoy.”
Several copies of the student-published, Tidings of Terror will remain in the library, creating a lasting legacy for future TVMS students to enjoy.