grade 2 & 3
Program overview
In this power-packed 1-hour program designed for grades 2 and 3, we introduce our signature Nelson’s Garden Pen Pal Program! Our visit begins with a reading of Nelson’s Garden, we teach the children our theme song, and begin a history lesson about who Nelson McNutt really was. Children will touch and see artifacts once owned by Nelson who was born in 1899 and lived to be 105. We explain how we wrote our story, developed our characters and chose an illustrator while students examine her early illustrations and original inspiration photos. We’ll lead a class discussion about the importance of getting to know the older people in our lives - because they have so many stories to tell - and we introduce the class to their new Pen Pal. This appearance includes time for Q&A, followed by a book signing. We also provide all materials necessary for the teacher and class to craft and mail their pen pal letters, including pre-stamped and addressed mailers.
10 min
Reading of Nelson's Garden and group sing-along featuring our theme song.
15 min
Who was Nelson McNutt?
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In this segment, students will touch and see artifacts and pictures of the real Nelson McNutt of Weston, MA. Known far and wide for his habit of tipping his hat to passersby, Nelson lived in a rickety old farmhouse he built by hand. Surrounded by an old stone wall, Nelson’s garden was his pride and joy. The children will learn about Nelson’s family, his early life on the farm, how the property changed over time, his love of nature and his unique ability to grow just about anything with his green thumb. One of the first residents of Weston to own a car, Nelson was always on the hunt for treasure and had a vast collection of many things including canes, stamps, bibles and old vinyl records. This local legend lived to be 105 years old.
15 min
How we wrote our story, developed characters and chose our illustrator.
Children will hear the true story of how we met Nelson McNutt one summer day standing by his mailbox. We'll explain how we wrote our story years later, developed our characters and found an incredible illustrator to bring the story to life. Students will have the chance to touch and see early sketches by Olivia Bosson and the real-life photos that inspired her illustrations.
15 min
Class discussion:
What does the word “elder” mean?
Why is it so important to get to know the older people in our lives?
What can we learn from their stories?
From here, we'll introduce the class to their new pen pal! We'll end with the presentation of autographed copies of the book and each child will receive a Nelson's Garden Learning Packet to take home.
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Appearance fee: $350
*this does not include the cost of books. Please let us know how many students are in your class and if you'd like hardcover or paperback.