Testimonials
Here's what principals, teachers, students, parents, newspaper reporters and others are saying about Steven Krasner and Nudging the Imagination
Principals
Steven Krasner's sessions for first, second, third, fifth and sixth graders, respectively, were totally enjoyable learning experiences acclaimed by students and teachers. His ability to gear his talk to the age and interests of his audience was quite noteworthy.
-- Mrs. Alperowitz, Southern Connecticut Hebrew Academy, Orange, CT
“Nudging the Imagination” was such a wonderful experience for our children and teachers. The stories the children created and the process of achieving such fabulous stories was exciting. Thank you for your time, talent and humor.
-- Deb Pendola, Peace Dale Elementary, Wakefield, RI
While Steve’s expertise in writing is quite evident, his ability to transfer those skills to the students is a true gift. His presentation is unique, valuable and transferable to older students.
-- Grace Coddington, Cherry Valley-Springfield Central School, Cherry Valley, NY
The students were very excited and enjoyed working with you in an experience I’m sure they will never forget. You gave the students the chance to write in a genre that is not usually covered in a 9th grade classroom. It was a joy, as well as a learning experience for them.
-- Melissa Francis, Mt. Hope Bay Academy, Warren, RI
The development of a school newspaper was a brilliant facilitation from start to finish. As educators we work diligently daily to develop the writing skills for all of our students. It is a difficult task due to the diverse needs of our student population. Not only did you engage ALL the students to include 10 self-contained Special Education and 11 English as Second Language students in this unique task, but you did it with such ease!
We appreciate all the different writing skills emphasized in this project, your accommodating and energizing presentation, but most of all the excitement you permeated throughout the entire process. Our children were so fortunate to have had this experience with you. We feel tremendously honored to have been partners with such a dynamic published author, sports writer and individual.
-- Marlene Gamba, Edgewood Highland Elementary, Cranston, RI
Thank you for the inspirational and educational presentations that you did for all of our 6th Grade students and their teachers. Your sense of humor and the way in which you interact with the children is a gift.
-- Margaret LeMay, Halliwell Memorial School, Slatersville, RI
For me, (Steve’s workshops) are great for the kids and for professional development for the staff. It gives them concrete ideas (on) how to make writing exciting for the students. They’ve tried out the ideas and they’ve worked.
-- Steve Olson, Matunuck Elementary School, South Kingstown, RI
Steve Krasner offers a format for cooperative learning, rich in creativity. He tailors his delivery to correlate with the curriculum through concurrent planning with the teacher.
-- Joan Sousa, Hanaford Elementary, East Greenwich, RI
Teachers
Steven’s enthusiasm was infectious. In fact, I have never seen my students so involved and interested. Steven was a master at working with 7th graders. (After his workshop) I was pleasantly surprised to see the quality of my students’ writing had improved. Steven’s use of anecdotes and stressing the importance of word pictures and details clearly made a difference. I found his performance helpful and inspirational.
-- Kathy Hamilton, Language Arts, Hood School, Derry, NH
What a wonderful program! I was amazed to see even my ‘unfocused’ students totally engulfed in the creation of their own story! The energy level in our room was at an all-time high – the children were beyond motivated! Loved it!
-- Diana Mollicone, Grade 3, Brown Avenue School, Johnston, RI
From the moment Steven walked into my classroom my students were captivated by his sense of humor and the joy he shared in reading favorite tales. He and the children developed a simple plan for creating their story. The boys and girls eagerly contributed ideas in this nurturing environment and were thrilled to be the “authors” for an enchanting story.
-- Nancy Petersen, Grade 1, Charlotte Sideway School, Grand Island, NY
Steve’s approach to literacy aids my efforts in motivating high school students to write on otherwise mundane historical topics. His unique methods and infectious enthusiasm bring life to the classroom.
-- Wayne Politelli, Social Studies, Toll Gate High School, Warwick, RI
Steve’s visit was a special treat and a refreshing glimpse of both creativity and imagination.
-- Roberta Hough, Grade 5, May Grisham School, Santa Maria, CA
We had a great time with you today. You kept them engaged so well. Have you ever thought about teaching Kindergarten?
-- Jane Picciotti, Kindergarten, CVS-Highlander Charter School, Providence, RI
We were thrilled with the results of the three-day residency with Steven Krasner. The culminating project, a mystery play, represents an imaginative and creative piece of collaborative writing by our middle schoolers. Steven Krasner was well received by students and teachers alike.
-- Linda Jensen, Lucy Evans, Gorham Middle School, Gorham, NH
Steve had the children engaged and thinking from beginning to end! They were so excited to see their final product! This was a fantastic presentation.
-- Paula Cosmo, Grade 1, Brown Avenue School, Johnston, RI
Your presentation was enjoyable and very informative for the students and the staff. After you left, the students seemed to have a renewed confidence in themselves as writers.
-- Amanda Kibbe, 6th Grade, Halliwell Memorial School, Slatersville, RI
The results of Mr. Krasner’s “Nudging the Imagination” workshop in my classrooms have been exceptional. His workshop helps students to become active participants in the writing process and allows them to use literacy skills in new and creative projects. The students that attend his workshop see writing as fun while developing skills that will benefit them in all of their courses. I highly recommend this workshop to teachers in any subject area
-- Tim Hayes, Social Studies, Toll Gate High School, Warwick, RI
Thank you for the visit. The kids loved it. I think you may have “nudged” more than a few imaginations. There are several children who certainly have shown a spark since you have been here.
-- Felicie Carroll, Grade 1, Matunuck Elementary School, South Kingstown, RI
Thank you so much for coming into our 6th Grade classes. We had a wonderful time and learned a plethora of information about how to ask great questions and getting our facts straight!
-- 6th Grade Faculty, Hanaford Elementary School, East Greenwich, RI
Steve gave the children writing strategies they can use in classroom assignments.
-- Karen Ross, Grade 1, Brown Avenue School, Johnston, RI
Students
I really learned a lot. One day I hope to be as good a writer as you!
-- Joseph L., Grade 7, Hood School, Derry, NH
I learned a lot of new stuff about writing because you taught me. Thank you for coming.
-- Zachary M. Grade 2, Drum Rock Elementary, Warwick, RI
I enjoyed creating stories and learning how to do interviews. You have inspired me to become an English major in college.
-- Danny B., Grade 9, Mt. Hope Bay Academy, Warren, RI
Steve Krasner scored a home run with the Jaguars team as he joined their math classes for the day, sharing both his books and his expertise with these 6th Graders. Together, in true team fashion, he led students through a collaborative effort to write a tall tale incorporating history, language arts, geography, physics and mathematical statistics and calculations. He is a great writer, sports authority and teacher.
-- Alex P., Cobra Commotion newspaper, Western Hills Middle School, Cranston, RI
Thank you for coming to our classroom. I like to read your books when I feel ill because they cheer me up and then I feel better.
-- Cody G., 5th Grade, Eldredge Elementary School, East Greenwich, RI
I like the fact that you let us write the ending to our stories. I wish that we had more time with you because it was really fun.
-- Ashley O., Grade 9, Mt. Hope Bay Academy, Warren, RI
Did you know you inspired me to be an author when I grow up?
-- Engrid M., Grade 4, Drum Rock Elementary, Warwick, RI
Ever since you came and we wrote the story, I became more interested in reading and writing.
-- Chris R., Grade 9, Mt. Hope Bay Academy, Warren, RI
Parents
The program you ran at our school over the past month was a wonderful success and surpassed our expectations! I continue to hear so many positive comments from parents, children and teachers. Your engaging manner and enthusiastic style will surely have a lasting effect on everyone.
-- Sue Barrett, PTO Chairperson, Peace Dale Elementary, Wakefield, RI
I watched as a second-grade class worked together with Steve to create a story. Hands were flying when the students were asked for character, setting and plot ideas. Steve furiously typed the children’s suggestions on his laptop and an hour later their story, titled “The World’s Greatest Ice Cream Shop,” was complete. It was an hour filled with interactive, fast-paced fun learning. Our thanks to Steve Krasner for invigorating, thought-provoking writing workshops.
-- Laurie Behr, Matunuck Elementary School, South Kingstown, RI
Thank you for the great writing class. Enzo, our 8-year-old boy, has developed his talent for both reading and writing very well. I think your class had a strong impact on him!
-- Katsushi Nagao, Naperville, IL
Other comments
Your talent for engaging learners of all ages made a significant contribution to the success of our annual professional development conference. “Nudging the Imagination” was an informative and motivating experience for all participants.
-- Kay H. Wood, Ph. D., Asst. Superintendent, Ashland (MA) Public Schools
Your “Nudging the Imagination” presentation was inspiring to our members and all who attended the workshop.
-- Kathleen Conway-Gervais, Nassau (NY) Reading Council
I attended your (professional development) seminar at Molloy (NY) College and I want to thank you for your knowledge and information. It was an amazing seminar. I took with me so much.
-- Stephanie Liebowitz
We just had Steven Krasner come to do a “Nudging the Imagination” writing program with our students. The teachers and the kids loved it. The teachers were especially pleased with his excellent classroom control and the way he motivated the students. I highly recommend him.
-- Lisa Casey, Librarian, Jamestown (RI) School District
Newspaper Clippings
This week, Steve Krasner brought his workshop to Kathy Hamilton’s classroom at Gilbert H. Hood Middle School to give students a taste of journalism. He transformed himself into his baseball alter-ego and invited students to question “Floyd Flapjacque” about his career and background. The answers ranged from amusing to absurd. Krasner, speaking as Flapjacque, told students he had taken up skydiving at the age of 5 over the mountains of Tibet where he was nursed back to health by camels after his parachute failed to open. Hands shot into the air faster than Krasner could spin his tale, with students eager to ask the next question in this mock press conference.
-- “Author nudges young writers’ imaginations at middle school” by Sierra Black, Derry (NH) News, Oct. 28, 2005
As part of a comprehensive, hands-on enrichment program, Krasner has been spending the last two weeks at Peace Dale (RI) Elementary School in an effort to cultivate a love of writing among children and to help teachers incorporate new methods into their writing curriculum. He worked Donna Santaniello’s first-grade classroom like a veteran teacher, inciting urgent gasps and raised hands.
-- “Krasner brings rookie writers into the major leagues,” by Mark Schieldrop, South County (RI) Independent newspaper, Nov. 25, 2004
For Grinnell Elementary students, the revision and re-writing stages – acknowledged by many youngsters as the most loathed steps in the writing process – may seem more palatable after yesterday’s writing assemblies. Steven Krasner, author of five children’s books, easily captured the students’ imaginations with his engaging style and quick wit. After the conclusion of every assembly, one for each grade level, many students declared their newfound ambition – writing professionally.
-- “Learning `big’ time” by Brian Eckhouse, Union (NH) Leader, March 24, 2004
One of the highlights (of Reading Week) was the group that was able to hear from Steve Krasner, a sports writer, an author and a publisher of several children’s books. One of the great aspects of having Krasner read his book (“Have A Nice Nap, Humphrey”) was his ability to provide insight into steps involved in writing and publishing children’s books. One thing that really impressed the classroom was being able to see the book come together as a whole. Furthermore, the writer impressed on the students how much fun creative writing can be and how they can make their writing more effective. “You can have fun with words!” said Krasner.
-- “Celebrity guests read to students during Reading Week” by Meghan Maleski, East Greenwich (RI) Pendulum, April 10, 2003
By day, he helps fourth-graders orchestrate the greatest diamond heist in history. By night, he turns his attention to bases stolen around a diamond at the heart of Fenway Park. Steven Krasner, a Providence (RI) Journal Red Sox writer, has been coaching children and their teachers in creative writing techniques for 17 years. While grooming the third- and fourth-graders into future Agatha Christies, Krasner simplified the story-writing process for the younger grades and adjusted his writing tips so that fifth graders could draft a TV newsmagazine script for the upcoming school cabaret.
-- “Red Sox beat writer inspires young authors” by Chris Poon, South County (RI) Independent, Feb. 7, 2002
As a culminating activity in the year-long Reading for a Lifetime celebration throughout the Chariho (RI) Regional School District, the two 11-grade English classes got to try their hands at creative writing as they collaboratively wrote a mystery story up to the point of establishing motive. Then the students were charged with writing an original ending. The three-day mystery writing workshop was directed by Providence Journal-Bulletin sports writer and children’s book author Steven Krasner. He skillfully used his voice and sense of humor to engage the students in the task at hand.
-- “Writer helps CHS students flex creative muscles” by Erin Barrette, The Chariho (RI) Times, May 25, 2000
“Squash” to most children, is an undesirable vegetable they are forced to eat by their health-conscious parents. Not so for children who are students in Steve Krasner’s literacy program – “Nudging the Imagination.” Instead, a “squash” is the imagination that, he insists, we all have, but just need to nudge now and then or, as he calls it: “flexing the creative muscle.” Krasner, a sports writer for the Providence (RI) Journal, is an entertaining character whose creativity spontaneously explodes in the classroom.
-- “Sportswriter reinvents storytelling” by Mimi Ragosta, East Greenwich (RI) Pendulum, Sept. 23, 1993