Robbinsville – How many 9-year-olds can say they have published a book?
Something that often becomes one person's life work became reality for students in Robin Welker's third-grade class at Robbinsville Elementary School when Graham County Field Guide was published at the end of the 2024-25 school year.
A book signing for the highly anticipated release of the 48-page spectacular was set to be held from 5-7 p.m. June 10; the event started early, due to public demand. Students happily forfeited an evening of their summer vacation to personally autograph the page they worked on for the guide, which covers anything and everything outdoor-related in Graham County.
"The project felt meaningful and relevant to my students, as well as their community, and the added benefits of how it can support our local tourism industry," Welker said.
Welker developed the idea for the guide after attending a launch event for the non-profit group RootEd, where she learned similar books had been compiled by a Montessori school near Asheville. RootEd's website displays field guides created by schools in Marion and Transylvania counties as well.
"Then, I took a third-grade lens and similar project for reference to begin working with my 44 students," Welker said.
Students were paired together and given the option to pick from their top three preferred topics on a list compiled class-wide. Guest speakers from across the county were called in to offer added insight; their influence is visible throughout the guide.
Welker even opened the door for the students to use their creativity in setting up the pages of the book, scheduling individual assignments on a design program called Canva. She wanted each pupil to become the "boss of their own page."
The class left no stone unturned. Plants, animals, camping, forests, lakes and local history are all covered inside the guide.
Along the way, Robbinsville High School science teacher Ben Davis and high school English teacher Karen Lail paid a visit to the class to help with revisions.
Local sponsorships and RootEd's Jay Korreck helped facilitate the book's publication.
"Community helping community is what we're all about," Welker said. "We fundraised to ensure all current RES students that wanted a field guide could have one for free."
The book sells for $5; to date, almost 100 copies have been purchased.
Welker said she plans to expand the guide's appeal by creating a blog/podcast combination.
"We'll need interviewees and potential hosts for field trip visits related to local economy, local government, local culture, forces of motion, earth science and life cycles," Welker said.
For details, email rwelker@graham.k12.nc.us.