Second-grade class at Ramstein Elementary School library reading the Fall 2024 “Dandelions” magazine. (Kat Nickola)
I recently had the privilege of visiting Ramstein Elementary School to share the newest edition of our Stars and Stripes “Dandelions” magazine.
The trip offered students the chance to learn about being a writer, so I shared the process we go through in order to produce a “Dandelions” magazine. They learned that our team gets together to brainstorm ideas, and then we decide on topics to plan out our content.
From there, our writers get to work researching, outlining and drafting their stories, before submitting a polished version for editing. The kids were interested to hear that all of my writing is edited by many other people, just like how their teacher edits their work.
Second-grade student at Ramstein Elementary School library learning about how a magazine like “Dandelions” is created. (Kat Nickola)
After stories are written, they are sent to our design team who make them look incredible on the pages of the magazine. We flipped through the current “Dandelions” so students could see some of the amazing artwork our designers have made.
The second graders had a lot to say about the designs and stories, appreciating the artistry on the solar system page, loving the story of the selkie and getting very excited about their own soccer heroes.
Second-grade class at Ramstein Elementary School library looking at the Fall 2024 “Dandelions” magazine design. (Kat Nickola)
With all the energy, I let the students in on a little secret: They were going to help me think up ideas for our next “Dandelions” magazine!
All kinds of suggestions came flooding out of these incredible brainstorming sessions: dolphins, sports and pets, just to name a few. It was so helpful to hear from our youngest group of readers about the things they enjoy, what they are curious about and where they like to go in Europe.
Thank you to Ramstein Elementary School and librarian Ms. Rahe for hosting my visit.
Second-grade student at Ramstein Elementary School library reading the Fall 2024 “Dandelions” magazine. (Kat Nickola)
A special shoutout, as well, to all the second-grade students and their amazing ideas for our next “Dandelions.” It will feature some of the topics suggested by RES students (hint: animals were a favorite with our staff)! It will be published in April 2025, just in time for Month of the Military Child (MOMC).
The Stars and Stripes “Dandelions” magazine is designed especially for military-connected kids living in Europe. It includes crafts and activities, science and art, popular culture and fun with the aim of expanding curiosity and exploration of the European world our readers live in. This free magazine is published twice yearly.
Fall 2024 edition of “Dandelions” magazine at the Ramstein Elementary school library. (Kat Nickola)
