About the Book
Mr Shipman’s book addresses the fear of many children setting off on that first day of school – the anxiety, the worry, and the imagined worst-case scenarios through the eyes of a little girl Banicia. Dewayne is a little brother to Banicia who is soon to start kindergarten. He knows all about kindergarten because his older sister told him. She happily recalls The First Day of School in Mr Shipman’s classroom. Mr Shipman is their kindergarten teacher and makes The First Day of School a memorable and delightful experience for all his students. Banicia reassures his brother that he will have a fantastic day at school. By the end of the book, the young boy is excited and looks forward to his first day at school in Mr Shipman’s classroom!
About the Author
Dr Terance Shipman is a 28-year veteran teacher. He spent much of his teaching career working with elementary-aged students. In fact, he spent his first 11 years teaching kindergarten! He is proud to say that he built strong relationships over those years and has an incredible network of his students and their parents and co-workers that he has remained in contact with over these years. Dr Shipman calls this ever-developing network “Team Shipman”. Through Team Shipman, Dr Shipman offers continual encouragement, leadership, and mentorship to his students, their families, and his professional peers. Dr Shipman currently teaches middle school and extends membership to Team Shipman to his current students and their families, as well.
Mr Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles are the stories of teaching kindergarten that make Dr Shipman smile the most when he thinks about his years teaching kindergarten. Each book in the series celebrates the male teacher, in particular the black male teacher. Acknowledging the under-representation of black men in education, Mr Shipman presents a positive and strong black male image that children need. Through his first series of books, Dr Shipman’s Kindergarten Chronicles, Dr. Shipman hopes to make kindergarten an exciting and anticipated adventure for students, parents, and teachers, while casting an even wider net for Team Shipman.
Dr Shipman received his Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Tuskegee University in 1992. After obtaining this degree, he attended Hampton University in Virginia and obtain a Master’s degree in Elementary Education in 1994. For the next 13 years, Dr Shipman was an elementary teacher in Atlanta Public School System. Most of his time at APS was spent as a kindergarten teacher, and in 2009 he earned his Educational Specialist degree from the University of West Georgia in Administration Supervision and soon after he completes his doctoral degree at Clark Atlanta University in 2013. Since completing his final degree, Dr Shipman has worked with middle school and high school-aged students. And through it all Team Shipman is still growing!
Qn 1: Can you tell us more about your book What is it about?
When Dewayne, a soon to be kindergartner rushes into the house after going shopping for school supplies his sister Banicia and mother help him understand what’s about to happen. An entertaining story of the wonder and excitement of going to kindergarten. Join Banaica as she recalls The First Day of School in Mr Shipman’s classroom. Mr Shipman is their kindergarten teacher, and he makes The First Day of School an experience his students will never forget. Mr Shipman shares it all with his class of delightful five-year-olds and builds excitement for your child for all the things, The First Day of School in kindergarten can be!
Qn 2: Who do you think would be interested in this book, is it directed at any particular market?
The book would be of interest to parents, students and teachers of kindergarten students.
Qn 3: Out of all the books in the world, and all the authors, which are your favourite and why?
I love the Harry Potter series. I use to have a Harry Potter book club when I taught middle school.
Qn 4: What guidance would you offer to someone new, or trying to enhance their writing?
- Put your stories on paper. Get them out of your head and just write.
- Always study and research the business. It is always changing.
- Keep trying new things with marketing. Try them yourself and save some money.
Be the first to comment