Students Skype with former NFL player
Books by Tim Green were on display during the after-school program.
Publications/public information coordinator,
Southern York County School District
Glen Rock, Pa – Elementary students at the Southern York County School District recently celebrated books and talked football with a former NFL player turned author.
More than 60 fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students from Friendship, Southern, and Shrewsbury elementary schools participated in an after-school Skype visit with Tim Green, a former linebacker and defensive end for the Atlanta Falcons. Green, who was a Falcons’ first-round draft pick in 1986, played in Atlanta for seven seasons. Since leaving the NFL, he earned a law degree and has written 24 books for children including the New York Times bestseller, “Football Genius.”
“During the Skype session, Green emphasized the importance of working hard to achieve your dreams,” Friendship Elementary School Librarian Anne Bozievich said. “He stressed that academics should always come before athletics, and character should come even before academics.”
From reading and writing to sports and football, the students asked Green questions about his work and life, she said. Students inquired about the types of books he read when he was in school (“The Hardy Boys”), and about the books he is currently writing (two sports chapter books). Students also questioned him on any Super Bowl game predictions, which Green responded would end in a tie.
He also described his writing process, underlining the importance of editing and rewriting. After discussing his books and characters, Green offered advice on becoming a better writer. He emphasized that the best writers are readers and encouraged students to pursue a variety of authors and genres.
“The students have been anticipating Tim Green’s visit for weeks, and the other librarians and I are very pleased with the message he presented,” Bozievich said. “We are fortunate to be able to use Skype to connect with authors and create memorable reading experiences for our students.”
