STEELE CREEK Palisades Episcopal School second-graders in Hailee Yurjevich’s class have a lot to be thankful for. This year, the class of 12 – six girls and six boys – have written a book, including illustrations, to share some of their blessings.

“They had to go through the writing process,” Yurjevich said.

The 7- and 8-year-olds each wrote about five things they are thankful for, she said. Their writing began by brainstorming using the four corners process, Yurjevich said, which requires them to have an opening, two details and closing.

“It was our first time doing four corners and it helped focus their thoughts really well,” she said. “It lays details out in order.”

She said the exercise also improved their use of grammar rules because “they knew it was going to be a published book.”

The students then wrote drafts, did a revise, peer editing and finally published it Thursday during the weeklong process.

The class book includes typical features, including a hand-drawn cover and a dedication.

“This book is dedicated to: The residents at the Lake Wylie Retirement Home. We have enjoyed spending time with you this year! We are thankful for you.”

Yurjevich said a copy of the book will be given to Lake Wylie Retirement & Assisted Living today during the class visit.

In the back is “About the Authors,” complete with a class photo, that says writing and art are their favorite subjects and “we feel so thankful for everything that we have.”

Each student also will have copies of their section and write another dedication and about the author, and then give it to the person they’ve dedicated it to over the holiday.

Among the pages, students were thankful for their family, home, friends, food, pets, school, money, toys and God.

Here are some excerpts from their book:

“I’m thankful for my friends because if I did not have them, they couldn’t come to my birthday party. I’m also thankful because I would be bored with out them.” – Mikaela Coletti

“I am thankful for my home. My home keeps me warm. My home lets me sleep. I really love my home.” – Quentin Clarke

“I’m thankful for food. When I’m hugery I eat food. Food keeps me alive. Water helps me when I’m thirsty. That’s why I’m thankful for food.” – Chase Vanias

“The last think I am thankful for is my bed. My bed helps me sleep. My bed also helps me rest. That is why I absolulley love my bed!” – Kamryn Maichle

“I have a teacher. My teacher loves me. My teacher is an nice teacher. I love my teacher!” – Aiden Terrick

“I am thankful for my family. My family helps me when I need help. My family is great because we go on really cool trips. My family is amazing because they cook me dinner.” – Stefan Muntean

“I am thankful for my mom and dad. I love my family because they are sweet. They help me with my homework. that is why I love them.” – Lea Lynn

“I’m very thankful for my toys. I’m very joyful to have toys. I love to play with my toys. That’s why I’m thankful for my toys.” – Zoe Madish

“I’m thankful for God. because God made me. God made my famliy and friends. that is why I’m thankful for God.” – Sydney Nyborg

“I’m thankful for my family. I’m thankful for my family because they buy me the things I need. also they hug me and love me every day. Thats why im thankful for my family.” – Gardenia Roberts