Did you read that title and think, "Is this a blog about museums that feature jugglers?" Or perhaps, "Who in the world juggles museums?" I confess. It's neither. Image from simplyeeleen.blogspot.com This post features two recent projects: The first is a guest blog on Elysabeth Elderling's Writing Emporium entitled, "Juggling the Writer's Life." She asked… Continue reading Juggling Museums
Tag: Talking Story
FLUSH: An Example of What Every Book Should Include
I can't help myself. Whenever I read a book I'm always analyzing how the author pulls it off. How does he or she weave together the different elements needed to produce an engaging book for young readers? My recent read, FLUSH by Carl Hiaasen, is a great example of this type of book. It has:… Continue reading FLUSH: An Example of What Every Book Should Include
Navigating My Blog
If you are new to this blog, you might not notice the tabs on top of the blog posts. If you click on "Half-Truths" you'll find past posts which document my progress in writing my historical novel. Click on "Writing Workshops" for a list of my writing workshops. I can tailor workshops to meet your… Continue reading Navigating My Blog
I Had to Draw the Line Somewhere
As Joyce Hostetter and I planned our May issue of Talking Story on public art, it became clear we could not include all of the pictures we wanted to. Here are a few images--related to literacy of course-- that didn't make the final cut. Here is art about reading stories: Looking over the shoulder of a reader… Continue reading I Had to Draw the Line Somewhere
The Jumbo Book of Outdoor Art
The subtitle of this book, "An Artistic Adventure From the Avenue Road Arts School" says it all. Fifty-seven art projects that can be created in a park, at the beach, or in your student's backyard are clearly presented in this kid-friendly and eco-friendly book. Eleven artist-instructors have contributed their ideas and expertise to show children how to use… Continue reading The Jumbo Book of Outdoor Art
Summer Reading & Writing in Charlotte, NC
If you are like me, you try to plan a mixture of summertime events which your children will enjoy as well as profit from. In our latest issue of Talking Story, Joyce Hostetter and I suggested several summer activities which families can enjoy. Today, an editor from Charlotte Parent wrote and asked me to tell you… Continue reading Summer Reading & Writing in Charlotte, NC
Bragging On My Buddies
In our last issue of Talking Story for this academic year, Joyce Hostetter and I offer some fun family and classroom activities, four cool giveaways, and several book reviews. If you haven’t already subscribed, you can still do so by clicking here. In addition, we announce two book developments. Joyce’s book Blue has just been… Continue reading Bragging On My Buddies
Reading & Writing Across the Curriculum
One of my popular workshops at teachers conferences is "Writing Across the Curriculum: How Short Fiction Supplements Science and Social Studies Instruction." In one hour I review the main elements of short stories and read from mentor texts which exemplify well-written characters and settings. We discuss how language arts teachers can collaborate with social studies… Continue reading Reading & Writing Across the Curriculum
Flygirl Makes the List!
I was delighted to find out that a book I recently reviewed, Flygirl was recognized as one of 2010's Best Books for Young Adults by the Young Adult Library Services Association. I am planning on interviewing the author, Sherri Smith, in the next issue of Talking Story. I e-mailed my congratulations and said I knew… Continue reading Flygirl Makes the List!
Look Mom, I'm in Highlights!
Do you remember reading Highlights Magazine in a doctor's office as a kid? Remember the page where other children sent in poetry and drawings? Didn't you always want to see your own work displayed in those pages?Children's writers and illustrators still aspire to be published in Highlights. For many of us, it's a milestone that… Continue reading Look Mom, I'm in Highlights!