Science, poetry, and short stories. You might not ordinarily put those three together in the same sentence, let alone in the same curriculum. Here is a suggestion that could be used in your language arts or science classroom. On a recent drive at dusk from North Carolina into Tennessee, I saw beautiful gray clouds that… Continue reading Science in a 17-Syllable Setting
Tag: Teaching the Story: Fiction Writing in Grades 4-8
Teaching the Story: A Middle School Teacher's Testimonial
Last November when I taught at NCCAT, I met Rebecca Quick who had taken a workshop from me at the North Carolina Middle School Conference. I was delighted to find out that she had been using my book and asked if I could interview her. Now, seven months later, here is the interview. (Scroll down… Continue reading Teaching the Story: A Middle School Teacher's Testimonial
A Voice Questioning Writing Standards
Since I bemoan the lack of attention given to developing imaginations in our students, an article in Education Week, "The Core Standards for Writing: Another Failure of Imagination?" by Edgar H. Schuster, caught my interest. His thesis is stated early on in the article. "Imagination, defined by one dictionary as 'the ability to confront and… Continue reading A Voice Questioning Writing Standards
Details Make a Difference
One of the instructional themes in Teaching the Story is that the details which an author includes make a difference in depicting a character, setting, or time period. I am repeatedly reminded of this fact in my own reading and writing.Currently I am listening to Chains by Laurie Halse Anderson. This story of a young… Continue reading Details Make a Difference
Book Pleasures Plus
If you are a reader intereseted in locating a review, or if you're a writer interested in having your book reviewed, check out the Book Pleasures website. I found this international community of over 40 reviewers that review all genres by subscribing to Reporter's Source (more on that in a minute). Book Pleasures has been… Continue reading Book Pleasures Plus
Thinking BIG in Greenville, SC
Last week I had the privilege of being a part of the inaugural writers’ conference for AnAuthor World, a place and program in Greenville, SC. The co-founders Tim Davis and Pam Zollman opened the morning with welcoming comments. Tim, reflecting on his week at the Highlights Writers Workshop, said that he had learned to “Think… Continue reading Thinking BIG in Greenville, SC
Words of Wisdom from Highlights Writers Workshop
This week has been an amazing opportunity to learn and grow as a writer. As I look back on the week, I want so share some of the highlights (pun intended) of this inspirational Highlights Writers Workshop.I learned from Harold Underdown, my reviewer, that I needed to figure out what my character wants. Although I… Continue reading Words of Wisdom from Highlights Writers Workshop
Hot News from the Association of Educational Publishers
Today I received word from my publisher, Maupin House, that Teaching the Story: Fiction Writing in Grades 4-8was named as a finalist in this year's Distinguished Achievement Awards given by the Association of Educational Publishers. What was the first thing I did after hearing this exciting news? I went digging to find out who the… Continue reading Hot News from the Association of Educational Publishers
Wiki 101
For the last few weeks I have enjoyed the opportunity of teaching four home school students and have been using a wiki, a digital technology tool that is included in the second edition of Teaching the Story. If you're not familiar with a wiki, take a few minutes to watch this fun video. Or, check… Continue reading Wiki 101
Virginia is for Writers
At the Virginia State Reading Association Conference this past weekend, I gave three presentations for reading specialists and literacy coaches. As many of you know, Teaching the Story: Fiction Writing in Grades 4-8 has specific mini-lessons to help students develop rich, in-depth characters and settings. One teacher suggested that after students have brainstormed a character… Continue reading Virginia is for Writers