I'm giving all of the teachers out there a present for this Friday. Since Saturday November 15 is "I Love to Write Day," take a minute and click on the link on the first paragraph on that site. If you don't find a novel writing idea that will fit your classroom, why don't you look… Continue reading A Writing Lesson Plan for November 14
Tag: teaching writing
The Second Edition is Here!
I'm excited to announce that Teaching the Story: Fiction Writing in Grades 4-8 is now at the printers. You can order this expanded version from Maupin House at 10% off the cover price of $23.95 until mid-October. Not only will you find more ideas on how to teach short fiction to 4th & 5th graders,… Continue reading The Second Edition is Here!
SOS for Writers
After a recent SCBWI critique meeting, I was musing with a 14-year-old first-time-attendee that writers need to consider three very distinct elements when they write. For the sake of simplicity and creating an easy to remember acronym for teachers and writers, let's think of this as: Story Overview & CritiqueStyle In other words, every writer,… Continue reading SOS for Writers
“I’ll show you my artifacts if you show me yours!”
That was one of the last things I said to fellow NC author, Joyce Hostetter, on Wednesday afternoon after a day of planning our upcoming workshop at NCCAT. Joyce got into the theme of an archeological dig as she brainstormed off my reproducible "Mining Your Lives" from Teaching the Story. Thinking about how adult authors… Continue reading “I’ll show you my artifacts if you show me yours!”
Wikis, Word Choice, & Red Fonts—the Revision Wave of the Future
“Maryanne walked into the room and looked around. She was surprised that no one noticed her.” Steve Johnson (pictured here) read the sentences that were projected on the screen and turned to the 6th-grade class. “Pretty boring, isn’t it?” Everyone in the class nodded their agreement. “I wouldn’t want to keep reading, would you?” A… Continue reading Wikis, Word Choice, & Red Fonts—the Revision Wave of the Future
Is the cup half-empty or half-full?
On April 4th The Charlotte Observer ran an article with the headline, "Students score well in writing" reporting better than average scores for local eighth graders on the 2007 national writing test. When you look closely, the statistics aren't as exciting as the headline indicates. At closer inspection, you'll find that if all races and… Continue reading Is the cup half-empty or half-full?
For All Writers & Writers-to-Be
My Saturday mornings are incomplete without reading James J. Kilpatrick's column, "The Writer's Art." I just found his on-line column, "Covering the Courts & The Writer's Art." No waiting around for Saturday anymore! If you're a writer, you'll appreciate Kilpatrick's succinct style. If you're a middle school or high school teacher, assign this column as… Continue reading For All Writers & Writers-to-Be
Secret Agent
I don't know if Robyn Freedman Spizman, or Mark Johnston, or the two of them together realized it would be fun to play with the words "secret agent," but as a team they have penned a fun, clever middle grade novel. I don't want to give away the story of Secret Agent (Simon & Schuster,… Continue reading Secret Agent
Never say “No”
Once I refused to write about a particular glass artist for a prestigious children's magazine because I wanted to write about a different glass artist. I was consequently totally bummed when I held the published article (written by someone else!) in my hands, and thought, "I could have written this!" Ever since that day, I've… Continue reading Never say “No”
Old Schoolhouse Magazine Review
Homeschool parents check this out! My book, Teaching the Story, recently received a great review from Susan Marlow of Old Schoolhouse Magazine. According to her, Teaching the Story is perfect for those of you who are working together in co-ops. If your group is looking for a fun way to teach writing and engage students… Continue reading Old Schoolhouse Magazine Review