Despite icy roads and a 2 hour delay, my workshops at Plumstead Christian School on February 13 & 14th were well received. First, I taught the middle school faculty “How to Teach the Short Story” and we discussed the application to science, math, social studies, and Bible curriculums. That afternoon the faculty observed me lead… Continue reading My visit to Plumsteadville, Pa.
Tag: teaching writing
Put Pizzazz into your Students’ Writing: Using Fiction Techniques to Write Grab-You-by-the-Collar Expository Essays
Lured by my title, twenty-seven elementary and middle school teachers joined me yesterday at NWRESA in Wilkesboro, NC. With the common goal of improving students' test scores (the specter which haunts many language arts teachers), we looked at how students can improve their essays by adding voice, using "show don't tell writing", and utilizing effective… Continue reading Put Pizzazz into your Students’ Writing: Using Fiction Techniques to Write Grab-You-by-the-Collar Expository Essays
"Reading a book is a kind of conversation"
This quote, from Mortimer Adler's book, How to Read a Book, requires a little more explanation. In his chapter entitled "Criticizing a Book Fairly" he comments:"A good book deserves an active reading. The activity of reading does not stop with the work of understanding what a book says. It must be completed by the work… Continue reading "Reading a book is a kind of conversation"
A day at Harlandale Middle School
Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit my first middle school outside of North Carolina. The warm San Antonio sun matched the welcome I received from the students, staff, and administration of Harlandale Middle. The 100 7th and 8th grade students enjoyed thinking about "Stories that are out of this world" as together we brainstormed… Continue reading A day at Harlandale Middle School
Things that make a writer excited- part 2
This has been a fantastic day! I just received word that my proposal, "Learn from the Masters: How Creating a Fictional Character Enhances Reading Instruction" was accepted for the 2008 IRA convention in Atlanta, next May. This is quite an honor, particularly for a new author like me. On top of that, my article "Show,… Continue reading Things that make a writer excited- part 2
The Higher Power of Lucky
What child doesn't fantasize about running away in order to get the attention that he or she deserves? And what child hasn't worried that their mother/father/guardian/caretaker is considering leaving because of something the child fears he has done wrong? These themes, like the beautiful knots that Lucky's best friend, Lincoln ties, are intertwined throughout this… Continue reading The Higher Power of Lucky
National Writing Project Report
In a recent article in the June/July issue of Reading Today, Matt Freeman provides a brief history of the National Writing Project (NWP) as well input from Richard Sterling, the current executive director. Here are some points which emphasize some of the same principles I have applied in Teaching the Story:College professors and employers continually… Continue reading National Writing Project Report
Musings from Mid-South
Last weekend I was privileged to be a presenter at the 18th Annual Mid-South Reading and Writing Institute. Over 1400 educators from Alabama, Tennessee, and other southern states came together for two days to improve their classroom reading and writing practices. Here were some of my highlights:Peter Johnston, Professor, and International Literacy Consultant from Albany,… Continue reading Musings from Mid-South
Check out this fun definition of copyright!
A friend passed this along; it is a very creative way to teach kids what copyright means. Check out:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJn_jC4FNDo
Is a Red Pencil Friend or Foe?
How many of you have students who write a first draft, turn it in, and considered it "done"? Most students would rather eat beets and liver for dinner than rewrite their stories, essays, or papers. Why is that? Perhaps it's because we haven't taught them what every published writer has realized: good writing depends on… Continue reading Is a Red Pencil Friend or Foe?