Did you know that Ada Lovelace was able to imagine how a machine could not only calculate any number you gave it, but also create music and visual images–100 years before computers were invented? Read the story behind the story with author Tanya Lee Stone who steps into our Author Spotlight today.
A good biography presents an interpretation of the facts. Doreen Rappaport calls that “the hook.” Join her today as we kick off our 4th Annual Author Spotlight Series with Doreen’s guest blog post.
Don’t shy away from the formulaic “I am” poem! There are so many possibilities…
What are the books that have shaped you as a teacher of writing? Reflecting today, in thanks, for the authors and books that have influenced my life as a teacher.
The books featured in this post, all of which were published in 2015, represent a variety of information writing. All of these are texts that can pull double- and even triple-duty in your classroom, thereby allowing you to use a text during read-aloud time so you can revisit it during a writing workshop minlesson and/or in a content area.
Today is the annual Nonfiction Picture Book 10 for 10, hosted by Cathy Mere from Reflect and Refine, Mandy Robek of Enjoy and Embrace Learning, and Julie Balen of Write at the Edge.… Continue reading
If you aren’t familiar with this delightful biography of Sun Ra by Chris Raschka, you should be. Learn about the ways that this book is a perfect mentor text, and hear about the writing process from the author.
Writers of biographies must draw their readers into the story.
Using mentor texts and a notebook entry to think about biographical writing
4th Grade Teacher (& Slicer) Noor Shammas writes about her students’ Community Member Biography Project.
You Never Heard of Willie Mays?! (The Back Story) by Author Jonah Winter Though I do understand that what I’m being called on to do here is talk about my research process… Continue reading
Who Says Women Can’t Be Doctors? The Story of Elizabeth Blackwell is an expertly crafted biography that can be used to teach students a variety of craft moves during a biography writing unit of study.
May tomorrow be more than just a day off from work and school. May tomorrow be a day when we commemorate the life of a great man who worked peacefully for justice and equality in this country. May the example set by Dr. King inspire us all.
Every now and then a book comes along I want to tell everyone about. When I say everyone, I mean blog readers, my family, friends, teachers with whom I consult, and other parents.… Continue reading
