biography · mentor texts · nonfiction · picture book · poetry · Read Aloud · social justice · solar system

Black History Month & Beyond – My #NF10for10 + 10 Book Giveaways

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. This is my third year participating in this event, which provides me with a chance to expand my nonfiction TBR list.  Last… Continue reading Black History Month & Beyond – My #NF10for10 + 10 Book Giveaways

mentor texts · picture book

Seeds of Freedom: A Review & Giveaway

Are you looking for books to add to your Black History Month book list?  Are you looking for mentor texts to teach your students certain writing crafts?  You can add Seeds of Freedom: The Peaceful Integration of Huntsville, Alabama by Hester Bass to your list.  You are going to want a copy of this beautiful new picture… Continue reading Seeds of Freedom: A Review & Giveaway

mentor texts · picture book · science · topics · writer's notebook

10 Math & Science Topic Choice Mentors + 10 Book Giveaways

Do you have students who are interested in math and science, but claim they hate writing or don't know what to write about in their writer’s notebooks? Here are 10 newer picture books to inspire them to write about their passion.

digital writing · mentor texts · picture book · technology

Curating Mentor Text Collections

Get started organizing your mentor texts with four digital tools.

mentor texts · picture book

I’m My Own Dog + A Giveaway

This book will serve many purposes in your writing workshop, not the least of which is a good laugh. Comment on the post to enter the giveaway!

letter writing · mentor texts · picture book

Two New Mentor Texts I Adore + Book Giveaways

I've always been a diary and letter person.  I have loads of journals from my childhood and post-college years.  To this day, I relish letters I saved from my childhood since they're a permanent reminder of a time in my life.  In these days of e-mail, texts, and Tweets, correspondence and journals can be savored.… Continue reading Two New Mentor Texts I Adore + Book Giveaways

art · picture book · visual thinking strategies · whole book approach

Picture books are art forms.

I spent a weekend in the woods learning about picture book art and design at a workshop led by educators from the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art and the Highlights Foundation.

giveaway · mentor texts · picture book · topics · wordless books · writer's notebook

10 Topic Choice Mentor Texts

Do you have students who claim they don't know what to write about in their writer's notebooks? Here are 10 new picture books to inspire them to write.

back to school · picture book

Beginning Year Read Alouds

A list of beginning of the year read aloud books to set a positive climate and kick start your workshop.

blogging · books · picture book

A “Jog” You Have Energy For

I hope you didn't miss the BIG event on Saturday: Picture Books 10 for 10 hosted by Cathy Mere (Reflect and Refine) and Mandy Robek (Enjoy and Embrace Learning). Bloggers compiled their lists of 10 picture books and then shared the links with Cathy and Mandy. Cathy and Mandy then created a jog. With over 60 participants, it… Continue reading A “Jog” You Have Energy For

mentor texts · narrative · picture book

My WordFest Mentor Text Stack Is Growing!

I've been tinkering around with the picture books I'm going to bring when I speak at WordFest later this month.  My presentation focuses on using recently published picture books as mentor texts to teach students a variety of craft moves, which will lift the level of their narrative writing.   When I say recently, I… Continue reading My WordFest Mentor Text Stack Is Growing!

craft · Maribeth Boelts · mentor texts · picture book · reading-writing connections

Craft Tables for You — Part III of III

This week I'm sharing the Happy Like Soccer craft table my graduate students created.  My students worked in partnerships to flesh out explanations for craft moves they identified in Maribeth Boelts's book on the second day of class.   I asked them to create a craft table with a partner for two reasons.  First, I… Continue reading Craft Tables for You — Part III of III