Welcome, friends, to Day 3 of my BUSY BUILDERS, BUSY WEEK! Book Bash. In my latest book, each day of the week features a colorful cast of animal characters and a different construction activity as the digging, dumping and ‘dozing lead up to one stupendous surprise! So, it seemed only fitting that for a days-of-the-week… Read more »
Tuesdays for Teachers
What is Wild? Guest Post by Megan Wagner Lloyd
From the moment I saw the cover of FINDING WILD, I knew I needed to learn more about the inspirations and dreams for this beautiful book. I’m so pleased that Megan Wagner Lloyd agreed to give us a glimpse into just that! What is Wild? by Megan Wagner Lloyd When I wrote my picture book FINDING… Read more »
Feeling the Love from Rhinelander!
My Skype visit with first graders in Rhinelander, Wisconsin was one of my favorites of the year! And the happiness continued a week later when their lovely letters and art arrived in the mail. Thank you, students and teachers for such a warm and gracious “getting to know you.”
Connecting with Authors – Bringing Literacy to Life
Ellie Rumney is a library media specialist extraordinaire from Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Her heartfelt post gave me goosebumps. Yes, small moments can provide endless inspiration. Thank you, Ellie! Connecting with Authors – Bringing Literacy to Life by Ellie Rumney The joyful faces of student connecting an author to a book is a priceless sight. On one… Read more »
My 1-3-1 Poetry Exercise
When I was a child, I loved reading poetry. But later in life when I learned to analyze and deconstruct poems, my passion faded. Poetry can be hard to decipher. And when you try too hard, the deciphering can bog you down. I developed this quick poetry exercise to help me read and think about… Read more »
Young Writer’s Workshop – The Persuasive Piece!
Molly Baldwin, 2nd Grade Teacher at Carl T. Mitnick School in Cape May, NJ, knows how to make writing come alive for her students. How do you make a persuasive writing assignment extra fun? Tie it to some wacky and wild picture books! YOUNG WRITER’S WORKSHOP – THE PERSUASIVE PIECE by Molly Baldwin For the… Read more »
When Being “Too Pickley” Was “Just Right”
Last month I had the great honor of a virtual visit in the classroom of one of New Jersey’s finest teachers, Kevin McCann. Kevin brings out the best in kids. It shows in his amazing students, and – as you’ll see below – in his adorable sons. I know you’ll enjoy this peek into our… Read more »
What Came First? The Dragon or the Verse? Guest Post by Penny Parker Klostermann
I’m one of the lucky ones. At a picture book workshop I was leading, I got to hear Penny Parker Klostermann first read her hilarious picture book manuscript THERE WAS AN OLD DRAGON WHO SWALLOWED A KNIGHT. I knew instantly she had a winner. So it brought me great happiness to hold this shiny, new… Read more »
Tuesdays for Teachers: “This Is My Universe” Mentor Text Poetry
Today, I’m proud to feature another guest post by another amazing teacher. Heather Natale and her 2nd graders captivated me with their honest, deep and stunning free-verse poetry. This is an exercise to note and use over and over again in classrooms of any age as a perfect introduction into the depth and breadth of… Read more »
Tuesday for Teachers: “Time In” and “Time Out” Corners
One of the greatest pleasures of my school Skype visits is meeting amazing teachers. Susie Gruben, a first Grade teacher at Strawberry Park Elementary School in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is one such teacher. Take a look at how she used one simple picture book to touch on 8 – you heard me, 8! – academic… Read more »
My Books
