Thread: Web site for teachers

Ellen as a teacher I would like to see some sample lesson plans along with age breakdowns and reading levels for each book. It is ideal if this is quick to review and something I can use in a 50-60 minute time.

Non-fiction topics:

I don't know how an author would sort through this, but non-fiction that addresses specific state science standards would be good. We never have enough science resources, and, at least in my district, don't have science texts that address our curriculum. So anything we can find in the library to support is good. I need to think about specific topics, so will post back later when I've had a chance to mull it over.

I'll also check out your website; thanks for the link!

From authors:

I don't need lesson plans. If anything, some questions to guide shared inquiry might be good. Interpretive questions, evaluative questions. Perhaps a list of vocabulary we can expect to encounter in the book.

The most valuable contributions I've had from authors, (other than their wonderful books, of course!) were back in the days when I was in the school library. One year, a local radio DJ had an hour a week in which he engaged an author and some students in my library in a conference call. He would interview the author live on the air, and then open it up to questions from the kids in my library. They got to talk to the actual authors of great children's books. The most notable we chatted with was Patricia Polacco, because I'd met her at a conference, talked with her, and had a picture taken with her posted on my desk. She remembered me, and mentioned our meeting on the air, which thrilled the kids.

I also had author visits to my school, where they would read from their work, discuss, teach about the writing process (ideas), illustrating process, publishing process, etc. in workshop format (and then sell autographed copies of their books, of course!).

Personal contact and discussion about stories, characters, and why we create them and read about them is the best; emails, letters, visits, etc.; a chatroom or discussion forum like this where kids could talk about your books that they have read and you would pop into the discussion here and there...

More after I've checked out your site!

Very interesting.....

Kelly, and RonNLiz,

Thanks so much for your replies. I think you're both right, and I'll try to adapt my site to your suggestions, when I have time to work on it. Your comments are much appreciated!

Ellen Jackson
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