April 2 is World Autism Awareness Day. I used to work as a personal care assistant for young adults with autism, and that impacted my creation of Clover, the main character in Clover Kitty Goes to Kittygarten. She shares some characteristics with some kids on the spectrum—most notably her sensitivity to sensory input. (I share […]
Animals Are Building—Are You? A STEM Activity for Students #ClassroomConnections
One thing first: Tonight’s the night! I’m hosting one more Write Alone Together: today, Wed, Mar 10 at 6pm Central Time, for one hour. Click the image for the free registration page. Feel free to share with anyone you think might be interested! Now…on to Classroom Connections! All around, you can find signs of animals […]
Ready to Write Some Zoo-Ku? #ClassroomConnections
I so love it when kids (or grown-ups) do their own writing inspired by something I wrote! A virtual book club of 2nd graders at Spradley Elementary in Frisco, TX, read Lion of the Sky and wrote their own zoo-ku in response. Aren’t those fabulous? Can you guess the animals? I love seeing how students […]
Look for Signs of Spring #ClassroomConnections
A leaf is a leaf. It bursts out each spring when sunny days linger and orioles sing. –Laura Purdie Salas, from A Leaf Can Be… Up here in Minnesota, it’ll be a while yet before spring comes. But those of you in other areas might already be seeing buds on trees and shrubs that […]
Sing and Share for National Family Week #ClassroomConnections
National Family Week is coming up later this month (Nov. 21-27). Talking about families with your students? Check out these two activities from the teaching guide that goes with my book Meet My Family. This first one’s a song–no materials needed! And this one lets your students share and celebrate their own family and […]
Qualities I Love in Art Forms and How They’re Reflected in What I Write
I was so honored to be part of the SCBWI/Smithsonian Nonfiction Conference! I was on a panel Saturday about The Personal Journey to Nonfiction. (It started right after Biden’s win was announced, and I was positively shaking with excitement and relief!) The panel was based on Melissa Stewart’s fabulous new anthology, Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep. […]
Solve the Puzzle for Animal Adaptations! #ClassroomConnections
It’s that time of year! Animals are growing thicker coats or gathering seeds and nuts Or they’re hunting for places to hibernate or perhaps they’re traveling to a winter home where they can find food and raise young. If you’re studying winter adaptations, here’s an activity sheet that goes with my book Snack, Snooze, Skedaddle. […]