Teacher's Tips
Read tips other teacher's have posted or post your own tip to help other teachers
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SHUNNA BRADFORD
MORENO ELEMENTARY
03 May 2010, 06:03
MORENO ELEMENTARY
03 May 2010, 06:03
I also teach students who have limited writing skills but they sure like to
talk.So, my instructional assistants and I take advantage of sitting with
each child, one and one, and going through the writing process with them.
Then, I use another student to illustrate their books. Most of our school
participates in this program. Most importantly, I am so glad the my class
gets to participate too. The students and their parents are so excited and
proud when they see their child's published book on Promotion Day.
Marcy Mickelson
Wilder Elementary School
06 Apr 2010, 08:20
Wilder Elementary School
06 Apr 2010, 08:20
I created a document to help keep my students organized. For those
creating an anthology from their writing notebooks, it was simply two
sheets of paper, double sided with four blank text boxes on each side to
represent the pages in the book. The first one is labeled "back of
dedication page" then numbered from there. The students are able to do a
draft of their illustrations and the title of the writing on the opposite
page. For students writing using one piece of writiing I expand to legal
size sheets of paper and put lines in the text page boxes. This helps them
to break up their story into pages and then have matching illustrations.
Shana Smith
Ralph Askins Elementary
01 Apr 2010, 14:59
Ralph Askins Elementary
01 Apr 2010, 14:59
My 1st and 2nd graders have done books themed "When I grow up..." for the
last 5 years. It's so easy to do! Each student gets one page and one
picture. This takes care of our drafting, writing, editing, and publishing
standards for the year and our parents love them!
1. Write in pencil the name of each student on the bottom of their pages.
2. Have at least one parent helper to come in for a few days, until everyone finishes. There will always be stragglers, so they can work with them as a small group while everyone else moves on.
3. For younger students use the landscape format books and have them draft on their own landscape writing paper first.
4. Have the students do everything in pencil first! Later I go back over their handwriting in thin black marker. It's really cute to leave in some mistakes and squiggles, after all, they are 6 years old!
1. Write in pencil the name of each student on the bottom of their pages.
2. Have at least one parent helper to come in for a few days, until everyone finishes. There will always be stragglers, so they can work with them as a small group while everyone else moves on.
3. For younger students use the landscape format books and have them draft on their own landscape writing paper first.
4. Have the students do everything in pencil first! Later I go back over their handwriting in thin black marker. It's really cute to leave in some mistakes and squiggles, after all, they are 6 years old!
David L. Curry
Butler School
31 Mar 2010, 22:32
Butler School
31 Mar 2010, 22:32
I teach special needs grades K-2. Given that I have varied abilities in my
class, creating a class book can be a challenge. I wanted to submit a few
tips to other elementary special educators who are considering such a
project.
The roadblocks faced in our area are actual writing and drawing ability. For example, in my class this year, I only have three students who are able to get their thoughts down on paper by themselves. They are also the only students who can produce a recognizable picture for illustration purposes.
I worked my way around this by doing these things:
1. I expanded my standards to include a realistic view of book producing knowledge. In other words, I focus on the entire process of publishing a book from the basic idea to the actual professional publishing. I use a flow chart to show students the steps we must go through to have a book published. As each part is finished, we put a check mark next to each step.
2. Writing is a shared process. We use another graphic organizer, the word web, to get ideas flowing. If a particular student is having trouble coming up with an idea to add, I have the other students make suggestions to them. From the word web, I either write down student sentences (given verbally) on chart paper, or use a modified word processing program like PixWriter to have students type out their sentences.
3. For illustrating, I can do one of three things depending on the book subject or class abilities. For some books, I bring up the aspect that some authors do not do their own illustrating. In the real world, illustrators are matched up with authors through their publisher. This brings me as an illustrator into the process. I have also had our art teacher draw pictures for students to color in a certain author's style (i.e. Todd Parr). Finally, I might use photographs for illustrations like I did in the recent book we produced.
4. As a part of the realistic approach, I also show students how a person might be the art director/editor of a book. I show them that I have to decide how the pages look and what order they may be in. I'm also responsible for writing a summary or introduction for our book.
If anyone would like to know more about this process, feel free to contact me.
The roadblocks faced in our area are actual writing and drawing ability. For example, in my class this year, I only have three students who are able to get their thoughts down on paper by themselves. They are also the only students who can produce a recognizable picture for illustration purposes.
I worked my way around this by doing these things:
1. I expanded my standards to include a realistic view of book producing knowledge. In other words, I focus on the entire process of publishing a book from the basic idea to the actual professional publishing. I use a flow chart to show students the steps we must go through to have a book published. As each part is finished, we put a check mark next to each step.
2. Writing is a shared process. We use another graphic organizer, the word web, to get ideas flowing. If a particular student is having trouble coming up with an idea to add, I have the other students make suggestions to them. From the word web, I either write down student sentences (given verbally) on chart paper, or use a modified word processing program like PixWriter to have students type out their sentences.
3. For illustrating, I can do one of three things depending on the book subject or class abilities. For some books, I bring up the aspect that some authors do not do their own illustrating. In the real world, illustrators are matched up with authors through their publisher. This brings me as an illustrator into the process. I have also had our art teacher draw pictures for students to color in a certain author's style (i.e. Todd Parr). Finally, I might use photographs for illustrations like I did in the recent book we produced.
4. As a part of the realistic approach, I also show students how a person might be the art director/editor of a book. I show them that I have to decide how the pages look and what order they may be in. I'm also responsible for writing a summary or introduction for our book.
If anyone would like to know more about this process, feel free to contact me.
Hamidah Kaufman
Michigan Islamic Academy
30 Mar 2010, 22:31
Michigan Islamic Academy
30 Mar 2010, 22:31
I found it helpful for my Kindergarten class to have them write on their
own lined paper, then photo copy their writing onto the correct back of
some one else's picture. That meant no smudgy messes on the writing side of
the page and no KG worries about who was writing on the back of their
pictures!
We present the finished books to the young authors and their families at our Family Reading Night in March each year.
We present the finished books to the young authors and their families at our Family Reading Night in March each year.
Annette Allen
Hal Smith ES
15 Mar 2010, 18:46
Hal Smith ES
15 Mar 2010, 18:46
A "Young Author's" Conference would really spotlight the students' hard
work and dedication to their published books. Once the books are returned,
a team of teachers can select the most outstanding ones for display.
Parents and community can be invited in for a special celebration involving
speakers (authors, administrators, teachers, etc), food, awards and
student/teacher recognitions. This would really work well as a school
district project each year. What better way to motivate and excite
students about writing. Writing scores would certainly soar with projects
like this.
David L. Curry
Butler School
13 Mar 2010, 20:05
Butler School
13 Mar 2010, 20:05
I've published quite a few class-made books through Apple iPhoto. While it
may be comparing apples to oranges, you can't beat the price that Student
Treasures is offering! I'm finally going to be able to publish without
asking our PTO for the money!
Louise Kupfer
Holy Savior School
07 Mar 2010, 16:14
Holy Savior School
07 Mar 2010, 16:14
A couple of suggestions:
1) For the person coordinating the project, put all information, correspondence, and anything related to the project in a folder of some sort. That way, when questions come up, it will be easily available.
2) Don't be afraid to ask questions! The company is very willing to help out with anything that comes up, and any question that arises (no matter how trivial it may seem to you)
3) For those unsure about getting involved in the project, GO FOR IT! This is the first year I worked on it, and it far surpassed my expectations. The kids and parents were very excited about it.
4) Put out some sample books that may be available (either from your school or some other location). Be sure to include at least one type of each paper that may be used in the schoo. Be sure to include clas and individual samples so parents can view it. This really helped us this year.
1) For the person coordinating the project, put all information, correspondence, and anything related to the project in a folder of some sort. That way, when questions come up, it will be easily available.
2) Don't be afraid to ask questions! The company is very willing to help out with anything that comes up, and any question that arises (no matter how trivial it may seem to you)
3) For those unsure about getting involved in the project, GO FOR IT! This is the first year I worked on it, and it far surpassed my expectations. The kids and parents were very excited about it.
4) Put out some sample books that may be available (either from your school or some other location). Be sure to include at least one type of each paper that may be used in the schoo. Be sure to include clas and individual samples so parents can view it. This really helped us this year.
Lynn MacLachlan-Winner
Guest Teacher for North Clackamas#12 and Multnomah ESD
23 Feb 2010, 11:40
Guest Teacher for North Clackamas#12 and Multnomah ESD
23 Feb 2010, 11:40
I was impressed by a 2/3 grade class project that was typed and perfected,
yesterday, for each child in the class. Each had written three poems that
were one stanza each with an illustration. It was easy to read!!
But, I miss the handwritten poetry of my own children that was as perfect as they could make it when they were small with their own illustrations and copied as a class anthology.
Having the project be presented during the year like this group is doing today, is generating excitement to write, now. It is a bold way to get kids to present/speak and have an authentic assessment.
Having the class members contribute one sentence each of a fact or opinion could make wonderful, easy free verse:
"If my teacher were president....."
"Did you know......"(wild story or true fact)
This idea came from reading Regie Routman's great book Conversations(2000).
But, I miss the handwritten poetry of my own children that was as perfect as they could make it when they were small with their own illustrations and copied as a class anthology.
Having the project be presented during the year like this group is doing today, is generating excitement to write, now. It is a bold way to get kids to present/speak and have an authentic assessment.
Having the class members contribute one sentence each of a fact or opinion could make wonderful, easy free verse:
"If my teacher were president....."
"Did you know......"(wild story or true fact)
This idea came from reading Regie Routman's great book Conversations(2000).
Ericka Rocha
Palmer Laakso Los Fresnos CID, TX
05 Nov 2009, 12:16
Palmer Laakso Los Fresnos CID, TX
05 Nov 2009, 12:16
Writing and illustrating our own classroom book has not only motivated my
students to become better writers, yet now they want to write more.
Motiviate your students to use colorful words that will boost up their
imagination and write with their hearts.
Maggie Arabia
Holy Rosary School
20 Aug 2009, 08:32
Holy Rosary School
20 Aug 2009, 08:32
I have been using Student Treasures for at least 8 years with my class.
Each students creates a poetry book and then presents it to their parents
at a Coffee House Poetry Reading. The parents LOVE it! We serve coffee
and hot chocolate, keep the lights down low, play jazz music, and we snap
instead of clap. It's a great way to celebrate writing! Every student and
family looks forward to this second grade event! Everyone is invited to
attend.
Sandy Mastropaolo
PS48 The Mapleton School
18 Aug 2009, 19:37
PS48 The Mapleton School
18 Aug 2009, 19:37
After searching for a publishing company that would bind and publish my
students work and going to the local Staples to have my students work bound
for a year, I was told about Studentreasures. I proposed this publishing
project to administration and am proud to say that this publishing project
has been a intergral part of our curriculum for the past 6 years!
I have published books with 3rd graders who learned typing skills in conjunction as well as kindergarten students. Every year the children are excited and feel a sense of ownership with the project. Parents rant and rave about the work of their chilren and I could not be more proud of each of the over 600 students who present their work to their parents and peers during our Annual Studentreasures Publishing Celebration. Thank you NAtionwide, fellow teachers at PS48 and parents for all of your support!
I have published books with 3rd graders who learned typing skills in conjunction as well as kindergarten students. Every year the children are excited and feel a sense of ownership with the project. Parents rant and rave about the work of their chilren and I could not be more proud of each of the over 600 students who present their work to their parents and peers during our Annual Studentreasures Publishing Celebration. Thank you NAtionwide, fellow teachers at PS48 and parents for all of your support!
Leila Faour
Montessori School 27
18 Aug 2009, 07:17
Montessori School 27
18 Aug 2009, 07:17
The children enjoyed this wonderful experience. When we had the book
projects back we had a huge publishing party where we invited the mayor and
the superintendent of the city to celebrate with us.
Donna Webber
Early education center
14 Jul 2009, 14:18
Early education center
14 Jul 2009, 14:18
I am a retired teacher who had students write books using Nationwide and
the students loved it as well as the teachers and parents. We always did it
early in the year and then had a special "tea" for the parents in the
spring where each child read their page from the book. What a wonderful
experience for the children!
Lisa Smith
Robinson Elementary
10 Jul 2009, 03:57
Robinson Elementary
10 Jul 2009, 03:57
Since our books were published towards the end of the school year, we
didn't receive them until after the students left for summer break. We
will have an "unveiling" assembly at the beginning of the upcoming school
year. Students will be given a block of time to share their books with
other students and staff members in the building. Some teachers are also
planning to have an "Author Week" to spotlight student authors by inviting
their parents to visit while their child shares his/her book to the class.
Katrina Calvin
Alta Brown Elementary
26 Jun 2009, 09:04
Alta Brown Elementary
26 Jun 2009, 09:04
It is a great way to teach the 5 step writing process to the students. I
do these at the beginning of the year to teach it and students own the
knowledge and practice it all year long.
Millicent Garcia
St. Cecilia's Grade School
26 Jun 2009, 09:03
St. Cecilia's Grade School
26 Jun 2009, 09:03
When the books arrived--in over 20 years of teaching, I have never seen
students this excited about anything! One 6th grader said, in hushed
tones, "I'm going to remember this day for the rest of my life!"
Ms. Linda Kirk
East Fort Worth Montessori Academy
25 Jun 2009, 13:07
East Fort Worth Montessori Academy
25 Jun 2009, 13:07
This was my class first year publishing books. They did an awesome job!
Thank you so musch for given them the opportunity to do so.
Thanks,
Ms. Kirk's Second grade class
Thanks,
Ms. Kirk's Second grade class
Pamela Lane
Wilder Elementary
07 Jun 2009, 14:27
Wilder Elementary
07 Jun 2009, 14:27
This is a wonderful opportunity for students to display their creativity
and enthusiasm for writing. Even the students who do not like writing got
excited about writing their first book!
Sheri Heimerdinger
Mark Twain Elementary
18 May 2009, 09:17
Mark Twain Elementary
18 May 2009, 09:17
Squeals of laughter and pride erupted from every student when the books
came in! The ownership of their work really hit home when they had the
classmade book with their personal piece inside.
Maureen
Christian Faith & Fellowship
11 May 2009, 10:16
Christian Faith & Fellowship
11 May 2009, 10:16
I am an Admin. Asst. in the school's main office, as well as a parent of
three elementary children and I can say that the Student Treasure Books are
a big hit! The materials are easy to order, use & ship back to Nationwide
Learning. Their staff is very helpful. The finished books arrived on time
and look great. As a mom, I love having a keepsake from my children and it
makes them feel proud to be an author.
Ashley Evans
Chester Taylor Elementary
10 May 2009, 22:54
Chester Taylor Elementary
10 May 2009, 22:54
I love this project! Can't wait to do it again next year, I have so many
more ideas.
I do have a question though--can we use real photos of our class for the cover?
I do have a question though--can we use real photos of our class for the cover?
Chasity
Prichard Elementary
20 Apr 2009, 08:35
Prichard Elementary
20 Apr 2009, 08:35
I think these book's are great for the kid's to make and learn how to make
a book, not only for that but I love them for keepsakes as my boy's grow
and I can look back at them and remember little thing's that my boy' have
written, I love them thank's for starting this!
Lynn Bland
J. J. Izard Elementary School
17 Apr 2009, 17:13
J. J. Izard Elementary School
17 Apr 2009, 17:13
Get everyone who works at school involved in this project. It is a team
effort to prepare young writers for publishing. Each teacher needs at least
one person who can help edit or just sit with a child while he/she is
working on the final copy. This year, the art teacher helped the students
with their illustrations in art class.
Amy Allen
St. Mary's Catholic
31 Mar 2009, 12:16
St. Mary's Catholic
31 Mar 2009, 12:16
Use local college students to help with editing. It spreads community
awrencess and a fun experience for all.
Robyn Futa
Harrison Primary Center
30 Mar 2009, 08:37
Harrison Primary Center
30 Mar 2009, 08:37
We created our books at the end of a unit on the elements of non-fiction
text. Many of the students demonstrated a deep understanding of what we
had learned by including the elments in their own non-fiction book about
animals. It was great to see them apply what they had learned.
Jennifer Roberts
West Gate Elementary
14 Mar 2009, 21:51
West Gate Elementary
14 Mar 2009, 21:51
Our students put a collection of their favorite writings from the year. I
schedule computer lab time for students to type their stories throughout
the year so it's not so hectic at press time.
Jessica
Lakewood Elementary
11 Mar 2009, 00:20
Lakewood Elementary
11 Mar 2009, 00:20
This book pogram is getting me ready to be an author when i grow up
Dot Brown
East Beauregard Elementary
10 Mar 2009, 14:33
East Beauregard Elementary
10 Mar 2009, 14:33
The book my class created last year is one of my most prized possessions!
I helped my class create a book from emails we exchanged with a soldeir
friend serving in Baghdad who was also the father of one of our classmates.
Our special pal is home from Iraq. My students are now in other classes,
but we all have a wonderful book of memories!
Sara Carter
Jefferson
02 Mar 2009, 17:49
Jefferson
02 Mar 2009, 17:49
my class took a picture out of a book and then had my class looka t it and
write about what the story was about!
Cheri Peine
Garnett Elementary
05 Feb 2009, 15:41
Garnett Elementary
05 Feb 2009, 15:41
For added fun, present your own "Newbery Award" for the best story and
"Caldecott Award" for the best illustrated book.
Eve Nettles
Sedgefield International Elementary School
04 Feb 2009, 16:41
Sedgefield International Elementary School
04 Feb 2009, 16:41
Plan a surprise "unveiling of the students' books" at an assembly. It
works best for us to plan this assembly just before a holiday or break.
Kandy Gilstrap
Rock Spring Elementary
04 Feb 2009, 16:16
Rock Spring Elementary
04 Feb 2009, 16:16
I created a form so I could keep up with who paid to get an additional
book, their book title, and where they are in the publishing process.
Vikki Sickels
St. Lawrence Catholic School
04 Feb 2009, 16:10
St. Lawrence Catholic School
04 Feb 2009, 16:10
We made a "Wonderful World of Writing" book to start our rough draft which
included a brainstorm page, web idea page, and story board page. It seemed
to help the students organize their ideas.
alison lara
herbert green
02 Feb 2009, 19:28
herbert green
02 Feb 2009, 19:28
my daughter made a book and we are wondering how we get a copy of it?
Thanks
Thanks
Kimberly Palliser
Arrowpoint Elementary School
29 Jan 2009, 12:20
Arrowpoint Elementary School
29 Jan 2009, 12:20
For classbooks, have an outline or planner sheet listing page numbers and
students responsible for each page. This will make it less confusing when
you are completing the final copy and students are creating their
illustrations on the back of other students' writing.
Jayme Las
Shorewood Elementary School
22 Jan 2009, 09:20
Shorewood Elementary School
22 Jan 2009, 09:20
Do not use thicker marker when writing the final copy as it runs. Let the
students choose their own topics as it motivates them to do the research.
Show an example copy at Open house so the parents are aware of what the
final products will look like.
Shannon Mann
A.D. Owens Elementary School
22 Jan 2009, 09:19
A.D. Owens Elementary School
22 Jan 2009, 09:19
Make sure to incorporate the books into the core content areas as much as
possible. I have had classes publish books as a cumulative ending to units
on the American Revolution, Poetry, Weather, American History, and so on.
Also, incorporate the books into the on-going writing workshop. I have had
lots of teachers look at them as an "added chore" until they realized that
it is much easier to let the kids publish when they are ready.
Nikki Warchol
Madison Park Elementary
21 Jan 2009, 16:25
Madison Park Elementary
21 Jan 2009, 16:25
I have had my students write books that tie into a couple of my classroom
units. We have done Lincoln and Butterflies so far. I have also done a
Thanksgiving book and a book with letters to Santa. The kids LOVE reading
the books and it makes them feel great to be a published author.
Constance Karrs
Richland Elementary School
21 Jan 2009, 16:17
Richland Elementary School
21 Jan 2009, 16:17
We do a family recipe book in the fall and a poem book in the spring. The
recipes are usually ethnic and include lots of different cultures. They
make great winter holiday gifts. The spring poem book includes poems about
various units we have covered throughout the school year. It makes a nice
remembrance of third grade.
Jody Grove
Rostraver Elementary School
20 Jan 2009, 16:45
Rostraver Elementary School
20 Jan 2009, 16:45
I like to have parents or former students come into the classroom during
the revising process to help the students. Many times they are able to
inspire my students to think creatively!
Lisa Richard
Pioneer School
20 Jan 2009, 16:36
Pioneer School
20 Jan 2009, 16:36
As a way to promote family involvement, we invited parents in for a
"Decorate The Cover" party. The kids were so excited and it allowed the
school to home connection piece that is so important. All materials were
provided and pictures of students with their family members were taken for
inclusion in our school yearbook.
Barbara Purcell
Valdese Elementary School
16 Jan 2009, 15:54
Valdese Elementary School
16 Jan 2009, 15:54
Save any writing papers that students do during the year. As time draws
near for them to work on their books, they can find a story to revise and
edit. This also gives you extra time to schedule your computer lab if
students are going to type their stories.
Sherrie DuPree
Washington Elementary School
16 Jan 2009, 15:51
Washington Elementary School
16 Jan 2009, 15:51
Take your time and the students will treasure the book. Draw with pencil
before you color and outline in black.
Ebony Wesley
Cornerstone Schools-Grove
14 Jan 2009, 11:51
Cornerstone Schools-Grove
14 Jan 2009, 11:51
Make copies of the writing paper for practice. This way the students are
more familiar with the format.
Susan Hannan
Cooke Elementary School
13 Jan 2009, 16:32
Cooke Elementary School
13 Jan 2009, 16:32
Have teachers make a book about themselves to introduce themselves to new
students at the beginning of the school year and/or when they get a new
student.
Susan Proctor
McBrien Elementary School
13 Jan 2009, 12:51
McBrien Elementary School
13 Jan 2009, 12:51
If teachers choose to have their students hand write their stories, I let
them borrow pens with erasers on them. I also keep permanent markers
together and allow them to "travel" to different classrooms for student
use. Lastly, if students have problems writing their ideas down, I have
them sit with me at a computer and I type while they talk.
Sondra Kearney
Pleasant View Magnet School
13 Jan 2009, 12:34
Pleasant View Magnet School
13 Jan 2009, 12:34
We have the Art Teacher involved for the illustrations.
Amy Holderman
Roy Lee Walker Elementary
09 Jan 2009, 14:29
Roy Lee Walker Elementary
09 Jan 2009, 14:29
This is a team project where we involve parents, students, and teachers in
the entire process. Then when the published books arrive, we incorporate
the books into our Open House in the spring and have an Author's Tea for
all of our students to celebrate the success of being a published author!
Jane Elfreth
Atlantic Ave. School
09 Jan 2009, 14:28
Atlantic Ave. School
09 Jan 2009, 14:28
Get to work on the books IMMEDIATELY! Have parents in to help.
Dorothy Harmon
Roan Creek Elementary School
07 Jan 2009, 12:33
Roan Creek Elementary School
07 Jan 2009, 12:33
I think it is important to throw out to the students as many topics as
possible since it helps them settle on an idea.
Cyndee Crawford
Ware Shoals Primary School
07 Jan 2009, 11:56
Ware Shoals Primary School
07 Jan 2009, 11:56
I have my students make their books differently. I like having them make
their picture and writing seen at the same time. For instance the picture
for the writing on page one is on the back of the dedication page.
Terri Lowery
Union Elementary
07 Jan 2009, 11:24
Union Elementary
07 Jan 2009, 11:24
For "professional" looking books, enlist the help of parents to type them.
To make sure the correct page gets illustrated, after typing the text I use
sticky notes with the student's name and attach the note to the correct
page.
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