Interview with Fourth Grade Teacher and Picture Book Author, Rob Sanders
Welcome back to Chalk + Ink: the podcast for teachers who write and writers who teach. Meet fourth grade teacher and picture book author, Rob Sanders. Rob is the author of funny and fierce fiction and nonfiction picture books for kids that ensure LGBTQ+ students and students who have LGBTQ+ family members see themselves and their families reflected in literature. Rob's dedication to and passion for both of his careers are an inspiration.
In this episode, Rob talks about how he stopped giving away his time to prioritize writing, how breakthrough moments happen every day in writing and teaching if we look for them and how his students inspired him to pursue his dream of becoming a picture book author. Rob's website is a treasure trove of resources for writing. For two years, Rob blogged about writing every day on his blog Picture This!. Rob created an incredible directory so that people can find the perfect post to help them improve their craft. Of course since Rob "is a writer who teaches and a teacher who writes," (as Rob said there are no original ideas when I assured him I had no idea about this line in his bio when I created Chalk + Ink) he also has incredible resources for teachers. I've found that many teachers are terrified of teaching writing, but Rob's First Ten Days of Writing: Grades 2-5 will help any upper elementary teacher get started. Rob thinks all elementary classrooms should have the following books: 1) Gay and Lesbian History for Kids: The Century Long Struggle for Gay and Lesbian Rights by Jerome Pohlen. Rob talks about how as a kid he didn't know the history of the LGBTQ+ community and this resource gives students the opportuity to learn about LGBTQ+ history. Plus, this book has inspired at least five of Rob's own books. 2) Before She Was Harriet by Lesa Cline-Ransome and James Ransome. This beautiful biography written in verse is in reverse chronology. It starts out with old Harriet Tubman and goes back in time to when she was young, enslaved, Araminta. This was one of Rob's favorite biographies to share with his students. 3) Voice of Freedom: Fannie Lou Hamer: Spirit of the Civil Rights Movement by Carole Boston Weatherford This book is a collection of poems which Rob feels is a great way to introduce students to someone new. 4) The Iridescence of Birds: A Book About Henri Matisse by Patricia McLaughlin which is one of my favorite books and not just because her grandkids attended my elementary school. Rob points out that this book is outstanding because it's written in second person which is rare for a biography and also the whole book is one sentence. The language is stunning and as Rob says the book does unexpected things. 5) Martin and Anne: The Kindred Spirits of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Anne Frank by Nancy Churnin. It's a parallel biography where there are two stories going on at once. Obviously, these two people never met but they were born the same year and both of their lives ended tragically, albeit at very different points in their lives. I can't wait to enrich my classroom library with these books! Happy listening!
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Interview with Preschool Librarian and Picture Book Author, Sheri Dillard
Welcome back to Chalk + Ink: the podcast for teachers who write and writers who teach. Meet preschool librarian and picture book author, Sheri Dillard. Sheri is the author of Cowhide-and-Seek. Her humor and flexibility are an inspiration.
In this episode, Sheri talks about how she uses imaginary read alouds to revise her manuscripts, the importance of putting books face out so that they're accessible for preschoolers and the necessity of believing in yourself to make your dream of becoming a published writer come true. If you're a preschool teacher and you're looking for a way to incorporate an end-of-the-day read aloud into your routine, Sheri recommends using a read aloud song just like you would use a clean up or a snack song. For writing, Sheri explains she had a breakthrough moment when she started paying attention to the positive feedback she received during critiques instead of the negative feedback. So, instead of trying to fix what wasn't working, she zeroed in on expanding what was working. This is a fantastic tip that I'm currently using as I craft my middle grade nonfiction manuscript. Sheri thinks all preschool classrooms should have a copy of Everybody Says Meow by Constance Lombardo. This book is so funny that when Sheri reads this book to her preschoolers she literally has to wait till the children's laughter dies down before she can read the next page. To encourage social emotional learning, Sheri recommends that all preschools have a copy of The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld. The book leads to wonderful discussions about how you can be helpful when a friend is sad and helps readers recognize different emotions. Happy listening! Interview with Third Grade Teacher and Novelist,
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Interview with Instructional Coach and Children's Book Author, Valerie Bolling
Welcome back to Chalk and Ink: the podcast for teachers who write and writers who teach. Meet instructional coach and children's book author, Valerie Bolling. Valerie is the author of the picture book Let's Dance. Valerie's passion for diversity, inclusion and equity permeates our entire conversation.
In this episode, Valerie talks about the power of weekly critique groups, how being open to feedback will lead to breakthrough moment after breakthrough moment and how we as educators must be willing to look at our own implicit biases and discuss racism with our students.
Children are at the forefront of anything Valerie does as an educator and as a writer. She explains that we encourage students to be the best students they can be by knowing who they are. The same idea shines in her writing. As she creates, she's thinking about how she's going to word something to engage children and keep them interested.
Rather than specific books, Valerie believes all middle school classrooms should have books by the following authorsJacqueline Woodson, Renee Watson, Jason Reynolds, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Samira Ahmed, Elizabeth Acevedo and Angie Thomas.
This year The Project Lit Book Club chapter at my school, which we call The Windows and Mirrors Book Club, read Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson. Some Places More Than Others is exquisite and it's highly accessible for upper elementary readers.
This month our club is discussing Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Yesterday, one of my students, who is also in the book club, excitedly told me that Black Brother, Black Brother is amazing and that even though her brother is two years older and not in book club, he read it, too. This comment made my day because I've never seen this particular student so excited about a book before, and I wouldn't have thought Black Brother, Black Brother would appeal to her so much. It just goes to show how important it is that we get as many different kinds of books into our readers hands as we can because it increases the possibility of igniting their passion for reading.
Happy listening!
In this episode, Valerie talks about the power of weekly critique groups, how being open to feedback will lead to breakthrough moment after breakthrough moment and how we as educators must be willing to look at our own implicit biases and discuss racism with our students.
Children are at the forefront of anything Valerie does as an educator and as a writer. She explains that we encourage students to be the best students they can be by knowing who they are. The same idea shines in her writing. As she creates, she's thinking about how she's going to word something to engage children and keep them interested.
Rather than specific books, Valerie believes all middle school classrooms should have books by the following authorsJacqueline Woodson, Renee Watson, Jason Reynolds, Jewell Parker Rhodes, Samira Ahmed, Elizabeth Acevedo and Angie Thomas.
This year The Project Lit Book Club chapter at my school, which we call The Windows and Mirrors Book Club, read Some Places More Than Others by Renee Watson. Some Places More Than Others is exquisite and it's highly accessible for upper elementary readers.
This month our club is discussing Black Brother, Black Brother by Jewell Parker Rhodes. Yesterday, one of my students, who is also in the book club, excitedly told me that Black Brother, Black Brother is amazing and that even though her brother is two years older and not in book club, he read it, too. This comment made my day because I've never seen this particular student so excited about a book before, and I wouldn't have thought Black Brother, Black Brother would appeal to her so much. It just goes to show how important it is that we get as many different kinds of books into our readers hands as we can because it increases the possibility of igniting their passion for reading.
Happy listening!
Interview with K-12 Librarian and Children's Book Author, Jolene Gutierrez
Welcome back to Chalk and Ink: the podcast for teachers who write and writers who teach. Meet K-12 librarian and children's book author, Jolene Gutierrez. Jolene is the author of Bionic Beasts: Saving Animal Lives with Artificial Flippers, Legs and Beaks and Mac and Cheese and the Personal Space Invader. I learned a ton chatting with her.
In this episode, Jolene talks about the necessity of sensitivity readers, the importance of pursuing one's goals today and the art of putting the perfect book in each reader's hands.
When we talked about Mac and Cheese and the Personal Space Invader, I mentioned how excited I was that Elana K. Arnold had written a blurb praising Jolene's book. This led to both of us gushing about how Elana K. Arnold is a versatile and talented author. She's generous, too. One time Elana K. Arnold did a Skype visit with my classroom after we finished reading her novelFar From Fair. When the school year ended, one of my students told me she never liked reading until she had the opportunity to interact with Elana.
Jolene thinks picture books are one of teaching's most powerful tools no matter the age of the students. She uses picture books when she pushes into all of her classrooms K-12. Jolene recommends that every school library have Stonewall by Rob Sanders because it's beautiful, brilliant, important and powerful. In addition, every library should have a copy of Beth Anderson's Lizzie Demands a Seat: Elizabeth Jennings Fights for Streetcar Rights. It tells the story of an African American schoolteacher who fought back when she was denied entry to a streetcar. This event happened 100 years before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus. One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul is a beautiful biography. For an important layered text, everyone should have a copy She Leads by June Smalls.
Happy Listening!
In this episode, Jolene talks about the necessity of sensitivity readers, the importance of pursuing one's goals today and the art of putting the perfect book in each reader's hands.
When we talked about Mac and Cheese and the Personal Space Invader, I mentioned how excited I was that Elana K. Arnold had written a blurb praising Jolene's book. This led to both of us gushing about how Elana K. Arnold is a versatile and talented author. She's generous, too. One time Elana K. Arnold did a Skype visit with my classroom after we finished reading her novelFar From Fair. When the school year ended, one of my students told me she never liked reading until she had the opportunity to interact with Elana.
Jolene thinks picture books are one of teaching's most powerful tools no matter the age of the students. She uses picture books when she pushes into all of her classrooms K-12. Jolene recommends that every school library have Stonewall by Rob Sanders because it's beautiful, brilliant, important and powerful. In addition, every library should have a copy of Beth Anderson's Lizzie Demands a Seat: Elizabeth Jennings Fights for Streetcar Rights. It tells the story of an African American schoolteacher who fought back when she was denied entry to a streetcar. This event happened 100 years before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a bus. One Plastic Bag by Miranda Paul is a beautiful biography. For an important layered text, everyone should have a copy She Leads by June Smalls.
Happy Listening!
Interview with Elementary Librarian, Author and Marathon Runner, Lisa Rogers
Welcome back to Chalk and Ink: the podcast for teachers who write and writers who teach. Meet elementary librarian, author and marathon runner, Lisa Rogers. Lisa is the author of the award-winning 16 Words: William Carlos Williams & "The Red Wheelbarrow" and Hound Won't Go. I had such a fun time chatting with her.
In this episode, Lisa talks about the power of reading books aloud, how to pick apart beloved books and apply that knowledge to your own writing and inspiring classroom activities such as debating whether or not banned and challenged books should be included in school libraries.
At the end of the podcast, Lisa and I gush about Christina Soontornvat's A Wish in the Dark. For me, it's always such a rush when I find someone who loves a title as much as I do.
Lisa likes books that create wonder, inspiration and connection. She recommends that every school library should have Black Is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy because it seems simple but it's layered which makes it complex. The book is a celebration of black culture and history. Saturday by Oge Mora is another title everyone should have because it shows how to turn disappointment into something positive and there's a twist in the end. Another title Lisa recommends is Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice by Mahogany L. Browne with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood. It's a beautiful, poetic book about activism, affirmation and believing in one's self. Finally, Lisa recommends All Thirteen: The Incredible Rescue of the Thai Boys Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat. It's about the cave rescue of thirteen boys in Thailand. It's fascinating and would make an excellent read aloud for grades five and up.
Happy listening!
In this episode, Lisa talks about the power of reading books aloud, how to pick apart beloved books and apply that knowledge to your own writing and inspiring classroom activities such as debating whether or not banned and challenged books should be included in school libraries.
At the end of the podcast, Lisa and I gush about Christina Soontornvat's A Wish in the Dark. For me, it's always such a rush when I find someone who loves a title as much as I do.
Lisa likes books that create wonder, inspiration and connection. She recommends that every school library should have Black Is a Rainbow Color by Angela Joy because it seems simple but it's layered which makes it complex. The book is a celebration of black culture and history. Saturday by Oge Mora is another title everyone should have because it shows how to turn disappointment into something positive and there's a twist in the end. Another title Lisa recommends is Woke: A Young Poet's Call to Justice by Mahogany L. Browne with Elizabeth Acevedo and Olivia Gatwood. It's a beautiful, poetic book about activism, affirmation and believing in one's self. Finally, Lisa recommends All Thirteen: The Incredible Rescue of the Thai Boys Soccer Team by Christina Soontornvat. It's about the cave rescue of thirteen boys in Thailand. It's fascinating and would make an excellent read aloud for grades five and up.
Happy listening!
Interview with Author, Blogger and Teacher Educator,
Melissa Stewart
Welcome back to Chalk and Ink: the podcast for teachers who write and writers who teach. Meet author, blogger and teacher educator, Melissa Stewart. Melissa is the award-winning author of over 180 science books for children and she helped create the books below for educators:
Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep: 50 Award-winning Authors Share the Secret of Engaging Writing edited by Melissa Stewart.
5 Kinds of Nonfiction: Enriching Reading and Writing Instruction with Children's Books by Melissa Stewart and Marlene Correia
Perfect Pairs: Using Fiction & Nonfiction Picture Books to Teach Life Science, K-2 by Melissa Stewart andNancy Chesley
Perfect Pairs: Using Fiction & Nonfiction Picture Books to Teach Life Science, 3-5 by Melissa Stewart and Nancy Chesley
In this episode, Melissa talks about how idea incubators will help students always have a topic to write about, how telling the truth connects you to your audience and how a large part of her heart is at the center of one of her most popular books Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes and Stinkers.
We both talked about the amazing educator resources she has on her website such as the No Monkeys, No Chocolate timeline and the Can An Aardvark Bark? timeline.
Melissa thinks every elementary school classroom should have the book Being Frog by April Pulley Sayre because the book gives readers the opportunity to experience the world from various green frogs' points of view. She also thinks every elementary school classroom should have Giant Squid by Candace Fleming and Eric Rohmann. Melissa talks about how in that book, artist Eric Rohmann created the art before the author Candace Fleming wrote the words.
Happy listening!
Interview with Elementary School Teacher and Children's Book Author, Katrina Moore
Welcome back for the fifth episode of Chalk and Ink, the podcast for teachers who write and writers who teach. Meet elementary teacher and children's book author, Katrina Moore. Katrina is the author of One Hug and Grandpa Grumps as well as forthcoming titles Teeny Houdini and Sometimes Love. Personally, I can't wait to read Sometimes Love. Have your tissues nearby!
In this episode, Katrina gives numerous tips on how to become a better teacher and writer. For teaching, she talks about how having her students do frequent ten-minute quick writes has revolutionized her writing instruction. For writing, she gives strategies for streamlining writing pieces and reveals that at this point in her writing career she doesn't start a new manuscript until she's mined the idea for its heart. She credits Rutgers One-on-One Plus Conference for taking her writing to the next level.
According to Katrina, every elementary school classroom should have We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom because it's a powerful, spiritual, perfect book. It's from the point of view of a little girl who is a water protector and she explains about how water is important to her culture and community. So many connections can be made about different cultures and the book is relatable because we all need and know water. Katrina also plans on using the book as a writing mentor text. Finally, Katrina stated, "Very few books really move me and stay with me for awhile and this is one of those books."
Happy listening!
In this episode, Katrina gives numerous tips on how to become a better teacher and writer. For teaching, she talks about how having her students do frequent ten-minute quick writes has revolutionized her writing instruction. For writing, she gives strategies for streamlining writing pieces and reveals that at this point in her writing career she doesn't start a new manuscript until she's mined the idea for its heart. She credits Rutgers One-on-One Plus Conference for taking her writing to the next level.
According to Katrina, every elementary school classroom should have We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom because it's a powerful, spiritual, perfect book. It's from the point of view of a little girl who is a water protector and she explains about how water is important to her culture and community. So many connections can be made about different cultures and the book is relatable because we all need and know water. Katrina also plans on using the book as a writing mentor text. Finally, Katrina stated, "Very few books really move me and stay with me for awhile and this is one of those books."
Happy listening!
Interview with Elementary Media Specialist, STEM Teacher and Children's Book Author, Cathy Breisacher
Welcome back for the fourth episode of Chalk and Ink, the podcast for teachers who write and writers who teach. Meet elementary media specialist, STEM teacher and children's book author, Cathy Breisacher. Cathy is the author of Cavekid Birthday as well as Chip and Curly.
In this episode, Cathy talks about starting online critque groups for students, cataloging her students books in her library and the opportunities for educators to have life-altering interactions with students.
During our chat we talk about Tara Lazar's STORYSTORM post that features Cathy. Also, be sure to check out Critter Lit's interview that features Cathy.
According to Cathy, every elementary classroom should have the following books:
Social Emotional Learning Books to Increase Empathy:
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
The Invisible Boy by Turdy Ludwig
Humorous Books:
Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds
Creepy Pair of Underwear by Aaron Reynolds*
*Cathy highly recommends Aaron Reynolds author visits.
Problem Solving Books:
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty
Happy listening!
In this episode, Cathy talks about starting online critque groups for students, cataloging her students books in her library and the opportunities for educators to have life-altering interactions with students.
During our chat we talk about Tara Lazar's STORYSTORM post that features Cathy. Also, be sure to check out Critter Lit's interview that features Cathy.
According to Cathy, every elementary classroom should have the following books:
Social Emotional Learning Books to Increase Empathy:
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
Each Kindness by Jacqueline Woodson
The Invisible Boy by Turdy Ludwig
Humorous Books:
Creepy Carrots by Aaron Reynolds
Creepy Pair of Underwear by Aaron Reynolds*
*Cathy highly recommends Aaron Reynolds author visits.
Problem Solving Books:
Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty
Iggy Peck, Architect by Andrea Beaty
Happy listening!