April 2016 - Page 2 of 10 - Anastasia Suen

Finding the Rhyme in a Poem (Write Me a Poem)
by Valerie Bodden (Author)

An elementary exploration of rhyme and rhythm in poetry, introducing syllables, rhyme schemes, and sonnets as well as poets such as Elizabeth Barrett Browning. Includes a writing exercise.

#kidlit Writing Lesson: the small details

The second spread in the Beat and Rhythm chapter says:

POEMS are a lot like music. When you read a poem, you can hear its rhythm (RIH-thum). In music, instruments or voices make the rhythm and keep the beat. But in poetry, rhythm is made by the words.

The paragraph begins with a comparison:

POEMS are a lot like music.

Then the new term is introduced. A phonetic spelling is included:

When you read a poem, you can hear its rhythm (RIH-thum).

The comparison is expanded:

In music, instruments or voices make the rhythm and keep the beat.

The paragraph ends with more information about the new idea:

But in poetry, rhythm is made by the words.

The simplest way to explain something new is to compare it to something that the readers already know.

It’s Nonfiction Monday!

Wetland Food Chains
by Rebecca Pettiford (Author)

Booktalk: The BIG Picture

For Earth Day today, explore the wetland biome and the food chains it supports in this beginning reader with short chapters.

#kidlit Writing Lesson: the small details

In chapter one, wetlands are introduced:

Some wetlands are big. They can cover millions of acres. Others are small. And wetlands are not always wet. Some wetlands can be dry in the summer.

First the size is explained:

Some wetlands are big. They can cover millions of acres. Others are small.

Then an unusual fact is introduced:

And wetlands are not always wet. Some wetlands can be dry in the summer.

The facts about this biome appear to be opposites, so they are explained together in short simple sentences for beginning readers.

It’s STEM Friday! (STEM is Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics)