chapter book Archives - Page 77 of 83

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!

Art For All Seasons: 40 Creative Mixed Media Adventures for Children Inspired by Nature and Contemporary Artists
by Susan Schwake (Author) and Rainer Schwake (Photographer)

Booktalk: The BIG Picture

A well-thought-out handbook of nature-inspired art adventures that can be explored over and over with different results each time. Perfect for parents, teachers, grandparents or anyone working with children making art! The nature-based lessons are beautifully illustrated with more than 400 full-color photographs of the process and additional inspirational images of contemporary artists’ work. Included is information on how to set up a simple home studio, a comprehensive list of materials, how to display and save kid’s art work and ideas surrounding making art with others.

#kidlit Writing Lesson: the small details

The GET READY! section introduces the Rainbow Shapes lesson on page 24:

Sitting at a window watching Spring rain fall in droplets in a fascinating way to pass the time. Each drop is formed in the air and when it hits the ground, the shape changes completely. You can capture this experience with a watercolor brush and watercolor paints on paper to “save for a sunny day.”

Nature’s inspiration is mentioned first:

Sitting at a window watching Spring rain fall in droplets in a fascinating way to pass the time.

Then the science is explained:

Each drop is formed in the air and when it hits the ground, the shape changes completely.

The paragraph ends with the art adventure:

You can capture this experience with a watercolor brush and watercolor paints on paper to “save for a sunny day.”

The promise made in the book title, Art For All Seasons, is clearly conveyed in the text.

It’s Nonfiction Monday!