Category: Uncategorized
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Extra Fun for Snarf Attack
Hey Fans, Done reading? Bored? Here are some Riot Bro Ideas. Do it yourself: If you were going to give a lesson on how to be annoying, what would you teach? What chore do you hate to do? Invent a machine to help you do it. Draw a sketch or make a model of your…
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We are Singing
Here is a quickie demo of my new song to hear all the parts. I’ve had requests from my friends who sing in groups and choruses to provide sheet music for melody and harmonies for my song. Here are links to find sheet music you can print out. Melody sheet music High harmony sheet music…
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Play Writing at Woodrow Wilson HS
I enjoyed teaching a two-hour session on play writing to kick off the Play in a Day Festival at Woodrow Wilson High School in DC. Students divided into teams, signing up for writing, acting, or directing.
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ILA 2016
I am looking forward to seeing fellow educators, authors, and lit lovers at the 2016 International Literacy Association Conference. I will be on an engaging panel moderated by kidlit rock star Judy Freeman with authors Erica Perl and Tom Greenwald to show and tell how we use theater techniques in our middle grade fiction. Entertainment…
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Voice in Poetry at Burning Tree
Writing a poem from the point of view of someone—or something—can be a thrilling way to experiment with and learn about voice. In a three-day residency at Burning Tree Elementary School in Bethesda, I watched fourth-grade poets turn into dogs, alligators, snakes, unicorns, and more. Thanks to the students for their eager participation and…
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STE(A)M Songwriting Workshops
Are you a teacher or librarian who is also interested in STEM/STE(A)M education? I teach STEM and STE(A)M songwriting workshops and residencies. What happens in a STE(A)M Song Workshop/Residency? In my workshops, participants learn how to come up with an idea, gather research, write, revise, and record a song based on a STEM-related concept. Participants…
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My Iowa Adventure
Encouraging of Culture of Readers Librarians, Teachers, and Administrators at the five elementary schools in the Pleasant Valley (IA) Community School District really know how to get kids excited about reading. I spent one full day at each elementary school, and a love of life-long learning was evident in every nook and cranny. What great…
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My Ravenous Readers
If you think kids aren’t reading anymore, think again. Twitter has been on fire with fans of my books, thanks to creative media specialists and teachers who are in high gear for my upcoming visits. The pictures will automatically get you into a good mood. "Mrs. Rokusek! This book has ahold of me and it…
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Farmdale ES (PA) and Aaron’s Books
I loved meeting all the students and staff at Farmdale Elementary School (PA). They’re so lucky to have media specialist Cathy Koenig, a gem of a pro who brings such passion to her work. My biggest thrill was seeing a whole wall full of “What am I?” poems inspired by my book written by Mr.…
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STEM and STE(A)M in Amato Novels and Chapter Books
Many of my novels and chapter books for young adults and children have science-related themes or subplots. I love an interdisciplinary approach to learning–and to life. My STEM and STE(A)M related fiction: Edgar Allan’s Official Crime Investigation Notebook (forensics, chemistry, poetry) Ages 7-11 Invisible Lines (mycology, biology, naturalist’s notebook, sketchbooks, visual arts) Ages 10-14 Guitar…