Category: What’s New
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Rock Creek Valley Residency
Thanks to the PTA, staff, and students of Rock Creek Valley for bringing me in for a residency in fiction writing. Every student wrote and revised a story. We focused on details, dialogue, and drama. Listen to Josie’s story to hear one great example of the work. The recording was a group effort using an…
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Writing Workshops for Adults
Wednesdays (January 11, 18, 25, Feb 1) Noon to 1 pm Robert Harper Books 6216 Rhode Island Avenue, Riverdale Park, MD 20737 Each workshop will involve: Brief lecture-discussion on a different theme An in-class writing exercise The themes will be applicable to fiction, poetry, creative non-fiction, play writing, and songwriting. January 11: Concrete Writing: Exploring…
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Book Club for Kids Radio Show about Our Teacher is a Vampire
Kids are the most fun book reviewers and have great voices for radio. I had a blast appearing on the Book Club for Kids radio show. The students had prepared by reading my book Our Teacher is a Vampire and Other (Not) True Stories. They chatted about the book and then asked me questions. Enjoy…
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Private Lessons
Small group classes are available for adults, for kids, and for teens. Join me to explore: Writing (Fiction, Poetry, Plays, Essays) Songwriting Performance Ukulele Beginning Guitar Kids, teens, and adults. In person or via Skype. I love to tailor experiences to help you reach your goal whether it’s to craft a poem, sing at an…
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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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New Book and Resources
Teachers and librarians, see my special packet showing the step-by-step writing and publishing process. In this free download, students will be able to see real examples of brainstorming, drafts, research, revising, and more. Teaching guide with Common Core standards is also available. Our Teacher is a Vampire And Other (Not) True Stories is the collaborative writing journal…
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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…