Tag: Mary Amato
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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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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 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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STEM Songwriting Project at Holton
I met with each of the three fifth grades at Holton-Arms School for an interdisciplinary songwriting residency. The concept was for each class to write a collaborative song based on something they had studied in science; to learn how to collaborate in creating a melody for the song; to rehearse and record the song. My…
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Good Deeds Double Giveaway
Billy and Jillian want to do good deeds. What’s the problem? Their parents are crooks and want the twins to follow in their footsteps! The twins have to do their good deeds in secret and thwart their parents’ crimes. Book three of this chapter-book series is hot off the press. To celebrate, I’m hosting a…
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Spring Small-Group Workshops
If you live near MD/DC/VA and are interested in taking a small group workshop, please see my Spring Schedule for small-group sessions. Most of my classes this term are for adults, and I do have one songwriting class for kids.
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Red Rock Elementary School Readers and Writers Rock!
After Skyping with Red Rock Elementary School (MN), I received the most amazing packet of thank you cards. Students wrote cards, drew pictures, and and also made lists of things that they enjoy in the hopes of inspiring me to write more books. Writing is hard work, but messages of encouragement and support from young…
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Get Happy Luna Ukulele Giveaway
To celebrate the release of Get Happy, my novel about a uke-loving songwriter, Luna is giving away a free Pearl ukulele. No purchase necessary to enter.
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What’s Wrong with Silly Books?
My article on “The Sin of Silliness” appeared in E.Kristin Anderson’s blog. You can also download it here.