Teacher's Guide for APPLESEEDS Becoming a Writer. January 2001

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1 Teacher's Guide for APPLESEEDS Becoming a Writer January 2001 This guide was prepared by Nancy I. Colamussi, Elementary Education, B.S., M.A. Rocky Point School District, Long Island, New York. Teacher's Note: This guide contains short answer, extended response, true / false questions, and various activities. The variation is designed to have the children think critically, as well as to test their comprehension. An answer key can be found at the end of the guide. Sequencing Activity From Brainstorm to Bookstore Read the cartoon on pages 2-5 and use the numbers 1-10 to put the bookmaking process statements in the correct order. 1. The book is at the bookstore or library, ready for reading. 2. The art director chooses the best sketches for the book. 3. A writer has an idea for a new book. 4. Machines work to print and bind the book. 5. The editor and writer sign a contract. 6. The writer researches a new idea. 7. Using color sketches, the artist makes finished illustrations. 8. The printer makes a sample set of pages called proofs. 9. The editor receives a letter from the writer, and asks him to send her the manuscript. 10. The publisher's salespeople go to bookstores and talk to the buyers about ordering the book. Extended Response: Comprehension & Critical Thinking The questions in the extended response sections can be used as written, simply answered in complete sentences, or easily transformed into longer essay (ELA) style questions, or even research topics. In any case, have the students support their answers with details from the text or use critical thinking skills to create a thorough and interesting answer. Consider the level of your students when deciding how to use the questions.

2 "At Children's Express, They Never Stop Asking 'Why' " (p. 6-9) 1. What is 'print journalism'? 2. Why and where did Robert Clampitt start the Children's Express? 3. Describe what the NY Bureau of the Children's Express looks like today. 4. What are some important topics that Children's Express write about? 5. Why do you think that the Children's Express articles are so widely published? 6. List at least 5 skills that a student can acquire by working at the Children's Express. 7. Why do you think that Africa's accomplishments at the Children's Express are extra-special? 8. Explain the meaning of comparing journalism to climbing a 'story mountain'. 9. Explain the wisdom of the words "Never Stop Asking Why." Critical Thinking: "Start Your Own Newspaper" (p ) Mark the statements below TRUE or FALSE and fill in the correct answer if needed. 1. The first thing you will need for your newspaper is a theme. 2. Making sure that the paper comes out on time is the job of the editor in chief. 3. The paper also has sub editors and instructors. 4. Good newspaper articles always tell who, what, when, where and why. 5. Good reporters always have their questions prepared. 6. Reporters check the articles for spelling mistakes, missing words, grammar, commas, and capitals. 7. Each editor in chief can lay out the articles and pictures in his section of the newspaper. 8. You could use computer programs or paste and photocopy to arrange text.

3 "Celebrating Words Around the World" (p.14-15) Activity: 1. Why do you think that the Finns celebrate the Kalevala? 2. Why do you think that the books most often banned in 1999 were the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling? 3. What are Jewish people celebrating on Simchat Torah and why is it cause for celebration? 4. Why do you think that the Korean alphabet becoming official was so important to the Korean people? 5. Read about Basant Panchami and then create your own holiday that could honor learning and the arts where you live. Write a paragraph telling what it would be called and how you would celebrate it. "Sharing My Story" (p ) Wouldn't it be exciting to be published?? Brainstorm places that your work could realistically be published. Think about what you would like to publish... a story, a poem, a tale, or maybe a cartoon. Choose a topic, write, and rewrite! With help from your teacher, mail away your masterpiece for publication. *Remember: Keep trying!* (Suggestions on page 29.) Critical Thinking: "Reading Like A Writer" (p ) Activity: 1. How does David Adler use the books he reads to become a better writer? 2. What kinds of things do writers notice when they read? 3. What do YOU notice when you read? What are some things you look for in a 'good' book? "Write What You Know" (p ) Read pages and take one of the suggestions at the end of the article and write a short story. Choose a PEN NAME for this story. When all of your classmates have finished their stories, read each other's work. Use details from their stories and the Pen Names to try to figure out who is the author of each story. "Hattie & Teddy" (p )

4 Hattie had a close relationship with her dog, Teddy. The diary she kept told about much of their life together. Make up some new entries for the dates below. Keep in mind the type of life they lived, the year, their home state, and the season. Write at least 3 sentences for each date. June 4, 1898 December 25, 1900 September 3, 1901 March 16, 1902 Persuasive Essay: "Electronic Frontiers" (p. 32) Read the article about ebooks and decide if you would rather use electronic books or paper books for reading. Write a short essay trying to get others to agree with you. Support your statements and organize your essay with an opening sentence and conclusion. ANSWER KEY: From Brainstorm to Bookstore Start Your Own Newspaper 1. F/masthead 2. T 3. F/reporter 4. T 5. T 6. F/Proofreaders 7. F/subeditor

5 8. T