As a librarian, my favorite way to teach research was to cover the material and follow up with a game or activity to reinforce learning. The day I was teaching the kids how to use a Thesaurus, we used a Ven Diagram to cover the similarities and differences between a thesaurus and a dictionary. Next, we changed a boring letter into something amazing with the new words we were learning. Finally, I handed each child a thesaurus to play That’s My Word (I call out a word. They look it up and call out a better word.) They said, “We do what?” Throughout the day, I got the same reaction: interesting lesson, fun activity, and then totally confused. That’s when I began searching for a book to help explain how to use a thesaurus. When I didn’t find one, the lightbulb went off – I’ll write it myself!” What Do You Do with a Thesaurus, was based on my students and their questions. I shared my construction paper version of What Do You Do with a Thesaurus with my students, and something clicked. Now they knew exactly what to do! When teachers began asking to borrow my manuscript, I knew it could succeed as a published book.
Something similar happened with This or That? Whale or Fish? The idea and the first page came from a second-grader who needed help finding the fish books. She said, “I’m doing my report on whales!” I turned and said, “Is a whale a fish?” She gave me a look that said, ‘You are crazy!’ and said, “Yes, Mrs. K! Whales live in the ocean like fish. They swim like fish. They look like fish.” And I said, “But, a whale is not a fish.” That night I knew I had a great idea for a series and began Whales or Fish? using our words for the opening.
Even though I no longer teach, I still notice the things that make me say, Why? Who? How did that happen? Like the day I was bitten by a fire ant, and I wondered why their sting was so fiery. And that led to my upcoming book, How Fire Ants Got Their Fire.
Great post. Asking simple questions certainly opens the doors to great ideas!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words.
DeleteLooking forward to How Fire Ants Got Their Fire! Great post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melissa. I can't wait for it to be released.
DeleteCuriosity leads to fascinating books--can't wait to read about fire ants (and hope I'm never bitten)!
ReplyDeleteI hope you aren't either. It REALLY stings!
DeleteGreat post — I am totally intrigued by a construction paper version of what to do with thesaurus!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Susan. The kids loved it. I
Deletef you're interested, email me an I'll send you a couple of photos.
Isn't it great to be curious? ♥ And we have the best job...sharing what we learn with kids!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Annette. You're right, we do have the best job ever!
DeleteFantastic post. These books look like treasures that teach kids to think. How satisfying is it to write these kinds of jewels?!!?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Damon for your kind words.
DeleteI love books that impart knowledge in such a fun and interesting way! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Judy. I have to say it was a thrill to have the publisher say yes to that series!
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ReplyDelete