[LIT] Middle School Picture Book Request

[kimberlee hannan]

My goal was to develop discussion with a group of kids that had been
indoctrinated in HM worksheet regurgitation. They hadn't been read to in a
year or two.  We used the books to develop community, and open lines of
discussion.  I used her books for my think alouds to introduce reading
strategies.  I work in a very impoverished part of town, and many of my kids
made wonderful text connections.  I used the books to teach response
formats.

Then I turned around and used the books again as mentor texts as we began
Writer's Workshop.  Her writing isn't flamboyant.  It's just powerful.  I
have the kids use her stories to build author's palettes. (per Henry Nodin
in Image Grammar).

While she is far from the only author I read to the kids, she's the one I
begin with.  I still go back to her books when I need a demo of good
writer's craft.  I have a lesson coming up on powerful leads.  Her books are
the ones I go back to.

I hope this helps.
Kim



-- 
Kimberlee Hannan
Department Chair
Sequoia Middle School
Fresno, CA

kxhanna at fresno.k12.ca.us