Tuesday, March 24, 2020

Snail Mail Love Through Making Books


I'm an auntie. I have two nephews. One is two. The other is four. So many of us are finding new ways to connect with our loved ones. Yesterday, I received a note in the mail from my older nephew, Eddie. I decided to show him some snail mail love today by making him a book.

Why did I choose to make books?

I had the privilege to work with Matt Glover, author and consultant several times when I worked in Mumbai, India, at the American School of Bombay. Matt provides some of the best in-school professional development I've ever participated in, especially for teachers of young writers! I learned so many things from Matt, but I loved being immersed in was the importance of young writers making books. In this video, Matt recently created as a parent resource (but I think it is useful for educators too); he shares the principles of why making books is so valuable. 

My slice today is the two little books I made for my nephews. I tried to like Matt does, choose everyday topics, so they know not all books have to have big ideas, just the process of writing is what it's about!

Please note, I'm modeling approximated drawings and writing too. Be kind!






I realized I forgot to put Eddie in the first position (words don't match the text) hence the addition of the numerals.


Here's Oliver's book.







Thanks, Matt. You've made it possible for me to share my passion for writing not only with the students and teachers I support but, even more importantly, with my nephews.

8 comments:

  1. I taught high school, mostly seniors, and the last few years two dual credit classes. I mention this because having students make books is an important way students see themselves as writers, and bookmaking isn’t just for elementary students. A few years ago at NCTE I was on a panel w/ Melissa Sweet showing how I taught the state required research paper by having students create children’s books. I kept a couple. I could go on because I love what you’re teaching your nephews so much.

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    1. I can imagine how powerful making books would be for high school students too. It, like Matt says, is what they see each day and knowing their voice is powerful and important means a lot. I'm excited you shared this with older students too. Wish I'd had a hs teacher who'd had the creative idea you did for my paper writing!

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  2. What fun, Meg! Thanks for sharing what you made.

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    1. Thanks! Now I'm impatiently waiting for my books arrive in my sister's mailbox.

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  3. Love It!! I agree with you- books don't have to be BIG ideas, everyday things sometimes make the best stories.

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    1. I think this is so important to teach our writers. Many times I think modeled teacher pieces can be such a big or exciting story when like you said, it's our everyday lives, like we share here, can become the best stories.

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  4. Yes this is so good, I bet your nephews love the books. Our kids here have all had a turn at making their own books that are now in our little school library. They enjoyed doing it so much. Thanks for the link to Max Glover too. Your books are delightful.

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    1. Thanks Celia. How special that you shared your students' books in your school library. This small move makes them realize just how big and important their voices are. It makes them "real" authors which we always have known as their teachers but seeing their book in this new light makes that tangible for them to understand.

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