Thankfully, I sold out of Out of the Wind when I presented to the fourth graders at Elm Tree Elementary (Actually, I saved one copy to donate to the library there.). I think my favorite part of the presentation was meeting with some of the young ladies after my presentation was over. They wanted to share their own stories with me and ask me questions about the historical content in my books. It was a pleasure, even though it only lasted for such a short time. Before ever meeting with the fourth graders at Elm Tree Elementary in Bentonville, Arkansas, this morning, I was able to get a glimpse of the school's efforts to be positive from the moment of arrival.
Along the parking lot, "street" signs line the drive. These signs display the simple traits of RESPECT, SELF-CONTROL, GOAL-SETTING, and the like. It was not until I left, that I noticed the FAMILY LANE sign. In my own fourth grade classroom, I emphasize that we are family, and I have been told that our class has the best family atmosphere in the district. I don't know if that is true or not, but we sure try. In front of the building, is a wonderfully landscaped area, which promises to look very nice as the spring advances. I was just as thrilled to see that the students were well-behaved and respectful of my presentation. They paid attention to all the important parts and pretended to pay attention even during the boring parts, as I briefly explained my own writing journey and emphasized the concept of using personal experiences. My appreciation to the students and staff who made me feel at home. Why I Write from Keith Nerdin on Vimeo. I love to write. I love for others to read what I write. I write for myself, and I write for others. I write for emotional release, and I write to entertain myself and others.
I didn't make this video, but I find it quite compelling. I believe that writing is more like creating art than it is like learning science. Conversely, I believe reading is the act of appreciating and critiquing art.
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AuthorD. Ed. Hoggatt is an award-winning fourth grade teacher. Click Titles to Order Now
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July 2017
RECOMMENDED READING
Al Capone Does My Shirts by Gennifer Choldenko
Because of Mr. Terupt by Rob Buyea Charlotte's Web by E. B. White Chippin Cleats by D. Ed. Hoggatt Crumbling Spirit by D. Ed. Hoggatt Echo by Pam Muñoz Ryan Hatchet by Gary Paulsen Holes by Louis Sachar Loser by Jerry Spinelli Mumsket by D. Ed. Hoggatt Out of the Dust by Karen Hesse Out of the Wind by D. Ed. Hoggatt Petey by Ben Mikaelsen Ramona the Pest by Beverly Cleary Stone Fox by John Reynolds Gardiner There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom by Louis Sachar Touching Spirit Bear by Ben Mikaelsen Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls Yankee Girl by Mary Ann Rodman |