Creator: Reading Rockets/ WETA | visit site
Grade Range: 1 - 7
Get to know favorite children’s and young adults’ authors and illustrators by seeing and hearing from them directly. The videos/audios can be accessed directly on the site or downloaded to an iPod for listening on the go, if you or your students have one. The videos are split into shorter segments, so you can see Jack Prelutsky talk about his writing process, for example, or hear Patricia MacLachlan (author of Sarah, Plain and Tall) talk about reading with her father as a child. Bring your classroom of readers to life as writers or just fill in some background knowledge as you approach a new book or selection in your reading series. You are certain to have students lining up for works by these folks at the library. Note: Each author page tells which plug-in is required to view or listen to the interview. The needed plug-ins vary. They do provide a link to download the needed plug-in , if you do not have it. You can also get them from the TeachersFirst Toolbox page.
In the Classroom
Grab a projector and bring the author right into your classroom, or turn down the lights and listen to what she has to say before you start reading. You can also create a shortcut to this page right on the computer desktop and allow students to "visit with" them as a center in your classroom. One great student writing prompt: Which author is most like you? Maybe even ask students to write about their own writing process on your class blog after sharing some of the interviews. They will LOVE this site!rnrnLibarians may want to set up a kiosk with this web site opened for children when they come in.
At Home
Visit with some of your child’s favorite authors and illustrators through these online interviews. Compare their memories of childhood with life at your house. Ask your child if any of the things the author talks about show up in the books.