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Writing workshop with 3rd-5th graders, 2012
For adult audiences, scroll all the way down this column. For glimpses into recent school visits, check out these blogs:
Thank you for engaging the students at this distracting time of year. You are magic!
AH, Public Elementary School Media Specialist, GA
photo by Sharon Wright MitchellCreative Writing in a Can Workshop
photo by Darlene Snyder
photo by Donna H. Bowman
One six year old told me how much he appreciated learning about, and thinking about, how his own dog is connected to wolves.
NB, Elemntary School Librarian, GA
We enjoyed your visit. The students were very interested in the book, poems, and the process of how books are made.
JD, Public Elementary School Teacher, AL
photo by Darlene SnyderLet's make up a story...
One of our students who loves nonfiction has developed a wolf obsession since you came. I think he's checked out every book we have on wolves.
SM, Public Elementary School
Media Specialist, GA
We really loved you coming. You taught me so much. I didn't know wolves lived in the desert.
Cassie
Thank you for teaching us about wolves....I know more about wolves than I did!
Whitney
Click on "Out and About" page to see current schedule.
FOR GROWN-UPS....Robyn has spoken to groups of teachers, media specialists, writers, college students, book clubs, and festival-goers. She co-presented two workshops at the Fall 2010 SCBWI Writing and Illustrating for Kids conference in Birmingham and presented a workshop on haiku at the same conference in 2011. In 2012, she presented a haiku workshop at the Georgia Children's Literature Conference at the University of Georgia. In 2013, she'll serve on a poetry panel for a workshop at the Fay B. Kaigler Children's Literature Festival in Mississippi.
photo by Jo Kittinger2011 Haiku workshop at Southern Breeze Poetry RetreatYou have a gift for pulling off terrific workshops! I thought the haiku walk-about was great fun. It helped me to look at life through different lenses. Cool!Linda A.
Carrollton Creative Writers Club was honored to have Robyn Hood Black as guest speaker. Overwhelming consensus, "Robyn was fabulous!!
Mary Cunningham, author and CCWC member
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Our students had a wonderful time and learned so much. They especially loved the artifacts and Wolves. The experience was so much more than I hoped for.
We give it 2 “claws” up!
CW, Third Grade Teacher, Ga.
Teachers keep coming up to me and telling me how much their students enjoyed your presentation, and parents have emailed as well.... I especially appreciated the scientific language, the high level of ideas, and your own passion for talking about your work. You packed a lot of information and encouragement into your visit with students and they were thrilled.
NB, Elementary School Librarian, Ga.
photos by Betty King
"I heard great reviews from all of the teachers. The children really enjoyed your sessions."
JW, Event Coordinator, Educational Child Care Center, Ga.
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GRADES K-2_____________
"Playing with Poetry and Pictures"
Classroom/Media Center presentation
for grades K-2
25-30 minutes
Robyn will read her book, Sir Mike, some of her published poetry, and other works to introduce simple elements of poetry and story construction. Some literary wolves will be on the prowl as well! Posters, props, and puppets will keep young audiences engaged. A few brave volunteers will be recruited to help demonstrate. We'll also create our own fun, original story together!
Optional Q and A and resource list for teachers included.
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GRADES 3 and UPPrograms can be adapted for Middle and High School Students
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"HAIKU How-To"
Writers workshop for grades 3 & up
45-60 minutes or multi-day
We’ll explore this inviting yet challenging genre of short-form poetry, either in an introductory workshop or as part of a multi-day residency. Learn why to toss out the old 5-7-5 rule for haiku in English, and how to write a traditional haiku poem. Time permitting, students can combine their haiku poem and original art to make a haiga, combine individual poems in a group renga exercise, and/or compile a classroom anthology.
Celebrate nature – a great tie-in to science standards. We can even work outside, time and weather permitting!
Q and A and resource list for teachers included.
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"FOUND POEMS Treasure Hunt"
Writers workshop for grades 3 & up
45-60 minutes or multi-day
Poetry is all around you every day, just waiting to be discovered!
We’ll take a look at found poems, such as those in THE ARROW FINDS ITS MARK (Roaring Brook, Georgia Heard, ed.) Then we’ll hunt for our own in a variety of sources. Robyn will be happy to share how she combines found poems and found art in one-of-a-kind art pieces.
This workshop can be stretched over more than one day to include collage illustration opportunities, and/or compilation of a classroom anthology.
Q and A and resource list for teachers included.
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"Creative Writing in a Can"
Writers workshop for grades 3 & up
45-60 minutes
Young authors will be challenged to think more precisely about the words they use in their creative writing. Robyn will discuss the processes of writing Sir Mike and Wolves, in addition to other works, and talk about the steps involved in publishing. A few surprise items from the hardware store will serve as "tools" to get imaginations rolling. Students will write on their own and collaborate in small groups. Robyn can also discuss some basic illustration principles for young artists. Can be tailored to specific learning goals or standards.
Note: This program features Robyn's Poetry and Paint Chips exercises, which can also be part of a separate workshop geared toward poetry units.
Q and A and resource list for teachers included.
Responses:
"I learned that you can take words out of sentences like 'nice.' Then you can add words better than that."--Blake
"I learned to show not tell, don't use too many adjectives, and put yourself in the setting to get a good picture." --Delaney
"I learned how to be your character, how to feel your character's secrets."--Grant
"Just a Few Words"
Group Presentation or Assembly
(with or without Powerpoint)
for grades 3 and up
45-60 minutes
Robyn will share how just a few words--96, to be exact--became her stepping stones on the path from writer to author. She will read her book, Sir Mike, and some of her published poetry. She'll discuss WOLVES and other nonfiction animal writing, and the challenges of writing fiction (including historical fiction). She'll offer a peek into the publishing process from storyboards to proofs. In sharing her journey, Robyn will encourage creativity and discuss three qualities necessary for making publishing dreams come true: practice, persistence, and patience.
Optional Q and A and resource list for teachers included.
"Wolf Tracks"
Please note: WOLVES is no longer in print. I will supply a copy to the school media center. If you are interested in this presentation, I'm still happy to offer it.
Group Presentation or Assembly
(with or without Powerpoint)
for grades 3 and up
45-60 minutes
Follow the tracks of the world's most widely distributed predator on land through Robyn's WOLVES book and beyond! Fun facts and special show-and-tell items help bring these amazing animals to life. From habits to habitats, we'll explore the lives of wolves, which have been both revered and reviled throughout history. Great for discussing the relationship of humans to the natural world. Ties in well with many grade-level standards.
Optional Q and A and resource list for teachers included.
"Of Words and Wolves"
Please note: WOLVES is no longer in print. I will supply a copy to the school media center. If you are interested in this presentation, I'm still happy to offer it.
Group Presentation or Assembly
(with or without Powerpoint)
for grades 3 and up
45-60 minutes
This presentation combines condensed elements from both programs listed above. Robyn will discuss the writing and publishing life as well as wolf pack life. She'll reveal how lifelong passions for writing and animals turned into a dream come true with the contract to write WOLVES.
Optional Q and A and resource list for teachers included.
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"Hearing your wonderful presentation made our students excited to be writers. Your presentation captured their attention, and they were thrilled to see your storyboard for your upcoming book. We were so lucky to be the benefactors of your talent and passion."
JC, teacher and Creative Writing Celebration coordinator, GA
WHAT DOES IT COST? 2012-13
A full day generally costs $750 for up to four sessions (or six K-2). Robyn is happy to sign books, meet with gifted students, or read to pre-K, schedule allowing. Travel expenses required outside of Hall and adjacent counties in north Georgia.
Please contact Robyn about tailoring a program to fit your budget and needs, including specific curriculum standards. I'm eager to work with you to make time with your students as valuable and fun as possible!
References available.
Copyright ©2005-2013 Robyn Hood Black. All rights reserved. Please ask permission before using any text or images on this website, except for reproducible
"4 Kids 2 Do" and "Press Kit" pages.
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Poems
Explore a poem or two or five.... Books
A rhyming tale of a young boy's knightly adventure with an imagined dragon.
Nonfiction, interactive book on wolves featuring giant pop-up and tons of info! Author visits
In schools or other settings, Robyn shares her passion for writing and encourages creativity. Presentations for all age groups. Magazines
In addition to writing books, Robyn has sold her writing to major children's magazines. Haiku
Explore this genre of sparely crafted poetry which offers endless depth. Resources for students, teachers, and writers. Portfolio
Media
bio, photos, interview links, etc. |
artsyletters(Click here to visit Robyn's art business)
SCBWISociety of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
NCTE National Council of Teachers of English
Poetry FridayClick here for KidLitosphere's links to current poetry round-up
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