Class Book Ideas for K-1 Teachers @ "Kids Count" Website

Class Books webpage at "Kids Count" website - by Shari Sloane

This webpage provides brief ideas and sample images for 20 class book projects that are appropriate for students in grades K-1. (The "Batman" book makes me want to teach a K-1 class!)

http://www.kidscount1234.com/class.html

Teachers: Share Lesson Ideas for Class-Authored Books!

Do you create whole-class books with your students (or would you like to do so)? Join the blog—with everyone's help, we can make our new "Class-Authored Book Contest" a success!

Let's use this blogspace to share ideas, resources, weblinks and questions about class-book projects. For teachers who have never attempted collaborative writing or book publishing projects, we'd like to provide specific lesson ideas and guidance. For veteran classroom publishers, we'd like to provide fresh inspiration and exciting new tricks.

HOW TO CONTRIBUTE IDEAS:

First, "Follow by email" in the right hand corner. (An invitation to join will be sent to the email address you submit.) You can unfollow whenever you wish.

We'll add your email address to our authorized list of bloggers, and you'll receive an invitation to log on. Note: Blogger is a Google App feature, so if you don't have a gmail account, you'll be asked to create one for free. I'll also send my personal email address, just in case you prefer to send your contributions to me via email.

What kinds of posts do we need?  If it seems interesting and useful to you, it will probably seem interesting and useful to someone else. Some examples:

• start-to-finish lesson guides for writing & publishing projects
• online articles that describe teachers' experiences with class book projects
• lists of published books to use as "mentor texts" 
• real-life group activities that inspire kids to think, draw, and write 
• lesson ideas to guide kids through the writing process
• simple, easy-to-manage art projects that can be used as book illustrations
• crafty ideas for hand-binding class books
• ideas for producing multiple copies of the same book
• user-friendly internet resources for digital publication and printing
• how class book projects address the new Common Core State Standards
• other tips that might help...

Your post may contain just a brief explanation + weblink, or you may copy and paste entire lesson plans and images. (If you'd like to submit PDF or Word documents, you may send them via email.)

Together, we will compile a wide range of resources. Once we get several ideas, Bookfest volunteers will start to organize them on a separate, easy-to-reference page!

—Melissa King, Great Valley Writing Project / Great Valley Bookfest Volunteer

Class-Authored Book Contest for Local Schools

Exciting news for teachers and students!

In April, 2013, Great Valley Bookfest and Great Valley Writing Project will launch a "Class-Authored Book Contest" in San Joaquin and Stanislaus counties. We want to promote reading and writing in local schools, and we want to provide recognition for the amazing classroom-created books that teachers produce every year.

In late April, contest details will be distributed to schools. Rules and teacher resources will be posted on our websites and social media pages. Completed books may be submitted in May and June. Contest winners will be announced in the summer.

Award-winning books will receive public recognition at the October 19th Bookfest; student authors will be announced, and teacher-publishers will receive kudos and prizes.

We hope that all classes will submit an entry.... By submitting their own book to outside readers, kids can finish this school year with a real feeling of accomplishment.

Start planning your book project, and check back for full details in late April!

BOOK IT!

Great Valley Bookfest returns to Manteca!

On Saturday, October 19, readers and revelers will once again gather at Great Valley Bookfest—a fun-filled festival for all! Visitors will enjoy great food and beverages as they meet authors, savor cooking demos, attend live performances, and browse diverse vendor displays. More than 30 authors will speak on six different stages; self-publishing consultations and mini-workshops will be provided for teachers and aspiring writers… and it’s free!

The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley Shopping Center provide a beautiful park-like setting for the festivities. The greenspace around the manmade lake is dotted with authors’ tables and tents; the amphitheater is transformed into Storytime Theater. Gourmet food trucks and workshops line the wide pedestrian walkways, and the promenade near the roundabout fountain becomes a street faire filled with a variety of vendors.

Last year’s inaugural Bookfest attracted more than 20 authors and 2500 attendees. This year, we expect to draw even more authors, more vendors, and more visitors!

To support reading and writing in public schools, the Bookfest leaders are adding many activities for teachers and students, starting with a bookmark design contest in April, a class-authored book contest in May, lesson-planning sessions for teachers in summer, and classroom activity guides for September. On October 19th, our friends at Great Valley Writing Project will offer free workshops for teachers who attend the Bookfest. (Find more information, click here.)

Bookfest festivities begin at 10:00 a.m. with a costume parade; people of all ages are invited to dress up as characters from their favorite books and join the pageant! There’s something for everyone, so mark your calendar and join the fun!

Saturday, Oct 19th from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm

Free admission!

The Promenade Shops at Orchard Valley
aka Bass Pro Center
Hwy 120 @ Union Road exit
280 Lifestyle Rd., Manteca