From: Aslan54 <bogus_at_does.not.exist.com>
Date: Thu, 9 Apr 1998 10:34:36 EDT

Our elementary school is currently engaged in a study of nonfiction writing with support and direction from Teachers College _at_ Columbia. The teachers are learning along with the children. In addition to the classroom experiences with our TC mentor, teachers from grades K through six have established a literacy network for discussion. As we begin to investigate good nonfiction writing that we can present to the children to help mentor their pieces, we are struck by the magnitude of factors that are represented in manageable, readable nonfiction. Thus far, our concentration has been in picture books such as The Ruined House by Rick Manning and magazine and newpaper articles from varied giants such as Ranger Rick or NYT.

Always on the lookout for diversity, Russell Freedman's books are a welcome change from the high profile of science nonfiction. Finding mentor books for children who love social studies is a time consuming process. The fact that they sound like stories means that there is a voice that children can find within the book and that they can then hopefully transfer into their own pieces. The distinction between historical nonfiction and historical fiction is not always clear to children (or sometimes to adults). Memoir adds a whole other dimension to the thinking.

For me, the reading and writing connections are always intertwined. Thank you for adding a forgotten place to look. Any suggestions for this level of quality in historical nonfiction for the 19th century Industrial Revolution period of progress would be most appreciated.

Paula Marron Oceanside School District - 4th grade teacher
Received on Thu 09 Apr 1998 09:34:36 AM CDT