Iowa Public Television

My general presentation starts with a brief personal history of how I started my writing career and then moves onto a discussion about how to write an interesting story. I talk about creating opening lines to grab a reader’s attention, how to build conflict, and the importance of integrating a creative cast of characters into a story. Then, I demonstrate these techniques by having students act out a scene from Mia the Meek.

Following this session, registrants receive the complimentary books Amber Brown is Not a Crayon and Junie B. Jones Has a Peep in Her Pocket.

Session Related Web sites:

• Mia the Meek - Learn about Eileen Boggess and Mia the Meek.
• Iowa Book Festival (http://partners.adeliowa.org/iowabookfestival.page/) - Visit the Iowa Book Festival and learn more about the Iowa Authors you can meet in person there on May 2!

Related Lesson Plans and Units:
Do a Thinkfinity Search (www.marcopolosearch.org):

1. Search for: author
2. Limit Subjects to: language arts
3. Limit search to appropriate grade level.
4. Click on the 'Search' button to view results.

PBS Teachers (http://www.pbs.org/teachers/) - PBS Teachers offers free lesson plans, professional development and more for preK-12 educators.

Are you new to the ICN experience? If so, take a moment to view the IPTV K-12 Connections Frequently Asked Questions and Keys to a Successful Session.

Classroom Resources:

The following related programs are available on IPTV's broadcast or from the AEAs: (Check The Classroom Resource (www.iptv.org/k12catalog) Web site for broadcast dates and times.)

• Write in the Middle: A Workshop for Middle School Teachers

Check out additional Classroom Resources prepared and compiled by IPTV K-12 Connections staff. <

Sessions are provided at no cost by Iowa Public Television in collaboration with the Iowa Communications Network to PK-12 students and the adults working with or on behalf of PK-12 students in Iowa. If you are not employed by a school district or an AEA please register at library sites only.