Great tips for teaching reading—from librarians, teachers, and literacy specialists—plus professional picks of 10 terrific alphabet books.
Top 10 Books that Inspired Me (and You)
If you could only choose ten books that inspired you, what would they be? Megan Willome shares her personal Top 10.
The First Poetry for Children: “Divine Emblems” by John Bunyan
In 1686, the English Puritan minister and writer John Bunyan published what we know today as “Divine Emblems,” the first book of poetry for children.
Cinquain Poetry Prompt: The Superposition
From careful study of Japanese poetry like haiku, Adelaide Crapsey crafted the cinquain. Learn about the similarities between the two poetry forms, the “superposition” of poetic elements, and create a cinquain of your own.
Children’s Book Club: ‘One Grain of Rice: A Mathematical Folktale’
Math can be beautiful, especially with tigers and elephants and gold. Join us as we read ‘One Grain of Rice’ with Megan Willome as our guide. Plus, get more great math title recommendations!
4 Smartphone-Free Tips to Help Sustain Your Writing Life
Charity Singleton Craig has tips to help you conquer your smart phone habits to take care of your writing and your brain.
The Strangeness of “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens
“A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens, one of the most quoted works of English literature, continues to speak to the human condition.
The Early Cinquain: Poetry Prompt
The inspiration for the modern cinquain form was the simple style and flow of the early English five-line stanza. Check out a poem from one of the foundational poets who influenced the modern cinquain and write some lines of poetry with us.
4 Great Reasons To Read Kids’ Books—With a Book Buddy!
Aren’t children’s books just for kids? Why should grown-ups consider sneaking a peek (or ten)—with a book buddy at their side?
A Is for Azure: The Alphabet in Colors – Vermilion Fun Facts and Poetry Prompt!
Colors have cool histories, intriguing origins, cultural meanings, wonderful names. Today, discover vermilion. Learn facts about this expensive (and sometimes deadly) color, hear its pronunciation, and write a truly colorful vignette or haiku!
Totally Great Tips for Your College Essay—Interview With An Expert!
What’s the biggest mistake students make when starting to write their college application essay? Get the surprising answer, plus great essay tips, so you can write the best college app essay ever!
The Poetry of the Visiting Card: Miss Jennie Todt meets Catherina Gerhard
A visiting card in an 1899 edition of “Longfellow’s Complete Poems” leads to stories of German immigrants, St. Louis history, and even beer.
Poetry Prompt: The Crapsey Cinquain
Adelaide Crapsey offered her unique stamp on American poetry with the cinquain. Learn more about this easy-to-practice poetry form and apply what you’ve learned with some cinquain poetry of your own. Join us!
Reading in the Wild: August’s pages
Come learn the secrets of being a wild reader. Or just share your August pages. Megan Willome leads the way, with her August goodreads.
A Is for Azure: The Alphabet in Colors—Jasmine Fun Facts and Prompt!
Colors have cool histories, intriguing origins, cultural meanings, wonderful names. Today, discover jasmine. Learn cool facts about this soothing color, hear its pronunciation, and write a truly colorful vignette or haiku!
Of Color, Beauty, the Alphabet, and Fun: “A is for Azure”
“A is for Azure,” written by L.L. Barkat and illustrated by Donna Falcone, is a book about color, the alphabet, and literacy. It’s also full of childlike wonder.
Flying Machines Poetry Prompt: Wing Envy
Never mind the naysayers, this is your chance. It’s your turn to fly. Read about the humorous poem, “Darius Green and His Flying Machine” and learn a bit about those who thought flight was for the birds. Preen your feathers and write some high-flying poetry with us!
Thank You Notes: Notepads
Thank You Notes is a monthly writing prompt to express our thanks to a particular person, place, or thing. This month we’re saying thank you to notepads.