Teaching Ideas

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Activities: Authors Inspire Us 7-12

This set of lesson cards can be used to support learning about author's purpose or inspiration and the writing process.

Scan the QR codes on the front of the card Listen and learn directly from authors Reflect and respond


Authors Inspire Us 7-12: Set A

Set A Printable Card (PDF)

Authors and illustrators are inspired by:
a. Curiosity b. Other authors
c. Challenges d. Social justice

Answer Key: 1(c), 2(b), 3(a), 4(d)

Resources:

  1. A Boy and a Jaguar Narrated by Alan Rabinowitz (challenges) | Meet-the-Author Recording
  2. Out of Wonder by Kwame Alexander (other authors) | Meet-the-Author Recording
  3. On a Beam of Light by Jennifer Berne (curiosity) | Meet-the-Author Recording
  4. Turning 15 on the Road to Freedom by Lynda Blackmon (social justice) | Meet-the-Author Recording

Authors Inspire Us 7-12: Set B

Set B Printable Card (PDF)

History has many stories. Whose voices are being heard in these stories? Which part of the population is being represented? Listen to two. What are the similarities and differences?

Resources:

  1. In the Shadow of Liberty by Kenneth C. Davis (enslaved people) | Meet-the-Author Recording
  2. The Latehomecomer by Kao Kalia Yang (Hmong) | Meet-the-Author Recording
  3. October Mourning by Lesléa Newman (LGBTQ) | Meet-the-Author Recording
  4. Dreaming in Indian by Lisa Charleyboy (Indigenous/Native Americans) | Meet-the-Author Recording

Print Set A and B on the Same Page (PDF)