C.J. your advice is excellent. I was an elementary school teacher and Head of School, and I taught and read to children from the age of 4 in our Pre-K to the 12 year olds in the 6th grade. Your voice definitely changes with the ages of the children. Nine and ten are the turning point in terms of complexity of story and it only grows from there. I read to children at out Barnes and Noble and I love picking books that are simple enough but have them reach. One month it was a picture book about John Lewis and it was fantastic to watch kids from 6 to 10 understand what Alabama was like in 1940.
Thank you, Sandy. I always appreciate your comments! I can picture you as a teacher and I’m sure you were an excellent one!
In my pre-osteoarthritis days, I did fifteen years of Author school visits in elementary schools for students from preschool through sixth grade and taught 2-hour poetry workshops to students in 7th and 8th grade.
Children are pretty much universal regarding their voices and how their interests change with their ages!
As a writer of children’s stories and poetry, when in doubt, I go to the source and test drive it. 😁😊💕❤️
C.J. what sort of children's books have you written and for what age level. I love writing for middle grade (8 - 12) readers. I'm currently working on an original OZ book here on substack. But please, tell me about your books.
Hi Sandy. Your OZ book sounds great! As it progresses, I would love to hear how it’s going.
Okay, children’s books … I have a couple for the preschool set. They’re written in rhyme and rhythm so toddlers can memorize them: “The Cookie Jar” and “The Climbing Adventure”.
Then for K through 2nd grade, “The Little Umbrella”.
2nd through 6th: “The Magic Banana”, “Frankie’s Lucky Day”,
4th through 6th: “Mommy, What’s Abuse?”, “The Ice Cream Cone”
Middle Grade: “Stoker’s Gift”
There is probably a lot of wiggle room between age groups for things like reading levels and interest, but that’s to be expected.
Good advice, although it's a good idea to contact the school admin for permission to read to kids on the playground. You don't want to just show up, gather children around you and have a lot of fun only to have an angry parent, teacher, or police officer show up.
That said, sharing a story or poem with different ages helps you gauge the best age group.
C.J. your advice is excellent. I was an elementary school teacher and Head of School, and I taught and read to children from the age of 4 in our Pre-K to the 12 year olds in the 6th grade. Your voice definitely changes with the ages of the children. Nine and ten are the turning point in terms of complexity of story and it only grows from there. I read to children at out Barnes and Noble and I love picking books that are simple enough but have them reach. One month it was a picture book about John Lewis and it was fantastic to watch kids from 6 to 10 understand what Alabama was like in 1940.
Thank you, Sandy. I always appreciate your comments! I can picture you as a teacher and I’m sure you were an excellent one!
In my pre-osteoarthritis days, I did fifteen years of Author school visits in elementary schools for students from preschool through sixth grade and taught 2-hour poetry workshops to students in 7th and 8th grade.
Children are pretty much universal regarding their voices and how their interests change with their ages!
As a writer of children’s stories and poetry, when in doubt, I go to the source and test drive it. 😁😊💕❤️
C.J. what sort of children's books have you written and for what age level. I love writing for middle grade (8 - 12) readers. I'm currently working on an original OZ book here on substack. But please, tell me about your books.
Hi Sandy. Your OZ book sounds great! As it progresses, I would love to hear how it’s going.
Okay, children’s books … I have a couple for the preschool set. They’re written in rhyme and rhythm so toddlers can memorize them: “The Cookie Jar” and “The Climbing Adventure”.
Then for K through 2nd grade, “The Little Umbrella”.
2nd through 6th: “The Magic Banana”, “Frankie’s Lucky Day”,
4th through 6th: “Mommy, What’s Abuse?”, “The Ice Cream Cone”
Middle Grade: “Stoker’s Gift”
There is probably a lot of wiggle room between age groups for things like reading levels and interest, but that’s to be expected.
Thanks, Sandy —hope your day is going well! 😊💕❤️
Good advice, although it's a good idea to contact the school admin for permission to read to kids on the playground. You don't want to just show up, gather children around you and have a lot of fun only to have an angry parent, teacher, or police officer show up.
That said, sharing a story or poem with different ages helps you gauge the best age group.
All true, Sue. It kinda goes without saying that the playground would require permission. 😁😊🙏🙏
Thank you for adding your valuable thoughts, Sue. ❤️💕❤️💕
Sorry, I pulled into Karen mode there. Of course, it's obvious.
In other news, thank you so much for recommending Ring Around the Basin on Substack. I really appreciate it.
You’re very welcome regarding the recommendation! My pleasure actually.