Previewing a program before an author visits is not always possible. In order to give teachers and parents a better idea of my programs, I am adding a short movie to this blog. So break out the popcorn and hope to see you soon!
SCHOOL PROGRAM / AUTHOR VISIT VIDEO
You can view or download my school program/author visit brochure at:
AUTHOR PROGRAMS/VISITS BROCHURE See my husband’s and my photography at: http://www.agpix.com/cohen
Prowling predators is the subject of the story I wrote for this month’s SuperScience magazine. [SuperScience]
Contrary to what you may see in horror films, all predators are not jagged-jawed giants like sharks, grizzlies, or crocodiles.
Predators come in all sizes, shapes, and species.
And they use a variety of tactics to bag their lunch.
Some trick, some trap, some shoot, and some smash.
Want to test your prowess at identifying predators?
Then take the quiz below.
For answers and intriguing videos, click on the link beneath each question.
Good luck nabbing the correct answers!
SPIDERS
Which spider clutches its web in its legs and flings it over prey?
1. Trapdoor Spider
2. Net-casting Spider
3. Tarantula
ANSWER and VIDEO
CRUSTACEANS
Which crustacean punches through its prey’s shell with club-shaped claws?
1. Spiny Lobster
2. Red King Crab
3. Mantis Shrimp
ANSWER and VIDEO
FISH
Which fish shoots down insects by spitting at them like a water pistol?
1. Archerfish
2. Airbreathing Catfish
3. Armored Searobin
ANSWER and VIDEO
REPTILES
Which reptile launches its sticky tongue like a slingshot at insects, lizards, and even small birds?
1. Crocodile
2. Komodo Dragon
3. Chameleon
ANSWER and VIDEO
BIRDS
Which bird outwits fish by forming its wings into an umbrella? This fools prey into thinking the shadow is cast by a protective log or stone.
1. Black Heron
2. Pelican
3. Flamingo
ANSWER and VIDEO
Hope you had fun and learned a lot!
Below is a link to a short author visit video:
SCHOOL PROGRAM / AUTHOR VISIT VIDEO
You can view or download my school program/author visit brochure at:
AUTHOR PROGRAMS/VISITS BROCHURE
See my husband’s and my photography at: http://www.agpix.com/cohen
When I walked through the doors of the Dennett Elementary School for an author visit, my first sight was a colorful display case filled with my photographs and books. I immediately felt welcome.
The Librarian, Geri O’Reilly, showed me the creative response projects her students had written after viewing the photos on my blog.What a clever way to to stimulate her students’ imaginations and to prepare them for the program.
Working with the Dennett School community was fun and inspiring, as we delved into nonfiction, writing, and science. Thank you to the teachers, custodian, principal, and students who gave me the gift of a delightful day!
You can view or download my school program brochure at:
AUTHOR PROGRAMS/VISITS
See my husband’s and my photography at: http://www.agpix.com/cohen
This summer, our family discovered that hiking on a glacier is a thrilling way to stay cool. Our destination was the Canadian Rockies–a wonderland filled with glaciers, mountain trails, wildflowers, and wildlife.
Now that autumn is near, and we’ve begun the school year, we have memories to savor of our Summer of the Glaciers. Here are a few photos of our adventures.
I hope you enjoyed your summer and I look forward to working with you this year.
You can view or download my school program brochure at:
AUTHOR PROGRAMS/VISITS BROCHURE
See our photography web site: http://www.agpix.com/cohen
From Snow White’s poisonous apple to Harry Potter’s venomous basilisk, storybooks are filled with poisonous brews and venomous beasts.
People are fascinated by poisons, toxins, and venoms, says Mark Sidall, of the American Museum of Natural History in New York. Sidall is curator of the exhibition “The Power of Poison,” which will be on display until August 10, 2014. The exhibition explores poison’s roles in nature, myth, and human health. Visitors will discover how poison may be used as a defense against predators, a source of strength, or as a lethal weapon-turned-lifesaving treatment.
Recently I had the opportunity to speak with Mark Sidall for Scholastic’s SuperScience magazine. The resulting story introduces three pairs of predator and prey facing off in toxic arms races. It describes how, over generations, these competitors’ defenses have become more extraordinary and their chemical weapons more extreme.
To read the story go to http://magazines.scholastic.com/news/2014/05/Poison-Power .
For information about the exhibition go to http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/current-exhibitions/the-power-of-poison .
You can view or download my school program brochure at:
AUTHOR PROGRAMS/VISITS BROCHURE
On a recent author visit to the Macomber School, I was greeted with this beautiful display of reports on some of my nonfiction books. Thank you to the teachers, secretaries, principal, and students for warmly welcoming me, participating enthusiastically, and singing sweetly. I had lots of fun with you all!
You can view or download my school program brochure:
AUTHOR PROGRAMS/VISITS BROCHURE
First pick your adjective and then write:
1) What your adjective is NOT
2) Three examples that show what your adjective is
3) Two examples of what your adjective sounds like
4) Another word for your adjective
5) One thing about your adjective
Here’s the poem I wrote. 
GRACEFUL
Graceful is not a clackety-clanking crash.
Graceful is a silky-swirling scarf.
Graceful is a dainty-tiptoeing dancer.
Graceful is a sparkly-spinning skater.
Graceful sounds like smooth-soothing music.
Graceful sounds like the whisper of floating snow.
Another word for graceful is elegant.
One thing about graceful is it makes your heart sing.
You can find the answer in my Scholastic story, THE WHALES’ VOYAGE.
To get the fascinating facts, I interviewed John Flynn, of the American Museum of Natural History. Flynn is co-curator of the exhibition, “Whales: Giants of the Deep.” The exhibition leads visitors on adventures with models of these mighty creatures. Visitors can take a virtual dive with a sperm whale as it hunts for giant squid. Or they can crawl through a car-size replica of a blue whale’s heart. To learn more:
You can view or download my new school program brochure:
AUTHOR PROGRAMS/VISITS BROCHURE
Using classroom science magazines is an effective and stimulating way to support the Common Core’s Reading Informational Text standards. It is also a way to help you meet the key anchor standards in Reading, Writing, Speaking & Listening, and Language. And of course, your children will be learning about science and current events.
Here is a link to a story I wrote for Scholastic about the Picturing Science exhibition at the American Museum of Natural History. The Art of Science
After your students have read the story, they can investigate the activities I have developed relating to Vocabulary Acquisition and Use, one of the Anchor Standards for Reading. I have also included an Art as Science activity.
Part One:
Determine or clarify the meaning of unknown and multiple-meaning words and phrases by using context clues
Vocabulary word: DISSECT
The story explains, that instead of dissecting the fish to examine the tiny bones in their ears, Sparks uses a different technique. This technique allows him to keep all the parts that make up a fish’s ears intact. (together)
Since keeping all the parts that make up a fish’s ears intact is different from dissecting, what do you think dissecting means?
Look up the definition of dissecting. Write the meaning that best fits the word as it is used in sentence above.
Write three synonyms for dissect.
Vocabulary word: EMIT
The section on the Radiant Reef explains that fluorescent reef animals absorb blue light and emit green or red light. Another sentence says that these neon green and red creatures glow like aliens.
Since the fluorescent animals are glowing red and green, what do you think emit means?
Look up the definition of emit. Write the meaning that best fits the word as it is used in sentence above.
Write three synonyms for emit.
Part Two:
Vocabulary and Alliteration
Alliteration is the use of similar sounds at the beginning of words. For example, Cichlids are a family of fish.
To make your own phrases using alliteration, look up synonyms for the word group. Choose three synonyms and write a phrase about a group of animals for each one. Here’s an example: a bunch of bugs
You can also add an adjective: a bunch of bustling bugs
Try another one.
In the story, I described the fluorescent reef animals as a dazzling display.
Look up synonyms for the word dazzling. Choose three synonyms and write a phrase using alliteration for each one. Here’s an example: shining ship
Part Three:
Art as Science
Find something from nature that has a pattern, such as a seashell, a turtle shell, a rock, an insect wing. Using a magnifying glass or a microscope, observe the pattern up close. Now fold a piece of paper in half. On one side draw a close-up picture of the pattern. On the other side draw the whole object. (Instead of making drawings, you can also take photos.) Post your close-up picture on a bulletin board with a piece of paper below for other students to write their guesses about what they think the object is. When everyone has made their guesses, open up up the paper and re-post it so your classmates can see if they’ve guessed correctly.
AUTHOR PROGRAMS/VISITS BROCHURE
For authors, parents, teachers & everyone who loves children’s books.
Literary Agent Linda Epstein's Yakkety Yakking
Some thoughts from author and agent Marie Lamba
Positively passionate 4th grade teacher, mom, being myself and helping others!
Educating for an interconnected world one story at a time
A service of New England SCBWI. All opinions expressed belong to the individual bloggers and commenters who are solely responsible for their content.
For authors, parents, teachers & everyone who loves children’s books.
Literary Agent Linda Epstein's Yakkety Yakking
Some thoughts from author and agent Marie Lamba
Positively passionate 4th grade teacher, mom, being myself and helping others!
Educating for an interconnected world one story at a time
A service of New England SCBWI. All opinions expressed belong to the individual bloggers and commenters who are solely responsible for their content.
Judith Jango-Cohen 
