Videos

Melissa talks about the primary ways she does research for her books: reading books, scientific articles, and magazines on the topic, carefully using content from the Internet, and consulting with experts.

Through her career, Melissa has been able to travel all over the world. It allows her to see the animals firsthand and to really understand how they thrive in their environment, how they move, what they eat. These up-close encounters infuse her writing with more vibrancy.

Melissa has been keeping nature journals since she was 20 years old. She often goes back to those journals for inspiration, but also for the observations she’s made of certain animal behaviors.

Melissa grew up exploring the nearby woods with her family. That sparked a deep interest in nature, which led to her career as a writer.

Children’s nonfiction writer Melissa Stewart has published more than 200 books on a wide range of science and nature topics. Melissa says she writes for children because books for young people can change the way that they see themselves and the way that they see the world.

Shana Sterkin explains how the use of mentor texts supports students in their writing and understanding of content.

Shana Sterkin integrates writing opportunities into all content areas.

Hesse shares some “low stakes” ways that content area teachers can bring writing into their classrooms every week.

Teachers should encourage students to think of writing as a response to a unique situation and audience, and as an act of inquiry.

Dr. Paul Rogers discusses the implications of the Common Core Standards.