So what's the main difference between fiction and nonfiction writing?

Fiction and nonfiction writing are two distinct forms of literature that are fundamentally different in terms of their content and purpose.

Fiction is a form of creative writing that is characterized by its use of imagination, storytelling, and characterization. It is a type of writing that is not based on fact, but rather on the author's imagination and creativity. Fiction can be found in a wide variety of genres, such as novels, short stories, plays, and poetry, and it often explores themes such as love, loss, and human nature. The main goal of fiction writing is to entertain, and to engage readers emotionally.

On the other hand, nonfiction writing is based on fact and is often used to inform or educate readers about a specific subject or topic. Nonfiction can take many forms, such as biographies, memoirs, and educational texts, and it often focuses on real people, places, and events. The main goal of nonfiction writing is to inform, educate, or to persuade the reader.

One of the main differences between fiction and nonfiction writing is the level of creativity and imagination involved. Fiction is completely made up and the author can use their imagination to create any story they want while nonfiction is based on true events and facts, and author can only include information that is verifiable. Additionally, the writing style used in fiction and nonfiction is different as well. Fiction writing often uses literary devices such as metaphor and symbolism to create a specific emotional or psychological effect on the reader, while nonfiction writing typically focuses on providing information in a clear and concise manner.

Another key difference between fiction and nonfiction writing is their intended audience. Fiction is generally written for a general audience, and it is designed to entertain and engage readers of all ages and backgrounds. Nonfiction, on the other hand, is often written for a specific audience and is designed to inform or educate readers about a particular subject or topic. Nonfiction can be technical and thus it is written in a style that can be understood by those with specialized knowledge in a certain field.

Fiction and nonfiction also differ in terms of their purpose. Fiction writing is primarily intended to entertain, while nonfiction writing is intended to inform or educate. This difference in purpose is reflected in the structure of the two forms of writing. Fiction writing often follows a specific narrative structure, with a beginning, middle, and end, while nonfiction writing is typically structured according to the information that is being presented.

In conclusion, fiction and nonfiction writing are fundamentally different forms of literature. They are defined by their content, style, and purpose, and are intended for different audiences. Fiction writing is based on imagination and creativity, and is primarily intended to entertain, while nonfiction writing is based on fact, and is primarily intended to inform or educate. Understanding these differences is crucial to writing effectively in both forms and to understanding the full range of human expression through writing.

Top 5 most popular books for third graders

There are many excellent books that are popular among third graders. Here are a few notable examples:

1. "Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White: This classic children's novel tells the story of a young girl named Fern who saves a runt pig named Wilbur from being killed. Wilbur is taken in by Fern's uncle, who raises him on his farm. Wilbur becomes friends with a spider named Charlotte, who helps him avoid being slaughtered by spinning words into her web. The book is a heartwarming tale of friendship, loyalty, and sacrifice.

2. "The Magic Treehouse" series by Mary Pope Osborne: This popular series follows the adventures of brother and sister Jack and Annie as they travel through time and space in their magic treehouse. Each book takes them on a new adventure, visiting different time periods and locations, such as ancient Egypt, the Middle Ages, and the rainforest. The series is designed to be both entertaining and educational, introducing children to historical and scientific concepts in an engaging way.

3. "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein: This classic children's book tells the story of a boy who grows up with a tree that provides him with everything he needs. The tree is happy to give the boy its leaves, branches, trunk, and eventually its very trunk in order to fulfill the boy's needs. The book is a moving tale about the importance of generosity and the consequences of taking things for granted.

4. "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling: is a fantasy book series that is highly popular among children and adults alike, it follows the adventures of a young boy named Harry Potter who discovers that he is a wizard and attends a school of witchcraft and wizardry. The series is full of magical creatures, spells, and adventures that take Harry, Ron, and Hermione through the seven years they spent at Hogwarts. The books are a great way to introduce children to the fantasy genre and encourage a love of reading.

5. "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" by Jeff Kinney: This illustrated novel is written in the format of a child's diary and follows the story of Greg Heffley, a middle school student who is navigating the ups and downs of school and family life. The book is filled with funny and relatable moments that will make children laugh and connect with the character.

These books are popular among third graders for their relatable characters, engaging storylines, and valuable lessons. They are also a great way to introduce children to different literary genres and help them develop a love for reading.

How to write a quote from a book: A Guide for Students and Teachers

Writing a quote from a book can be a great way to add a personal touch to your writing and show off your literary knowledge. However, it's important to make sure that you're properly citing your sources and giving credit to the author.

The first step in writing a quote from a book is to find the exact passage you want to use. Make sure you read the passage in context to ensure that you understand its meaning and that it's relevant to your topic. Once you've found the perfect quote, you'll need to make sure that you're properly citing it.

One common way to cite a quote from a book is to use MLA (Modern Language Association) format. This style is often used in the humanities, such as literature and languages. To cite a quote in MLA format, you'll need to include the author's last name, the page number where the quote appears, and the publication information. For example:

"The road to freedom lies not through mysteries or occult performances, but through the intelligent use of natural forces and laws" (Wells, 57).

Another popular citation style is the APA (American Psychological Association) format, which is often used in the social sciences. To cite a quote in APA format, you'll need to include the author's last name, the date of publication, and the page number. For example:

"The road to freedom lies not through mysteries or occult performances, but through the intelligent use of natural forces and laws" (Wells, 1914, p. 57).

You also want to make sure to introduce the quote properly, so your audience knows what context it's from, who is the speaker, and so on. This can be done by writing a sentence or two before the quote, summarizing the main idea of the passage or providing background information about the author.

When integrating the quote into your own writing, make sure that it flows seamlessly and doesn't feel out of place. Avoid simply dropping a quote into your text without any explanation or context. Instead, use the quote to support your own arguments and ideas.

Additionally, while quoting, it is important to use quotation marks properly, as it gives the audience a clear indication of what text is being quoted. Also, you need to make sure to maintain the original grammar, spelling, and punctuation of the quoted text.

Lastly, it is important to be mindful of the length of the quote and to not overuse quotes in your work. Quotes can be powerful tools, but too many quotes can detract from the originality and voice of your own writing.

In conclusion, quoting from a book can be a great way to add literary flair and credibility to your writing, but it's important to make sure that you're properly citing your sources and giving credit to the author. By following the proper citation format, introducing the quote appropriately, integrating it seamlessly and being mindful of the length and usage of quotes, you can make sure your quote is both effective and ethically sound.

strategies for teaching consonant blends

What are consonant blends?

Consonant blends, also known as consonant clusters, are groups of two or more consonant sounds that occur together in words without a vowel sound between them. Consonant blends can occur at the beginning, middle, or end of a word, and they can be represented by a single letter or a combination of letters.

For example, the word "blend" starts with the blend "bl", and the word "strap" ends with the blend "st". Additionally, in the word "scream" the blend "scr" appears in the middle.

Some common consonant blends at the beginning of words include: "bl", "br", "cl", "cr", "dr", "fl", "fr", "gl", "gr", "pl", "pr", "sk", "sl", "sm", "sn", "sp", "st", "sw", "tr", and "tw". Some common consonant blends at the end of words include: "ld", "lf", "lk", "lp", "lt", "nd", "ng", "nk", "nt", "rd", "rk", "rm", "rn", "rp", "rt", "sk", and "st".

It is important to note that these are just examples and not comprehensive lists. It is also important to note that not all letter combinations will form a blend. For example in "bath" the "th" is not a blend, as it represents different sounds. The "th" in "bath" would be two distinct sounds.

Blending consonant sounds is an important skill for children to learn as they develop their reading and spelling abilities. It helps with developing their ability to decode unfamiliar words, and it's also an important factor in fluency in reading. Understanding and being able to recognize and produce blends allows children to read with more accuracy and automaticity.

Teaching consonant blends to children can be done in a variety of ways such as breaking down words into individual sounds, teaching the common consonant blends, and practising exercises like rhyming words or word families.

Strategies for teaching consonant blends

Consonant blends, also known as consonant clusters, are groups of two or more consonants that are pronounced together without a vowel sound in between them. These can be challenging for young students to learn and pronounce correctly. However, there are several strategies that can be used to teach consonant blends effectively.

One strategy is to teach the individual sounds of the letters within the blend first. For example, when teaching the blend "bl," the teacher would first teach the sounds of "b" and "l" separately. Then, the teacher can have the students practice saying the sounds together, slowly blending them to form the correct blend sound. This approach allows students to understand the individual sounds that make up the blend before trying to say the blend as a whole.

Another strategy is to use visual aids such as flashcards or pictures to help students associate the blend with a specific word or image. For example, a flashcard with a picture of a ball on one side and the word "ball" written on the other side can be used to help students associate the "bl" blend with the word "ball." Additionally, having students write out words containing the blend they are learning can also be helpful.

Another approach is to have students practice blending sounds in words. This can be done by giving them individual sounds, such as "b" "l" and "f" and asking them to blend them to make a word, in this example "blf" they can be prompted to make a word "blue" or "black"

Additionally, breaking down words into syllables can also be a helpful strategy for teaching consonant blends. For example, when teaching the blend "str," the teacher can have the students break the word "string" into "string" and "ing." This helps students to focus on the blend within the word and makes it easier for them to pronounce it correctly.

Another good strategy is to use songs and rhymes as a fun way to help students learn and remember consonant blends. Mnemonics can also be a good way to help students memorize the different blends. For example, to help students remember the blend "st," the teacher can have them use the phrase "Stop the train" to help them remember the sound of the blend.

Lastly, teachers should provide consistent and plenty of opportunities for students to practice blending sounds in words. This can be done through reading activities, writing activities, or oral exercises. Regularly reviewing and practicing blends that have been previously learned can help to solidify students' understanding and improve their ability to use and recognize the blends in context.

In conclusion, consonant blends can be a challenging concept for students to learn, but by using a combination of these strategies, such as teaching individual sounds, using visual aids, breaking down words into syllables, using songs and rhymes, providing opportunities for practice and reviewing, teachers can help students to master consonant blends and improve their reading and writing skills.

Literacy Ideas for primary and elementary teachers

When I first started teaching many moons ago finding resources on the internet was quite a different process to what it is today.

There was a lot less commercialism, things were a great deal more disorganised and so on... I always remembered using a website with my kids called Jenny Eather's writing fun which just had great ideas for teachers and students about teaching different styles of writing.  It was really easy to use, engaging for the kids and just made sense... It was great.

Anyhow, writing fun got bought out by a larger company and became a paid website which greatly reduced it's appeal.

But last week I was introduced to a very similar site to writing fun called literacyideas.com.  It's completely free, broken down into different styles of writing and actually has a a load of great free content to downlaod or share on an interactive screen with your students.

I strongly recommned taking a look at literacyideas.com if you teach writing to primary / elementary students and would love to hear if you know of any other great sites similar to this. 

Free interactive iPad skills poster for teachers and students

Download this in PDF Format below.

This free poster serves two purposes to both inform and educate students and teachers about nine essential iPad skills which enhance teaching and learning through the iPad.

It informs by visually prompting and reinforcing these skills to teachers and students as a simple poster.  More importantly it educates teachers and students about how to perform and use these skills through the use of video clips and other online resources.

To access these resources you will need to download a free QR reader on your iPad and scan the codes on the poster.  One I can recommend is Qrafter but any QR app should do.

The 9 essential skills are.

• Mastering control center
• Sharing your screen
• Splitting your keyboard
• Using Spotlight search
• Multitasking and screen splitting
• How to take great photos
• Using Cu, Copy and Paste effectively
• Saving images and screen capture.
• Connecting to the clouds

I hope you find this resource useful and please share it with others via social media and the web.

You can download this free high resolution poster by clicking here.

Dumb things our education systems do. Handwriting

More often than not when I read an article related to education it has a negative connotation  generally fitting into one of the following categories.

• Our Teachers are failing students.
• Technology and students are a terrible mix, get rid of it.
• Back in my day everyone could read write and count. Why cant they now?
• Why aren't we more like (Insert Country name here.) who does education far better than us.

Occasionally, the odd good news story breaks through, but they are few and far between.

Having worked in education for over a decade I have see some of the most inspiring through to disengaged members of our community which are part of a massive machine we refer to as  the "Education System".  In Australia we account for one of the largest sectors of the workforce.

This year, I am setting out to point out that all too often our 'Education System' like many others around the world quite simply broken by hypocrisy, outdated thinking and stubbornness which fail our teachers and students from ever reaching their full potential.  Most of my points would be 99 percent invisible to the community and very easily rectified.  Whilst some of these items may seem small and trivial they add up quickly and are simply unnecessary.

Today, I am going to highlight the Australian handwriting debacle which is a cut and dried example of commerce winning over common sense.  Whilst I am specifically addressing Australia here this is repeated in other education systems around the world.

So here we go...  I am going to hit you with the simple facts first...

• Australia is constructed of states and territories which had exclusive control of their own curriculum until recently when the Australian Curriculum was conceived back in 2008.  It is still being rolled out to bring consistency across the nation for teachers and students.
• Somehow, Somewhere, Someone decided each state should have it's own style of handwriting students should be using purely based upon where they live.
• These handwriting styles are almost identical which is demonstrated in the image below courtesy of kidzcopy.com.au  

Stick with me here because this is where it gets Dumb!! If not a little unethical

• Any educator or contractor wishing to make a resource such as an Alphabet poster or a handwriting book in Australian schools has to create five versions of the exact same thing to ensure  it can be used from Broome to Bondi.  Making it time consuming and expensive even though our curriculum is now national.
• Most of these fonts are commercially licensed (and expensive as seen in the table below.)  So if a teacher, and even a mum, dad or student wish to make a resource they have to pay to do so.  

So here are my questions regarding what I, and many others see as just plain dumb.  Maybe someone far smarter than me can explain the answers.

• In 2016 why do we have different fonts for each state?
• Who decided South Australia's font was unsuitable for Victoria and so on?
• Why do our teachers, students and parents have to buy a license to use them for purely educational purposes?
• Who is profiteering from this experience?  Is it the education departments or some commercial group?
• How does having to pay to produce and use 5 different fonts help our teachers and students in any way?
• How do we fix this small but dumb element of our education system?  

Here is my solution.  The Victorian Department of Education are obviously far more progressive than their neighbours and make their font (Victorian Modern Cursive) freely available to all.  

Let's (All Teachers) just adopt it as the Australian Handwriting Font and make our teachers and students lives easier by refusing to produce anything that requires a paid font.  You can download the Victorian Font here.

We don't have to keep doing DUMB things in the future just because we have done it in the past.

I would greatly appreciate your answers and thoughts regarding this topic and love to hear what elements of education you see that you think are just DUMB!!! I have more to come.

Thug notes gives learning some much needed street cred...

Thug notes is a YouTube channel which started out as a series of comedy skits that somehow didn't pan out for it's creators who had dreams of becoming stars on the silver screen.

They created video 'cliff's notes' or quick descriptions of of classic literature and films delivered by gangsters and other highly engaging characters.

Somewhere along the line Thug notes switched from a comedy channel to one of the most viewed education channels on YouTube, as their approach had a massive impact on teachers and students.  It was both cool and well researched material.  And yes, it is funny.  It may not be for everyone, but either is sitting in a lecture theater for an hour listening to an incredibly boring analysis of lord of the flies.

Anyhow take a look for yourself here...

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