Now that I’ve finished my PYP essential elements provocations, I plan to begin the next series of inquiry-based provocations on the SDG’s (UN’s Sustainable Development Goals by 2030).
But first, I’d like to pause and do a couple of inquiries into more general learning identities. We all hope our students will move from “doing” math, writing, reading, or science” to seeing themselves as mathematicians, writers, readers, or scientists. Amidst the many curriculum-mandated tasks associated with those subjects, however, it can be difficult to hold on to this sense of identity.
This week’s provocation is meant to help students inquire into what it means to be a writer.
Resource #1: My recent post, “18 Best Videos to Get to Know Children’s Authors/Illustrators.” I had so much fun putting this compilation together with my kids. Almost a month later, my kids are still referring to specific videos in our house, recalling some funny thing Oliver Jeffers did or requesting a re-watch. Each of the videos offer a unique lens for what it means to be a picture book-maker, but below are a couple I would especially recommend in this context:
Resource #2: J.K. Rowling’s handwritten notes!
How J.K. Rowling Plotted Harry Potter with a Hand-Drawn Spreadsheet
Resource #3: How to Build a Fictional World Ted Talk by Kate Messner
Resource #4: Picture Books
Provocation Questions:
- What does it mean to be a writer?
- Why do people write?
- How does our identity as writers change over time?
- What is our responsibility to write? (for ourselves? For the world?)
- What are the different perspectives on what makes a writer?
- How does being a writer connect to being an author?
- What is the connection between voice and writing?
featured image: DeathToTheStockPhoto