Chalk and Ink: The Podcast for Teachers Who Write and Writers Who Teach

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Congratulations to all the Chalk + Ink guests who received 2022 ALA awards. Let’s start with today's guest,  Veera Hiranandani! Her book How to Find What You’re Not Looking For won the Sydney Taylor Book Award and the Jane Addams Peace Award. Congratulations to Alicia D. Williams. Her picture book Shirley Chisholm Dared: The Story of the First Black Woman in Congress won the Jane Addams Peace Award for Younger Children. I also want to congratulate Carole Boston Weatherford. Her book, Unspeakable, illustrated by Floyd Cooper, won a Caldecott Honor, a Sibert Honor, a Jane Addams Peace Award Honor, and the Coretta Scott King Book Author Award and the Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award. Finally, I want to shower congratulations on Melissa Stewart and Sarah Brannen, the creator of the Chalk + Ink logo, for winning a Sibert Honor for their book Summertime Sleepers. Congratulations everyone! Thank you all for gifting us such wonderful books.

The honest and reflective,  Veera Hiranandani, talks about the power of 15 minutes, the importance of respecting one another during the critique process, and how stories help us explore possible ways we can change.

In preparation for our next episode, please be sure to read My Shoes and I (Mis zapatos y yo) and Waiting for Papá (Esperando a Papá) by René Colato Laínez. Both books tell two different immigrant stories. Before I interviewed him, I thought perhaps his own story inspired one book and a student’s story inspired the other book. While that's partially correct, it is not the whole story. If you want to know part of René’s history before listening to the interview, read René’s excerpt in That Mad Game: Growing Up in a War Zone: An Anthology of Essays from Around the Globe edited by J.L. Powers. 

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This episode is all about community building and becoming successful writers. Jeff Anderson and Whitney La Rocca talk about how their strengths complement one another, how focusing on students’ success breeds more student success, and the importance of getting the first draft on paper.

In preparation for our next episode with Newbery Honor Winner, Veera Hiranandani, please be sure to check out How to Find What You’re Not Looking For.

Stenhouse Publishers generously donated a copy of  Patterns of Power or Patterns of Wonder to a lucky podcast listener. There are several ways to enter: 1) Tweet or retweet this episode and be sure to tag Jeff, Whitney and me, 2) Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and make a comment on this episode’s post, 3) Make a comment about the episode on our Chalk + Ink Facebook page; and 4) Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter. Patreon supporters are automatically entered into each giveaway. Each one of these actions is the equivalent of one entry which means people could have up to four entries for each giveaway. In order to enter the giveaway, these actions must be completed by midnight on Friday, January 28th. The winner will be announced on Friday, February 4th, on the podcast as well as on Twitter and on our Facebook page.

Please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Reviews are a gift for me and for others because reviews help people discover this podcast.

Finally, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink’s podcast art. Sarah’s latest book, Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, earned a starred review from Kirkus.

Happy listening!

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In this episode, the honest and humorous, Erin Dealey, talks about how picture books are like theater, finding moments of magic in students' writing, and following our dreams.

In preparation for our next episode with Jeff Anderson and Whitney La Rocca, check out POPcast: A Patterns of Power Podcast. All of the episodes are fantastic, but it will take you less than forty minutes to listen to these two episodes: “Patterns of Power: Invitation to Notice,” and “Stepping Through a Patterns of Wonder Lesson: Part One.” I can’t wait to talk with Jeff and Whitney on Chalk + Ink!

Erin Dealey generously donated one of her fabulous books to a podcast listener, a picture book critique, and a 30-minute Skype visit to a podcast supporter. There are several ways to enter: 1) Tweet or retweet this episode and be sure to tag me and Zetta, 2) Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and make a comment on this episode’s post, 3) Make a comment about the episode on our Chalk + Ink Facebook page; and 4) Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter. Patreon supporters are automatically entered into each giveaway. Each one of these actions is the equivalent of one entry which means people could have up to four entries for each giveaway. In order to enter the giveaway, these actions must be completed by midnight on Friday, January 14th. The winner will be announced on Friday, January 21st, on the podcast as well as on Twitter and on our Facebook page.

Does hearing about all of Erin Dealey’s giveaways make you feel generous, too? Please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Reviews are a gift for me and for others because reviews help people discover this podcast.

Finally, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink’s podcast art. Sarah’s latest book, Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, earned a starred review from Kirkus. I look forward to chatting with you again soon. 

Happy listening! 

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In this episode, the strong and determined, Zetta Elliott,  talks about how magic is for everyone, questions why some books aren’t reviewed, and shares a simple and flexible way to outline a novel.

In preparation for our next episode and if you need a laugh, check out Erin Dealey’s Deck the Walls. If you’re in need of a hug, get snug and cozy with Snow Globe Wishes. If you’re already looking toward the new year and wondering how you can become an environmental steward, peruse Dear Earth.

Zetta Elliott generously donated a signed book to a podcast listener. There are several ways to enter: 1) Tweet or retweet this episode and be sure to tag me and Zetta, 2) Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and make a comment on this episode’s post, 3) Make a comment about the episode on our Chalk + Ink Facebook page; and 4) Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter. Patreon supporters are automatically entered into each giveaway. Each one of these actions is the equivalent of one entry which means people could have up to four entries for each giveaway. In order to enter the giveaway, these actions must be completed by midnight on Friday, December 31st. The winner will be announced on Friday, January 7th, on the podcast as well as on Twitter and on our Facebook page.

Want to give me a holiday gift? Please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Reviews are gifts for other people, too, because reviews will help others discover this podcast, too.

Many thanks to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink’s podcast art. Sarah’s latest book, Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, earned a starred review from Kirkus. 

Talk with you again in the  new  year.

Happy listening!

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I’ve got great news. If you’ve been trying to figure out how to find time to write but haven’t been successful, this episode is for you. Marcie Flinchum Atkins has incredible organizational skills and tips which will help you make the most out of every marvelous moment life has to offer. Marcie also gives listeners a great revision exercise that will raise works in progress to another level. Of course Marcie has plenty of teaching expertise to share as well including different ways to help students brainstorm.

Before our next episode, be sure to  read Zetta Elliott’s Dragons in a Bag series, her Caldecott Honor book, A Place inside of Me and her young adult collection of poems to empower: Say Her Name. If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in the car, you can listen to the Dragons in a Bag series on the Libby App. It’ll keep you entertained for miles.

Marcie generously donated a signed book to a podcast listener. There are several ways to enter: 1) Tweet or retweet this episode and be sure to tag me and Marcie, 2) Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and make a comment on this episode’s post, 3) Make a comment about the episode on our Chalk + Ink Facebook page; and 4) Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter. Patreon supporters are automatically entered into each giveaway. Each one of these actions is the equivalent of one entry which means people could have up to four entries for each giveaway. In order to enter the giveaway, these actions must be completed by midnight on Friday, December 10th. The winner will be announced on Friday, December 17th, on the podcast as well as on Twitter and on our Facebook page.

Have you gleaned teaching or writing tips from this podcast? Or maybe this podcast has brightened your day? Or maybe this podcast has helped you start your writing journey? If you answered yes to any of those questions, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Leaving a review will help other listeners find us.

Finally, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink’s podcast art. Sarah’s latest book, Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, earned a starred review from Kirkus. I look forward to chatting with you again soon. 

Happy listening!

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Today’s episode is jam-packed with great information to help you improve your teaching and writing craft. The responsive and inventive,  Kristen Nordstrom, talks about learning from “lean-in” moments in teaching, how writing a sentence on a page is an act of bravery, and how the secret to getting started on the writing journey is to let yourself be imperfect.

Before our next episode, be sure to read Wait, Rest, Pause: Dormancy in Nature by Marcie Flinchum Atkins.  It’s filled with lush, lyrical language and stunning photos. Do you have to read Wait, Rest, Pause? Of course not, but this book is the perfect book to help you slow your pace as the days grow shorter. Anyone who knows me is probably laughing out loud because I’m not great at slowing down, but this book made me sigh with gratitude for the beautiful gifts nature offers us each day.

Kristen generously donated a thirty-minute free Skype visit to a podcast listener. There are several ways to enter: 1) Tweet or retweet this episode and be sure to tag me and Kristen, 2) Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and make a comment on this episode’s post, 3) Make a comment about the episode on our Chalk + Ink Facebook page; and 4) Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter. Patreon supporters are automatically entered into each giveaway. Each one of these actions is the equivalent of one entry which means people could have up to four entries for each giveaway. In order to enter the giveaway, these actions must be completed by midnight on Friday, November 26th. The winner will be announced on Friday, December 3rd, on the podcast as well as on Twitter and on our Facebook page.

Have you gleaned teaching or writing tips from this podcast? Or maybe this podcast has brightened your day? Or maybe this podcast has helped you start your writing journey? If you answered yes to any of those questions, please leave a review wherever you listen to your podcasts. Leaving a review will help other listeners find us.

Finally, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink’s podcast art. Sarah’s latest book, Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, earned a starred review from Kirkus. I look forward to chatting with you again soon. 

Thanks so much for listening!

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On today’s episode the persistent and innovative Tina Athaide talks about  how she learned something new each time editors rejected her novel, Orange for the Sunsets, how teaching first grade started her publication journey, and the importance of having diversity in critique groups.

Before our next episode, be sure to read Mimic Makers: Biomimicry Inventors Inspired by Nature by Kristen Nordstrom. Also, if you live in New England, Kristen will be at the South Hadley Public Library in Massachusetts on Saturday, November 20th at 1 P.M. She’ll be presenting Mimic Makers with two of the scientists featured in her book. Do you have to read Kristen’s book or go to her presentation? Of course not, it’s optional. But it is a chance to get one book signed by three different people which is pretty cool.

Page Street Publishing generously donated a copy of Meena’s Mindful Moment to a lucky podcast listener and Tina is donating a picture book critique as well as a critique of the first ten pages of a middle grade novel. There are several ways to enter: 1) Tweet or retweet this episode and be sure to tag me and April, 2) Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and make a comment on this episode’s post, 3) Make a comment about the episode on our Chalk + Ink Facebook page; and 4) Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter. Patreon supporters are automatically entered into each giveaway. Each one of these actions is the equivalent of one entry which means people could have up to four entries for each giveaway. In order to enter the giveaway, these actions must be completed by midnight on Friday, November 12th. The winner will be announced on Friday, November 19th, on the podcast as well as on Twitter and on our Facebook page.

I have a favor to ask, if you enjoy this podcast, please leave a positive review wherever you listen to your podcasts. At the time of this recording, Chalk + Ink only had two ratings on Apple Podcasts and I know one of those is mine. The other one is probably my mom’s. Come on now people! Please help other listeners find us by rating the podcast and leaving a positive review. 

Finally, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink’s podcast art. Sarah’s latest book, Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, earned a starred review from Kirkus. 

Thanks so much for listening!

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On today’s episode the flexible and innovative Pernille Ripp talks about how there is no such thing as a perfect teacher, how when she writes she strives to create from an authentic and honest place, and how as educators we need to prioritize conversations with students to make sure we don’t lose sight of the kids as we cross off items on our curriculum to-do lists. 

Pernille and I recorded this episode before the 2021 Global Read Aloud started on October 4th. But if you want to join there’s still time to get in on the fun and connect with classrooms all over the world. Go to theglobalreadaloud.com to get started.

We have some new features this year. At the end of every episode, I’ll be assigning optional homework. Before November 5th, be sure to read Tina Athaide’s Orange for the Sunsets. Once I started reading this historical fiction gem, I couldn’t put it down. It’s written from two points of view and is set during Uganda’s 1972 expulsion of Asian Indians.

I’m donating a copy of Passionate Readersto a lucky podcast listener. There are several ways to enter: 1) Tweet or retweet this episode and be sure to tag me and Pernille, 2) Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and make a comment on this episode’s post, 3) Make a comment about the episode on our Chalk + Ink Facebook page; and 4) Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter. Patreon supporters are automatically entered into each giveaway. Each one of these actions is the equivalent of one entry which means people could have up to four entries for each giveaway. In order to enter the giveaway, these actions must be completed by midnight on Friday, October 29th. Wow! I can’t believe October is almost over. The winner will be announced on Friday, November 5th, on the podcast as well as on Twitter and on our Facebook page.

I have a favor to ask, if you enjoy this podcast, please leave a positive review wherever you listen to your podcasts. That will help other listeners find us.

Finally, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink’s podcast art. Sarah’s latest book, Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, earned a starred review from Kirkus.

Thanks so much for your support.

Happy listening!

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On today’s episode the creative and supportive April Jones Prince talks about how we write to create a connection with others, how when she gets stuck as a writer she thinks of the encouraging comments she uses to support her students and how she wants to empower everyone to see themselves as readers and writers. 

April Jones Prince generously donated a signed copy of You Are a Reader! /You Are a Writer! to a lucky podcast listener. There are several ways to enter: 1) Tweet or retweet this episode and be sure to tag me and April, 2) Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and make a comment on this episode’s post, 3) Make a comment about the episode on our Chalk + Ink Facebook page; and 4) Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter. Patreon supporters are automatically entered into each giveaway. Each one of these actions is the equivalent of one entry which means people could have up to four entries for each giveaway. In order to enter the giveaway, these actions must be completed by midnight on Friday, October 15th. The winner will be announced on Friday, October 22nd, on the podcast as well as on Twitter and on our Facebook page.

I have a favor to ask, if you enjoy this podcast, please leave a positive review wherever you listen to your podcasts. That will help other listeners find us.

Finally, I want to give a shout out to Sarah Brannen for Chalk + Ink’s podcast art. Sarah’s latest book, Uncle Bobby’s Wedding, earned a starred review from Kirkus.

Happy listening!

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On today’s episode the flexible and observant Loree Griffin Burns talks about how teaching has forced her to dissect her writing process as well as her product which has made her a better writer, how as a teacher she’s embracing the writing process instead of leaning on students’ products and how sometimes the labels we assign to ourselves hold us back from finding out who we really are. Connect with Loree on Twitter @LoreeGBurns and with me @KateNarita.

Homework for October 8th:
Read YOU ARE A READER!/YOU ARE A WRITER!  written by April Jones Prince and illustrated by Christine Davenier.

Loree Griffin Burns generously donated a signed copy of YOU'RE INVITED TO A MOTH BALL to a lucky podcast listener. There are several ways to enter: 1) Tweet or retweet this episode and be sure to tag me and Loree, 2) Go to www.katenarita.com/podcast and make a comment on the episode’s post, 3) Make a comment about the episode on our Chalk + Ink Facebook page; and 4) Become a Chalk + Ink Patreon supporter. Patreon supporters are automatically entered into each giveaway. Each one of these actions is the equivalent of one entry which means people could have up to four entries for each giveaway. In order to enter the giveaway, these actions must be completed by midnight on Friday, October first. The winner will be announced on Friday, October 8th, on the podcast as well as on Twitter and on our Facebook page.

I have a favor to ask, if you enjoy this podcast, please leave a positive review wherever you listen to your podcasts. That will help other listeners find us.

Are you sad summer is officially over? I am. In fact, it hurts to say it aloud. But if you want to pretend that it’s still beach weather be sure to check out Sarah Brannen’s book A Perfect Day and live vicariously through her vivid characters. Thanks so much Sarah for Chalk + Ink’s podcast art.

Thanks for listening everyone! See you in two weeks.

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