Frances Schoonmaker - The Last Crystal Trilogy, Writing Techniques, and Research Practices. This is episode 430 of Teaching Learning Leading K12, an audio podcast.

After teaching elementary school for a dozen years, Frances Schoonmaker directed the graduate elementary and middle school teacher education program at Teachers College, Columbia University for nearly twenty years, drawing heavily on children’s literature and storytelling. Publications for children include five books in the Sterling Poetry for Young People series and Growing Up Caring, Values And Decision-Making (Glencoe/Macmillan).

Frances draws on her background of growing up in rural Oklahoma to furnish vivid details of place and context. As a child she was fascinated by stories told by pioneer grandparents and exploring the remains of the dugout where her mother was born. In The Black Alabaster Box she makes room for both fact and fancy.   

Schoonmaker has taught, lectured, and consulted internationally. She holds degrees from The University of Washington; George Peabody College, Vanderbilt University; and Teachers College, Columbia University. Upon retirement she was awarded the title of Professor Emerita. She resides in Baltimore, Maryland with her family.

The Last Crystal Trilogy is historical fantasy for middle grade/young adult readers and anyone who loves an adventure. A recipient of The Agatha Award, author Frances Schoonmaker, an educator of 25 years, shares insightful coming-of-age messages while she spins an amazing tale that helps young readers appreciate history when imagining other eras.

The multi-dimensional story spans 100 years and two world wars, starting on the Santa Fe Trail in 1856 and ending on the famous Santa Fe Chief train in 1946.

None of the children in the trilogy have ever heard of the Last Crystal or its life-giving water until they are drawn into a magical quest to save it. History comes to life as they face life-threatening circumstances and have to decide whether they will take action or cave into despair.

 “A theme in this coming-of-age story is that there are some things only a child can do because children can imagine possibilities that adults fail to see,” says Schoonmaker.

You are going to love this interview!!!

Thanks for listening.

So much to learn!

But wait...

Check out Jeff Ikler's new podcast - Cultivating Resilience: A Whole Community Approach for Alleviating Trauma in Schools. It is a podcast series that showcases thought leaders, school leaders, and mental health providers who are working to lessen the devastating impact of the trauma that students bring with them through the schoolhouse doors. (Click on the title of the podcast to go there.)

The holidays can be a particularly stressful time of year if you don't have a plan. Well have I got the solution for you! 

Join my friend Lynn with  "Connect.Flow.Grow." in her launch of...

Stress Less Holidays!

 Lynn will teach you how to evaluate your stress and develop a plan to reduce it.

Learn more about Stress Less Holidays and join by clicking on this link 

Stress Less Holidays

...the link will take you to where you can find out more information and sign up…

Could you do me a favor? Please go to my website at https://www.stevenmiletto.com/reviews/ or open the podcast app that you are listening to me on and would you rate and review the podcast? That would be Awesome. Thanks!

Have you been wanting to tell your story on podcasts?

Podcasts are a great way to grow your personal and business brand.

Kitcaster specializes in developing real human connections through podcast appearances.

If you are an expert in your field, have a unique story to share, or an interesting point of view-- it’s time to explore the world of podcasting with Kitcaster.

Go to https://kitcaster.com/tllk12 or go to my webpage at https://stevenmiletto.com/sponsors click on the Kitcaster logo to apply for a special offer for friends of Teaching Learning Leading K12.

Ready to start your own podcast? Podbean is an awesome host. I have been with them since 2013. Go to https://www.podbean.com/TLLK12 to get 1 month free of unlimited hosting for your new podcast. 

Remember to take a look at NVTA (National Virtual Teacher Association) The NVTA Certification Process was created to establish a valid and reliable research-based teacher qualification training process for virtual teachers to enhance their teaching and develop their ongoing reflective skills to improve teaching capacity. NVTA is an affiliate sponsor of Teaching Learning Leading K12, by following the link above if you purchase a program, Teaching Learning Leading K12 will get a commission and you will help the show continue to grow. 

Don't forget to go to my other affiliate sponsor Boone's Titanium Rings at www.boonerings.com. When you order a ring use my code - TLLK12 - at checkout to get 10% off and help the podcast get a commission.

Oh by the way, you can help support Teaching Learning Leading K12 by buying me a soft drink (actually making a donation to Teaching Learning Leading K12.) That would be awesome! You would be helping expand the show with equipment and other resources to keep the show moving upward. Just go to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/stevenmiletto

Thanks!

Have an awesome day!

Connect & Learn More:

https://fschoonmaker.com/

https://www.instagram.com/fgschoonmaker/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/331259.Frances_Schoonmaker

https://www.facebook.com/fgschoonmaker/

https://twitter.com/fgschoonmaker

https://www.linkedin.com/in/frances-schoonmaker-2a249425/

[email protected]

Length - 01:07:37