Whole Group Writing - Opinion

Whole Group Writing - Opinion

I had a great time with my kids beginning our journey with the writing process.  I used my writing prompt "What Flavor Would You Be?" with some modifications.  I wasn't happy that I couldn't use the Adobe file directly on the Smartboard, but that didn't stop me.  I captured the image with the camera icon and moved it to create a file on the Smartboard.  I did change the topic for my prewrite, My Ultimate Bowl....  The kids could identify with my favorite bowl of ice cream and we talked about changing the topic to something more specific so we wouldn't write about the same thing.  I emphasized the importance of just getting ideas on the screen.  It worked out wonderfully.  I purposefully misspelled some words and just wrote phrases to show the kids the importance of just getting the ideas ready for writing.   It worked!

 I have decided to create a full size display of our group writing for a reference when we continue to write with the opinion genre.

 

Pictured below is our prewrite:

Inspiring Kids to Read, Write, and Illustrate!

You can support my blog by purchasing e-books, items, and writing prompts from the following:
Teachers Pay Teachers - http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Jeremy-Cole
Jeremy Cole Books - http://www.jeremycolebooks.com/Store.html
E-Books from
Nook - http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-boy-who-cried-ug-jeremy-cole/1112439624?ean=2940012535788

Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/The-Boy-Who-Cried-ebook/dp/B004IEABE4

http://www.amazon.com/The-Delightfully-Delicious-Dilemma-ebook/dp/B00BIB2K1W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1378335630&sr=1-1&keywords=the+delightfully+delicious+dilemma

Ibooks - https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-boy-who-cried-ug!/id468470884?mt=11

Managing the Writing Process in the Classroom

Managing the Writing Process in the Classroom

I am a visual person!  We have been in school for a couple of weeks in Georgia and I was excited to return.  I was eager to try one of my writing prompts to begin opinion writing.  I began by teaching the writing process through modeling as a whole group.  I started my year with "What flavor would you be?", but I focused on the children's favorite flavor.  I changed my topic a little to "My Ultimate Bowl..." (You can download my prompt from Teachers Pay Teachers for just $1.99.)
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Jeremy-Coles-Writing-Prompt-What-Flavor-Would-You-Be-724994
As we started our writing journey as a class, I found that the children were working at different paces and I has to come up with some way to manage where each child was in the writing process.  I recycled a hallway display and placed it on my metal cabinets with magnets.  Because I am visual, I can look at the cabinet and easily see where each child is with the writing process.  Some of the children are more motivated that others, but the fact that they have to move their name on their own helps them to self evaluate.
Others have used charts and clothes pins with names.  Hey, whatever works for you and your class.  Just don't forget to write.
Inspiring Kids to Read, Write, and Illustrate!

Ice Cream - What Flavor Would You Be?

Ice Cream - What Flavor Would You Be?

I finished my fourth writing prompt for Teachers Pay Teachers today!  "What Flavor Would You Be?" is a question that is often asked by a fellow author, Eric Simmons when he attends book signings.  Eric Simmons wrote the book, We're All Ice Cream.  I'm Just a Different Flavor.  I used his story this year with my students to "spring board" my writing prompt, and the students produced wonderful written works.  It is an awesome example of a fictional narrative for children! 

Eric and I have attended a couple of book signings with our families and he always amazed me with his approach.  "If you were an ice cream flavor, what flavor would you be?", he asked approaching readers.  He never failed to follow up with, "Have your seen Jeremy's book?"  Many times he promoted me just as much as he promoted his own work. 

Eric Simmons is not only an imaginative author, but a great friend, husband, and father who thinks of others before his thinks of himself.
http://www.amazon.com/Were-Cream-Just-Different-Flavor/dp/0615419666

This writing prompt is dedicated to Eric Simmons,...


PS- What flavor would I be?  I would be a scoop of mint chocolate chip, a scoop of chocolate, and a scoop of butter pecan, because I am a little NUTTY!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Jeremy-Coles-Writing-Prompt-What-Flavor-Would-You-Be-724994

Jeremy's The Delightfully Delicious Dilemma E-book and Reader's Theatre Script Releases from Teachers Pay Teachers

Jeremy's The Delightfully Delicious Dilemma E-book and Reader's Theatre Script Releases from Teachers Pay Teachers

Please follow the link below to check out Jeremy's newest e-book release, The Delightfully Delicious Dilemma.  The fie also includes a reader's theatre script for teachers to use in the classroom as well.

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Delightfully-Delicious-Dilemma-E-book-with-Readers-Theatre-Script-721796

Should Kids Work on School Work During Summer Vacation?

Should kids work on school work during summer vacation? 

Free Writing Prompt - http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Jeremy-Coles-Writing-Prompt-The-Encounter-535949

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Jeremy-Coles-Writing-Prompt-The-Encounter-535949

As a teacher and parent I am curious as to what others think about this topic.  Whether you are a teacher, parent, administrator, or home school teacher, I would like your opinion.  Is there a balance as to how much we should expect from our children over the summer?  What if your child is gifted, or your child needs work in a certain area?  Should we push our children all summer to catch them up, keep them where they are, or continue to enrich them?  How do we battle regression?  Should kids work on school work during summer vacation, or should they just have the summer off?

After some thought, here are some tips for parents who may want their children to complete some academics over the summer.
1.  Clearly identify what you want to accomplish.
You are leading your child over the summer vacation, not the teacher.  Make sure you have a specific goal in mind that you would like to accomplish over the summer.  Whether you want to enrich, maintain, or remediate, you must keep the end result in mind.  What do we need to accomplish?

2.   Be realistic!
 I recommend starting with the calendar, and looking at your child's daily schedule.  Block out all of the holidays, vacation days, and days when family members are visiting.  You can't expect your child to work on school work when the family is at a special event or on vacation.  Also, look at the time that you have left to work with your child.  Is the goal you originally came up with realistic?  You may have to extend your plan into the beginning of the year.

3.  Keep it fun! 
Summer is supposed to be fun.  Don't throw a workbook or worksheets at your child and tell them to just get them done.  Do some research and find some games that your child can play over the summer.  There are many websites that have games that are free.  Our school system has a learning program that is website based that students can still access over the summer.

4.   Evaluate first,...? 
Yes, evaluate the situation first.  If you are already headed toward a stressful situation as a parent, you may want to hire a tutor to help with any needs that your child may have.  You may not have the time or resources to help your child reach their summer goal, but a tutor (a teacher needing money over the summer) is the professional.  You can find a tutor now, meet with them, and discuss the needs that your child has.  Come up with a plan for success.  It's different when a tutor assigns your child work and practice over the summer.  It may be worth the money because the tutor could bet better results.  You can also establish a relationship with a tutor now and can continue tutoring if need arises during the upcoming school year.

5.  Consistency is key! 
Keep your child on some sort of schedule.  If you are wanting to accomplish some academics, consistency is important.  Yes, there will be some off time and some late nights, but you can keep a schedule that is somewhat of a routine and will help your child reach their academic goals. 

I hope these tips will help with your debate with summer school work.  I look forward to seeing some of your responses.  Be sure to have a safe and restful summer!

Writing Prompts for the Classroom!

Melissa Mickey Malohney's Miraculous Morning Moustache

Could you imagine waking up in the morning to find out that you grew a moustache overnight?  Kids need interesting things to write about.  Please check out my new writing prompt at www.teacherspay teachers.com.  Click on the link below!

Today has been a crazy day!  I have been busy most of the day finishing up a writing prompt lesson plan for classroom use.  It is available through Teachers Pay Teachers.  I believe it is well worth the $1.99!  I appreciate all of the feedback from friends who helped me get to this point. http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Jeremy-Coles-Writing-Prompt-Morning-Moustache-720856

Free Printable Coloring Book for The Delightfully Delicious Dilemma

Free Printable Coloring Book for The Delightfully Delicious Dilemma E- Book

This is The Delightfully Delicious Dilemma printable coloring book that you can print from home. I just wanted to offer up some free stuff to generate some interest in my most recent release.
http://www.jeremycolebooks.com/uploads/DDDCB1.pdf
http://www.jeremycolebooks.com/uploads/DDDCB2.pdf
http://www.jeremycolebooks.com/uploads/DDDCB3.pdf

The Plan,...

The Plan,…

Many people have been asking how to help with raising the money necessary for my mother in law's antirejection medication for her liver transplant.  Below will answer that question.  You can read more by joining my Facebook E-Book Release Group.
Thanks, JC

How can you help?
1.  Invite all of your Facebook friends to my group: The Delightfully Delicious Dilemma - Jeremy's New E-Book Release

https://www.facebook.com/groups/171110299702876/

2.  Buy the e-book… (It’s only $1.99)  You can purchase the e-book at Amazon.com!  Even if you don’t have a Kindle, you can download Kindle PC to your computer or mobile device for free.  Here is the direct link to my e-book.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Delightfully-Delicious-Dilemma-ebook/dp/B00BIB2K1W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361458408&sr=1-1&keywords=the+delightfully+delicious+dilemma

3.  If you haven’t purchased my first e-book, The Boy Who Cried Ug!, go to my website and purchase it for any reader!  It’s only $0.99.  All products from my website and Teachers Pay Teachers will be part of this.
4.  Get the word out and let other people know.

 

My New E-Book, The Delightfully Delicious Dilemma

My New E-Book, The Delightfully Delicious Dilemma

With your help I can be a best selling author and illustrator once again with my new release. Well, here it is! They finished the final version last night. I downloaded and purchased it this morning. The $1.99 price is because of the file being large due to my illustrations. This was a decision of Amazon, not me. The e-book turned out great and is only accessible through Amazon and Kindle for 90 days. This is an exclusive I am trying with Amazon, and I will release it to other e-book retailers after May 20th. I will be creating an event on Facebook to promote my e-book release because sharing on Facebook is my number 1 marketing tool. Remember that I don't have a marketing expert or publisher to support me, but I still compete with the big name companies. I am expecting this to do well with a fan base that is picking up in Japan and England. If you know of Amazon Prime members, please share this with them. They can borrow the book for free, and I will get a royalty from Amazon as well. The e-book is also in the Lending program, which is great for marketing. Part of my royalties will be used as a fundraiser to help with the cost of medications needed following my mother in law's, Teresa Dyer, liver transplant. Thank you for your help and support. Without my fans I would not be where I am today.

 

http://www.amazon.com/The-Delightfully-Delicious-Dilemma-ebook/dp/B00BIB2K1W/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361458408&sr=1-1&keywords=the+delightfully+delicious+dilemma

My New Release,...Maybe Soon!?

My New Release,...Maybe Soon!?

Update:  Yes, I am on winter break, and I need to rest!  Here's my most recent update on the release of my next book, The Delightfully Delicious Dilemma.  I have submitted the file to Amazon Kindle and it has been approved!  I am now waiting for the processing (Final Publishing) to be completed to begin sale of my e-book.  I do not have any plans at this time to put it in print.  I have enrolled my new release exclusively with Amazon Kindle for 90 days!  It will be part of their Lending Program World Wide and sold only from Amazon and Kindle.  I like to sell my e-books for 99 cents to gain exposure and publicity, because I am still a relatively unknown author and illustrator.  Unfortunately, I was required to list my new release for $1.99 because of the size of the file.  There are a lot of colorful illustrations! 

After the 90 days I will be submitting the title through other e-book retailers and through Teachers Pay Teachers.  The version sold on Teachers Pay Teachers will also include a Reader's Theatre script to use in the classroom.  I will be posting more information as it progresses.

Many of my family, friends, and fans know that I am completely on my own in this, except for the support from my lovely wife.  I do everything on my own at home: writing, illustrating, formatting files, etc..  I do not have a media company or marketing expert backing me.  That's why I can offer my e-books at such economical prices.  I rely on all of you to get the ball rolling through Facebook and other social media.  I hope I can count on your support and that things will go well.

Blessings,

JC

Promoting Author Study on Teachers Pay Teachers

My Blogging Audience,

Please share this with any kindergarten/first grade teachers you may know.

Thanks,

JC

Dear Fellow Educator,

Recently one of the kindergarten teachers at my school told me that my book, The Boy Who Cried Ug!, would be perfect for a compare and contrast activity with The Boy Who Cried Wolf!  She stated that she was always looking for activities to meet the common core standards.   I came up with a couple of ideas and put together an author study that you may be interested in purchasing.  Please visit this link at the teachers pay teachers website. 

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/The-Boy-Who-Cried-Ug-Author-Study

I also have activities that are free!  I will continue to post writing prompts that correlate with the common core standards.  Thank you for your time!

Thank You,

Jeremy Cole

There is no greater calling than to serve your fellow man.

Free Stuff!

Free Stuff!

Hey one of the best ways to market yourself is "FREE STUFF!", so check this out at Teachers Pay Teachers!

http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Jeremy-Coles-Writing-Prompt-The-Encounter

Likes on Facebook,...Really?

Likes on Facebook,...Really!?
Believe it on not there are many benefits to attracting people to your business Facebook page and liking it.  There are several articles in social media that describe benefits such as: more interactive users, e-mail promoting list, free advertising, and the possibility of your page going viral on the web.  The bottom line is this: 
You want people to Like your Facebook page!

Why do I do this?  First and foremost I have my vision of "Inspiring Children to Read, Write, and Illustrate...".  This doesn't come easy or cheap.  It's necessary to make a profit.  It takes time!  You won't make a bunch of money all at once.  Do the research.  The market is very competitive and the percentage that you receive from publishing is pennies. 

Let me give you an example:  I sale my e-books currently for 99 cents.  I get a minimal percentage of that sale.  The key is going viral!  My dream is to be debt free.  Like ever American I am struggling in this economic time.  To become debt free I would have to sell: 650,000 copies of an e-book.  Yikes!  If your in this for the money, this may not be for you.  However, if I have one of my books go "viral" , it's a whole other story.

Quick Tip for Authors and Illustrators:  Have your website and social media structure ready to go before the release of your first publication.  I would encourage you to do it yourself because of cost, but the enemy is time.  Like most you will encounter, you will be working a full time job, raising a family, and have community obligations.  Where would you find the time to keep up with all of the media hype?  Weigh the cost of someone else keeping up with doing it against how much time you could devote to your craft.

Moving Forward!

Moving Forward!

One of the most important aspects of being a writer and illustrator is keeping the momentum going.  I am about the release my next book, The Delightfully Delicious Dilemma, as soon as things are finalized with my publisher.  Just because I have another book ready to release, does not mean that I should stop production. I need to keep moving forward.  I am now focusing on my third book, the sequel to The Boy Who Cried Ug!.  I am further along than what I thought.  I have 6 pages done with plenty more to go.  This will be the longest e-book that I have created in terms of illustrations.  I have included a picture of my planning panel on the wall of my studio.
Quick Tip for Writers and Illustrators:   Have a space in you home designated to complete your work.  You need a space that you can leave your work and come back to it at any time.  I see my stories like scenes in a movie.  I complete a "dummy book" a quick sketch of the story. Usually the "dummy book" is made up of 8-10 pages of copy paper folded in half and staples.  I make revisions time and time again to the "dummy book" to make sure it flows.  Once I am satisfied with what I have, I begin planning my e-book through quick drawings and sketches better that before.  I will often write notes next to my drawing which may include quotations, onomatopoeias, figurative language, story patterns, etc.  I then move on to final drawings and polishing my writing.  Then the real work begins!

TAXES! Don't Go Into Your Shell!

TAXES! Don't Go Into Your Shell!

Sorry!  I said that I would talk about taxes yesterday and I was distracted.  Who would blame me?  Who really wants to talk about taxes?  When it comes to royalties and running a business, I have learned that the most important thing is keeping expenses separate from your personal account.  I have been doing this for two years and this year I am going to incorporate jeremycolebooks.  There are so many tax write offs for LLCs. 
Quick Tips for Authors and Illustrators:
1) Keep organized...Be sure to organize your expenses and receipts according to categories.  If you have a home office, this means utilities as well. (office supplies, art supplies, technology, phone, utilities, entertainment (meetings), etc...  Don't throw any receipts away.  You never know what you can write off and receipts are your proof.
2) Have a separate checking and savings account for your business.
3) Make sure that you have a great accountant.  I have been filing taxes with the same person for years.  He already has all of my information for my personal and business.  As long as he is affordable, it makes the process easier.
4) Show a profit in your 3rd year.  I have shown consecutive losses two years in a row because I have invested a lot of my personal income.  If your publishing isn't picking up a substantial profit by the third year, you may want to rethink your business model or consider something else.  You may have to change your approach with your business end.
5) Pay taxes on substantial gains on a quarterly basis.  You don't want to get hit with a big IOU to the IRS!

The Delightfully Delicious Dilemma

The Delightfully Delicious Dilemma

http://www.jeremycolebooks.com/Books.html

I am to the point with things that I am just about to go ahead and release my next e-book.  The e-book has been done for a while and would be easy to convert over to a print publication.  I have a real talent with overdoing something or rethinking things too much.  When I released my first e-book, I was just having fun.  I didn't have to worry about anything because I didn't have anything to lose.  Now that I have a website, fans, reputation, supplemental income, success, etc... BLAH! BLAH! BLAH!...I worry about losing what I have established.

Don't ever lose sight of why you are writing or illustrating.  I was blessed to be very successful with my first e-book to the point where I am scared of failing.  It's easy to get caught up in all of the ideas other people have or promises that companies may make you.  It can take away and distract you from your talents.  Focus and do what you were designed to do.

Quick Tip for Authors and Illustrators:  Don't get caught up in all of the hype, keep focused!
 

The Importance of a Website - Celebrating 10,000 Hits

I haven't been blogging for a while because of various personal reasons, but I have realized the importance of my website and directing traffic to my website.  We are celebrating 10,000 hits at jeremycolebooks.com.  In two years I have learned lots and my website has been and will continue to be a valuable marketing tool.  I am going to be more frequent with my blogs.  This year I plan on accomplishing more in my publishing than I have in the past two years.  Tomorrow I will talk about TAXES!

Quick Tip:  Have a simple inexpensive website up and ready to go before you release your first book.  Your website needs to be your central location of all marketing and connections to everything else.  Have whatever social media you are connected to point back to your wesite.  When you are ready for a pro to take it over, you will already have a fan base.  10,000 going strong, not too bad.

Marketing,...UGh! UG!

Marketing,...UGh! or UG!

This is the worst part about publishing!  Like most authors and illustrators, I just want to draw and write.  That's the easy part.  This is the tough stuff, MARKETING.  I tend to let this side of the business go and people don't hear from me for awhile.  Fans will tend to lose interest.
I had to postpone the illustration for the 500 Ug! Fan Club to take a break and being autographing materials.  Be sure to join the 500 UG! Fan Club at my website www.jeremycolebooks.com.  This will be your last opportunity to get a copy of a second edition.

Quick Tip for Authors and Illustrators:  Come up with a way to connect with the world around you.  Because of the internet, it's a global market.  Hey, I have a fan base in Japan thanks to Facebook and the internet.  Don't forget, when you come up with a plan, you have to have the time and resources to maintain it!  Best of Luck! - JC

500 UG! Fan Club Update...

500 UG! Fan Club Update...
500 UG! Fan Club Memberships are selling,... These will be the last of the second edition!  I need to finish this print! (Included in the membership) Be sure to visit my website, jeremycolebooks.com for more informaiton on how to join.  I will post updates of the print during the day today.

   

  

 

 

GOAL! 2013

GOAL! 2013

Have you joined my 500 UG! Fan Club? - Click Here!

2013 is about vision and goals at jeremycolebooks!  I have been successful with two years in the publishing business, and it's time to crank it up and start making some serious profit.  My vision with jeremycolebooks is simple and impacting:

"Inspiring kids to read, write, and illustrate!" 

 

The main goal for jeremycolebooks this year:

"To reach as many people as possible about jeremycolebooks!  To inspire as many kids as possible to develop their talents of reading, writing, and illustrating!  Inspire kids to use the gifts that they have been given and blessed with."

 

Of course, I have other goals that go along with this business, but I firmly believe that if I stick to my vision, the rest will come.  Don't forget to write those goals down!

Quick Tip for Authors and Illustrators:  Many "wanna be" authors and illustrators come to me wanting to know how to publish.  It's very simple: GET THE STORY DONE!  Most of the people who approach me, don't even have there story written or illustrated yet.  Most of the time it's an idea, or they just started on their idea.  Writing and illustrating the story is the easy part.  If you can't get that done, you might as well "hang it up".  There is no reason to go through a summary of the entire process of publishing, unless you have your story completed.  Currently, I am consulting two authors of completely different genres.  When I talked to them both, we started with the basics: "Have you completed the story?"  One of the authors already has a paperback version of his book.  We are focusing on the next step.  The other author:  It gave him focus and direction.  He is realizing that he is just getting started.  Simply put:  GET THE STORY DONE!