According to the ReFoReMo Facebook Page, I am not the only participant who had trouble keeping up with the reading. I'm just the only one who whined about it incessantly.
This project brought up a lot of interesting points about picture books and picture book writing. Because it was done in a blog format, there was a limit to how deeply each point could be discussed. Before starting another picture book, I'll try to go through my ReFoReMo "notebook" and perhaps go try to pursue a few of the subjects addressed. I also wonder if go over this material again might be useful before trying to write a submission letter.
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| Sitting down to read Easter present |
The Notebook
What follows are my 21 ReFoReMo notebook entries, which include links to the original ReFoReMo posts and lists of the books I read for this project.
Day 1. Using Repetition
Day 2. Fresh Concepts
Day 3. Back Matter
Day 4. Theme
Day 5. "How To" Books
Day 6. Tough Subjects
Day 7. Second-person Point-of-View
Day 8. Strong Beginnings and Endings
Day 9. Using Dialogue to Create Voice
Day 10. Picture Book Biographies
Day 11. Universal Themes
Day 12. Seeing Things Through a Different Perspective
Day 13. Concept Books
Day 14. Writing Out Picture Book Texts
Day 15. Common Picture Book Themes and Formats
Day 16. Interactive Books
Day 17. Inspiring Creativity
Day 18. Board Books
Day 19. Longer Picture Books
Day 20. Writing With Economy
Day 21. Character Transformations
I can see how doing all the research would be helpful- but definitely exhausting. Congratulations on making it through. :)
ReplyDelete~Jess
And there were many more books I couldn't get in time to read. Many people must have read much than I did.
ReplyDeleteI hope ReFoReMo was valuable for you, Gail. The way we designed it, the blog posts keep the education free & public for anyone to access at any time. Those desiring more in-depth discussion are encouraged to join the Facebook Group. Participants are welcome to start a discussion about the discoveries or questions they have along the way. After viewing some of your notebook notes, it sounds as if you may have some of your questions answered by discussing them with the community we set up, rather than the public. So, please come on over. :) For example, after viewing your comments on Day 10, the poetry in language may not mean the words rhyme or are classified as poetry, but instead that the economy of words and precise word choices made the words sing. I know others would love to chime in with you as you search for more meaning... all in the spirit of being positive and respectful of the time our contributors gave, of course. And this business if very subjective, of course. Deep learning happens when we are able to look at education from the professional perspectives of those that are knee-deep or up to their necks in it. Great job doing your best to establish a consistent mentor text habit and research the meaning behind the craft elements. We hope it is something that will stick with you forever and you will trust yourself to veer off of our list and into other examples that might branch into each category. Happy continued reading and research!
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you, Carrie. Great point about poetry in language. That was something I took way too literally.
ReplyDeleteThanks for running ReFoReMo. I'll look forward to next year's project.