A School Visit Nugget: Content & Theme - Barbara Jean Hicks

from the teaching files of Barbara Jean Hicks

For nonfiction authors, focusing on content that relates to subjects such as science or social studies is a no-brainer. But many picture books and children's/YA novels, too, can have science and social studies curriculum tie-ins.

In addition, picture books and novels are likely to have themes appropriate to the emotional and social development of children and teens. Social/emotional growth is as much a part of the educational process as intellectual growth, and teachers and administrators welcome assemblies that address important issues in this area.

Think about your book as a pick for a children's or teen's book club, for example. What questions do you raise that you want your readers to think about and discuss?

Science/social studies tie-ins: Is your story set in a historical period that students in your state are studying at particular grade levels? (Think the Native American novels of the late, great Scott O’Dell.) Or does it take place in a period of significant social or economic change? (Think Purple Daze by Sherry Shahan.) Does your book have a scientific bent, perhaps based on observation of natural phenomena like Joan Bransfield Graham’s books of poetry, Flicker Flash and Splish Splash?

Thematic tie-ins: Does your picture book address themes such as schoolyard bullying (The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill), fear and friendship (my own Jitterbug Jam) or celebration of diversity (my I Like Black and White )? Can your novel be used to start a discussion about the reasons for teen suicide (Jay Asher’s TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY)?

The themes we are passionate about are the ones that end up in our books. Communicating that passion in person to the audience we write for is one of the joys of making school visits!

TO THINK ABOUT:

1) Does your book lend itself to content area study in disciplines such as social studies or science? Google your state’s academic standards for science and social studies and notice what content is covered at which grade levels. Consider how your book might support student learning in those areas.

2) Does your book lend itself to thoughtful consideration of themes important in the lives of children and teens? Make a list of the themes addressed in each of your published books and/or works in progress and consider how you might use those themes to develop a program or workshop.

3) For those of you experienced in school visits, how have you shared the content of your books in ways that supported school curriculum? What themes from your books have you addressed in a presentation that perhaps led your audience to think or act in new ways? Share with us!