Instructional Guide - How to Use Books by Mariah Clark Skewes to Enhance Learning

As an independent author, I've had many teachers and speech & language pathologists purchase my books online and at markets and fairs for use in their classrooms and lab environments. It may be because, as a former teacher and school administrator myself, my books carry subtle messages encouraging children's curiosity, determination and perseverance. My stories invite youth to interact with others and with the world around them in positive ways, and to find meaning in life and solutions to challenges.This guide is not a set of detailed lesson plans to supplant the chosen instructional curricula. Rather, it is a support designed to enhance existing materials available to parents, teachers, schools or districts, to further develop children's skills through exploration of literature.Included are suggestions for lessons and concepts to pre-teach; characters, settings and themes for each title; prompts for discussions and writing; and small group and large group activities. This guide is designed to honor the choices and determinations of the professionals who work daily with our children, supplementing with my books as appropriate. I hope you find it useful. Enjoy!