Maya Angelou interview & Children's Lit. for Author Profile

10/1, Thursday, EDRG 3321
Scholastic website link with Maya Angelou's interview
http://scholastic.com/dreamincolor/africanamericanheritage/maya_angelou.htm?ESP=SMP/ib/20090126/awa/smp_target_bhm_4_5_Lessons_txt2///trlp/tout_txtl////
In class today we watched Maya Angelou and her insight on poetry. Her interview was very interesting, the first thing that I perceived from her is when speaks she speaks about all youth of all cultures and losing them to bad behavior. When she is asked, which poets influenced her? She responds to Shakespeare and the connection she had with a sonnet and her childhood and relating Shakespeare and how did he know how she felt. She felt comfort from that poetry and it was made for her and to heal her.
Something that really jumped out to me is her point of view about American Literature and reading all poets. I was taught on how to dissect a poem and my interest is poetry is practically obsolete growing up.
Author Profile 4: I liked Where the Sidewalk Ends http://www.shelsilverstein.com/play.asp with Shel Siverstein. This is an interactive website for students and teachers and it has a poetry kit to describe some of the basic elements that make up poetry. Siverstein shares many well written poetry books that are cute and simple. His querky poetry on childrens fiction.

Here are 2 of my Children’s Literature book for my Author’s profile.
Author profile 5:
Cleave, J. V. (2004). Scientists Through the Ages. Hoboken, New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons Inc.
Summary: Scientists Through the Ages (2004) has one-hundred eighteen pages of black and white illustraions and gives a brief biography of the scientist, materials used in the experiement, the procedure, results of the experiment and why this is experiment is important. (VanCleave, 2004) introduces scientists and each comparison experiment is based on the scientist’s discoveries.
Age group: 9-10 Grade level: 4-5
Teacher uses: This experimental book is appropiate level for smooth reading and understanable language. There is glossary list of scientific terms and a timeline of scientists in the back of the book for guidance. This book can be a science guide in the classroom and in the lab for experiments. The acitivites are in sync with the scientist and there experiment but a student’s level.
Personal Critique: I found this book very interesting and the experiments easy with everyday materials used in the procedure. I would introduce this book in a science class a good way of observing and inquiry. Students can write in journals or draw a picture about their findings.
Author Profile 6:
Graham, I. (1986). Inventions. East Sussex, S.E. England: Wayland Ltd.
Summary: Inventions (1986) has thirty pages of antique illustrations of ways people communicate. (Graham, 1986) displays important inventions in five subjects of medicine, transportation, electricity, computers, and warfare. The defines people as communicating in spoken or written words and then innovations of printing press, the satellite, the first vehicle and the processing of information.
Age group: 7-9 Grade level: 2-3
Teacher uses: This literature book is an easy read with large print and is appropriately leveled. This book can be used for whole and small group readings with collaborative feedback. There is a glossary with medical and science terminology in the back.
Personal Critique: I found this literature engaging because of each of the inventions. On each page is a vivid picture alongside the introduction of conventional ways to modern times of inventors and their innovations. I would this book in comparison of today’s technology and how it has changed and the advantages of modern technology.