ABC and 123: A Learning Collaborative: Rip the Page: Adventures in Creative Writing

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Rip the Page: Adventures in Creative Writing

Update:  This giveaway is now closed.  The winner has been chosen by Random.org

"Brandy said...
My daughter is gifted in language and would adore this book! She gets so giddy over word play and is constantly writing creatively. Thank you for this chance!"

Enjoy!
April is National Poetry Month.  Poetry is one of those creative writing ventures that you can't just teach with a simple 1, 2, 3.  There are many formula type poems: Bio Poems, Haiku, Acrostics, Limericks, and more.  Yet, quality poetry requires a different way of thinking, looking at the world, and honestly reflecting on it.

True poetry requires word play, imagination, open ended questions, and plenty of blank pages for words to roam.  Rip the Page! provides just what writers of all ages need to turn on their creative writing brain.  Karen Benke, an experienced teacher of poetry, has put together an exciting resource for writers who are willing to explore.

My first grader and I have spent many April evenings diving in to the adventures offered on each page of this "Just Do It" book.  I would never describe myself as a creative writer, but I will tell you what this book makes it fun!  We started with the first exercise in the book, an open ended statement, "I Write with..."  It was exciting to see Gavin begin to think beyond his pencil and paper.

Another exercise encouraged us to name each of our fingers and toes.  It was interesting to watch my son thoughtfully consider what each one of his fingers should be named and why.  Since I have never named his fingers as pointer, ring man, and pinky he really had no schema tying his imagination down on this one.

Rip the Page encourages vocabulary and word experimentation in a way that is zany and entertaining.

As writers work their way around the book they are encouraged by notes from famous authors such as Annie Barros, Lemony Snicket, and Patricia Polacco.

According to the press release for the book,
"The exercises in Rip the Page! aren’t designed like a school assignment or extra-credit composition. They’re meant to amuse and inspire your child, showing him or her how fun and freeing creative writing can be even when it’s not being graded. Benke, who has led creative writing workshops for children for sixteen years, knows what kinds of prompts excite her students and how to get their pens moving."
This eye catching, engaging book would be a wonderful addition to any classroom.  With a very reasonable price it would be a nice gift for your favorite teacher during Teacher Appreciate week or as a year end gift. for ordering information, additional reviews, and a workshop possibilities check out Karen's site.



We are pleased to be able to offer one of our readers a copy of the book thanks Shambhala Publications, Inc.  Leave a word or two of your own in the comment blank to be entered to win. 

There is no special consideration necessary for entry, although we would love if you would also take a moment to vote for ABC & 123 on the list of TOP 25  Homeschool Blogs or if you would look us up on facebook!

We will use Random.org to select a winner from the comments below after entry closes on May 1 at 10PM EST.

20 comments:

  1. Love it! I can't wait to check this out.

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  2. This look like so much fun for budding writers, thanks!
    Karen
    Sippy Cup Central

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  3. My daughter is gifted in language and would adore this book! She gets so giddy over word play and is constantly writing creatively. Thank you for this chance!

    thelacy4 at windstream dot net

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  4. My daughter would really enjoy this book! Thanks.

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  5. This looks like a fun resource I could use with my kiddos at home and school! Thanks for sharing!

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  6. This sounds like an interesting resource! Sometimes it's difficult to get our beginning readers to think beyond the box!

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  7. I have been looking for some fun writing ideas. Thanks so much for sharing.

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  8. I love this concept of teaching poetry. I will be getting it ready for next year. Thanks!

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  9. This sounds like a really neat resource!

    jberrec at gmail dot com

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  10. This looks like so much fun! I think my kids would enjoy it.

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  11. Great book! I'm keeping my fingers crossed to win!

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  12. How wonderfully fun! I follow you on facebook and have voted for you too! Thanks for the opportunity!


    Andrea
    Drewlove1234@yahoo.com

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  13. This would be a fantastic addition to my library of homeschooling resources! Thanks for a great opportunity!

    alklong at hotmail dot com

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  14. This looks like a great book! I think it would be just the thing to get my reluctant 11 year old to write.

    lilypotterknits at gmail dot com

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  15. This looks like a GREAT resource! I'd love to add it to my collection!

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  16. I feel like I could benefit from this in teaching my girls since creative writing did not feel like a strong point of mine in school. Thanks for the chance!

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  17. I've been meaning to pick up this book. I can't wait to check it out!

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