Dolores Said:

Writing kids books.How do I find out, #of words, #pages, words for age, etc.?

We Answered:

First, join a writers group for children's books. You'll meet editors and writers who'll know all this.

Here's a list of writers groups, also check search engines:

http://shallabizness.blogspot.com/2006/0…

And get a book on writing children's books.

Good luck!

Shalla

Eileen Said:

Does anyone think that Glenn Beck writing kids books seems a little weird?

We Answered:

Didn't Madonna write a children's book? Now that's weird to me.

Eleanor Said:

Are kids even taught penmanship/joined writing any more?

We Answered:

I'm from the "old school" you know; if you don't do the work you fail; and they mark you "failed"? That school.
In the 1960s I learnt cursive because it was standard across the globe. What happened in the early seventies started a revolution in education that was not good for the pupil. Not good at all.
Up to this time I've seen poor education becoming the standard and I've witnessed many Universities "lower" their standards in order to fulfil their quota for a viable student body.
In the past four decades the notion of Reading Writing and Arithmetic plus a second language has taken a shellacking. The basics of education have been eroded in increments throughout the last 35 to 40 years. What we have today is a "politically correct" pablum of poor ethics/morals, and an overly sensitive view of the lazy, or innept pupil.
The past year I've read two seperate articles on just this subject; cursive writing. What both articles stated is that cursive writing seems to be going the way of the Dodo bird. Very few students in High School or in the universities are "able" to write in a legible and cursive form. The computer and the typewriter seem to be the main culprit for it's demise.
Furthermore (that is what's next has nothing to do with cursive writing) but furthermore the texting and the computer has changed the phoenetics of the English language as well as simplifying the spelling of our language. This simplification is so predominant that the language skills of the current generation has suffered and our written word is being reduced to the level of a grade two classroom.
I understand time and space (space on a textmessage) are limited but for heavens sake if you've got something to say? Say it properly or don't bother at all.
A little extra effort never hurt anyone.

John Said:

Laura and Jenna Bush are writing a book..... are we trying to make our kids stupid?

We Answered:

Smile. I completely agree with your point of view on Bush dynasty. Pathetically low IQ, hereditary alcohol addiction and painfully obvious desire for spotlight. Pretty sorry excuse for an American family. By writing these stories however, they are trying to show kids that no matter how limited your mental capabilities are, you still can write a book...

Bernice Said:

Good ideas for kids writing a mystery story?

We Answered:

You should think of ideas yourself - that's half the fun! Have a brainstorming session with your friend and just come up with random, crazy things that could happen. None of it even has to go into the story, it just helps the juices to flow.

Good luck!

Regina Said:

Good Essay Writing - How Do You Ensure That Your Kids Write Quality Essays On Their Own?

We Answered:

Clarity, content and confidence are the 3C's of good essay writing. Training kids in this system will ensure that they write quality essays on their own.

Some points:
1. Ask them to think about the answer to the question asked, and summarize it into a basic thesis (in their own words).

2. Elaborate this thesis into 3 specific reasons or points that would form the structure of the essay.

3. Write the introductory paragraph with a summary of the thesis and a brief outline of arguments to follow.

4. Write the 1st paragraph extending the introduction with evidence to support the arguments. Most of the main points (crux of the argument) would fit into this part as 1 or 2 paragraphs.

5. The essay ends with a reinforcement of the introduction and the body. It restates the main thesis very briefly and makes a logical connection of the parts to the whole.