Teaching

New Release: Prompt Me Reading Log & Analysis

This last school year I took on a new endeavor: homeschooling two elementary kids. Overall, it went really well, but there was one area of frustration. My kids hated answering lists of questions and didn’t always want to discuss the chapters they’d read. My solution? I wrote a book.

Prompt Me Reading Log & Analysis by Robin Woods

Drawing on my two and a half decades of classroom experience teaching literature–I came up with several prototypes using my kiddos for guinea pigs. Don’t worry no harm came to any children. ;o)

My kids both love making lists and drawing pictures. So, I incorporated what not only my children like, but also what worked in my high school classroom.

There’s room to log 10 books chapter-by-chapter. And, you never have to chase a bunch of papers around! All their notes stay in this easy to use workbook.

Prompt Me Reading Log & Analysis by Robin Woods | Sample pages

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New Release! Prompt Me Romance

I’m super excited to announce the release of Prompt Me Romance. This creative writing workbook and journal is clean enough for teens but sophisticated enough for adults. Whether you are just starting out or have a string of published books, there is something in here for you. All new photo prompts, first person, third person, fill-in-the-blank, master lists, and much more.

I was thrilled when it debuted on Amazon’s “Hot New Releases” and may have done a really awkward dance in my living room (but there is no way to prove it–all video mysteriously “disappeared”). So check it out. I have samples and a freebie master list below. Enjoy!

Here is a peek at what’s inside. (more…)

New Release! Prompt Me More

I am thrilled to announce the release of my ninth title, Prompt Me More, the second Prompt Me Workbook and Journal. My life has been a whir of activity and this has been the perfect creative outlet. I hope you enjoy the prompts–I have a special affection for the photo and dialogue prompts in this book.

Well, there is no more need for preamble. Here’s the info you have been waiting for:

This workbook is sophisticated enough for adults and clean enough for teens.

If you want a little sneak peek at what’s inside. Here’s a graphic. Your favorites have returned, along with some new sections. (more…)

Book Review of Prompt Me

I received my first blog review of Prompt Me: Creative Writing Workbook & Journal by romance writer and teacher, Brooke E. Wayne. Read the review here. So exciting!

Or view it on Amazon here. Blessings!

Photo: View After Work

I work all day in a classroom without windows. When I walk out the back door after work, I am greeted by this view–and sometimes it almost takes my breath away.

“Breaths before Twilight” by Robin Woods
No filter

Writing: Symbolism of Flowers

Adding Depth to Writing and Understanding

I am currently preparing to teach The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Before I begin the unit, I spend some time going over the symbolism of flowers (and colors), since Fitzgerald beautifully threads this information through his novels. I tell my students that this will help them understand the literature with more depth. If you are a writer, why not go for that added layer of meaning?

Commence with the Wooing (fanning self)

Then, I address the boys and say, “Gentlemen, take special care with this information. I am helping you woo women. Giving a girl flowers is one thing, choosing specific flowers and being able to tell your intended why–is priceless.” [insert girls giggling and sounds of agreement here]

Older Meanings Rock!

I have gathered the meanings and symbolism over the years and compiled them on this list. Most of the meanings listed are from older texts, especially from the Victorian Era, thus some of the meanings have changed in recent years (I blame the florists), but I stick with the older meanings.

This is one of the many charts in Prompt Me Romance: Creative Writing Workbook & Journal This workbook is clean enough for teens and sophisticated enough for adults.

Downloadable PDF for private use: Symbolism of Flowers

Want more resources? Check out the Prompt Me Series on Amazon.

amazon.com/author/robinwoods

FAN QUESTION: What Have You Taught?

I noticed in your bio that you are a teacher. What classes have you taught?

Anonymous

I have taught several different subjects, but English is the most prevalent on my resume (and my true love, theatre a close second). Here is a list, most recent on top. 🙂

1. British Literature*
2. American Literature*
3. Shakespeare
4. World Literature
5. Life Skills
6. Beginning Drama
7. Advanced Drama
8. Old Testament
9. Speech

*=10 or more years

I have also taught seminars on theatrical makeup and aromatherapy…not together 😉

You can probably see a few influences in my writing, eh?

Teaching: Convo in Class

A Convo in Class

This is a funny little exchange that happened in my senior English class this morning.

[Student A walks in on a test day for the 2nd time this year (No, I’m not exaggerating)]

Me: Wow! You’re here today.
Student A: Yes, and it’s your fault, I can’t get behind anymore. [grumbles]
Student B: Wait, I thought you were a ground hog. You wake up see if is a test day and go back to bed.
Student A: [Looks back and forth between us and drops head to desk]

I just wish I had said the witty line. 🙂

Names have been removed to protect the guilty. Ha.