The Importance of Repetition
Children, Education, Published, Children's Books Melissa Rooney Children, Education, Published, Children's Books Melissa Rooney

The Importance of Repetition

If you want your kids to digest the information in a book, you have to read it more than once. And it’s always best if you read it *together*. Many teaching styles are based on engaging repetition, including those of well-known Shinichi Suzuki. My hope is that you will approach my children’s books in this way as well.

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See the Ghost: Three Stories About Things You Cannot See
Education, Children's Books, Published, Children Melissa Rooney Education, Children's Books, Published, Children Melissa Rooney

See the Ghost: Three Stories About Things You Cannot See

“Though it is meant to be read by early elementary students, middle-grade students will enjoy reading this book to their younger siblings and classmates, thanks to the clever trickery within its pages. For the same reason, See the Ghost makes a good, non-baby-ish picture book to share with reading-challenged students in middle-school and beyond.”

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Q&A with Amberjack Author Melissa Rooney, Creator of Eddie the Electron
Education, Children's Books, Published, Children Melissa Rooney Education, Children's Books, Published, Children Melissa Rooney

Q&A with Amberjack Author Melissa Rooney, Creator of Eddie the Electron

My Ph.D. advisor urged me to come back to work for him, eventually making me an offer he thought I couldn’t refuse. When I finally admitted that I hated lab work and, by no means, wanted to return to academics, he asked me, insistently, how I was going to put my degree to use. I told him I’ve always wanted to write a children’s book, he gave me a deadline, and Eddie the Electron was born.

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PlayMakers Rep's Production of August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned, Starring Samuel Ray Gates, Is a Gift to Triangle Theatergoers

PlayMakers Rep's Production of August Wilson's How I Learned What I Learned, Starring Samuel Ray Gates, Is a Gift to Triangle Theatergoers

I would listen for two hours to someone reading August Wilson (1945-2005) aloud while sitting in a chair. But to see his writings performed in a one-person play, as if the actor were August Wilson himself? That is a real gift…

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Give your kids the gift of practical STEM education while supporting a Community Public School

Give your kids the gift of practical STEM education while supporting a Community Public School

To help educate the students and school community about the “stormwater control measure” installed on the big playground at E.K. Powe Elementary School (in Durham, NC), I've created a picture book containing before, during, and after photographs with text explaining the reasons and mechanisms behind the changes. Best for grades 4-7, it educates readers of all ages about the importance of sustainable landscaping, collaboration, and grants.

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Thanks, Durham, I needed that! (EK Powe Elementary School Playground Dedication)

Thanks, Durham, I needed that! (EK Powe Elementary School Playground Dedication)

This morning was the dedication of a 3-years-long stormwater-control and playground redesign project at EK Powe Elementary School, on the edge of the Watts Hospital Hillandale Neighborhood in Durham, NC. It is the result of collaboration between the EK Powe PTA and Principal, Ellerbe Creek Watershed Association, Durham Matching Grants Program, Durham Public Schools…

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Sally and the Something

Sally and the Something

Ever since my young son and I checked it out from the Durham Public Library years ago, George O’Connor’s Sally and the Something has been on the top shelf of my children's book collection. With permission from the author, this article contains a video of me reading the book aloud, displaying the delightful illustrations within.

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Public School Use of Covid Funds for Outdoor Learning Should Incorporate Curricula and Sustainability

Public School Use of Covid Funds for Outdoor Learning Should Incorporate Curricula and Sustainability

It is my understanding that Durham Public Schools (DPS) is going to focus a significant proportion of its COVID funding on outdoor learning, and I am thrilled to hear it! However, my 15-years experience with DPS administration is that ‘outdoor learning’ is too often interpreted as benches, gazebos and sidewalks (and maybe a few potted plants), which may provide outdoor seating areas but do not exactly encourage engagement and learning.

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City Budget for Green Programs/Jobs More than Just Lacking

City Budget for Green Programs/Jobs More than Just Lacking

This is the email I sent to Durham’s mayor and city council members today regarding the city budget: I am deeply concerned by this year's city budget's lack of new investment in green jobs, particularly for the Bionomic Educational Training Center (BETC) program and the Impaired Stream Improvement Program (ISIP). In fact, I think it is negligent of the city not to provide substantial funding for these two programs, given that…

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Lesson Plan: Plants and Spring Planting

Lesson Plan: Plants and Spring Planting

Shortly after the Coronavirus quarantine started last year, my elementary-school 'pod' and I did a 4-days plants rotation … So today we planted the seeds of several spring vegetables … All three types of seeds are large and beautifully round, like tiny marbles. Using a ruler, we compared their sizes and found that …

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Regarding Roth IRA's
Sustainability, Education, Money, Relationships Melissa Rooney Sustainability, Education, Money, Relationships Melissa Rooney

Regarding Roth IRA's

If you and/or your working kids haven't contributed to your own Roth IRAs yet, you should absolutely start this year. From the start, you should see it as a retirement investment account, not just a retirement savings account. Roth IRA contributions are taxed going in but not coming out, and you can take these out at any time.

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Edelweiss and Remembering for Both of Us (ReadAloud)

Edelweiss and Remembering for Both of Us (ReadAloud)

Years after the book's release, Charlotte continues her involvement in improving our understanding and communication about Alzheimer's Disease, which her husband suffered before his passing. Remembering for Both of Us is *the* book to give a child (or a parent or grandparent) who has a family member suffering from Alzheimer's Disease or Dementia. Every physician/counselor in the field should have a copy of this book in their waiting room.

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Sustainably 'Wrapping' Your Christmas Presents
Children, Sustainability Melissa Rooney Children, Sustainability Melissa Rooney

Sustainably 'Wrapping' Your Christmas Presents

Here's a great way to get rid of some stuff that’s accumulated in your house, while saving money and reducing your contribution to the 2020 load of Xmas wrapping paper that will soon be stuffing our landfills. It’s also a great craft project for kids of all ages, and you don't have to worry about what to do with your creations once they're finished…

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Fifth Grade Poetry Lesson: Imitating the Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

Fifth Grade Poetry Lesson: Imitating the Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock

#TheLoveSongOfJAlfredPrufrock was my 10YO’s and my literary lesson today (‘Wellness Wednesday’ for virtual public school). It just kinda happened because, as we were leaving the house this AM, K said, "Let us go then, you and I." I have been using this phrase for years to signal to the kids that we are finally leaving. It’s probably my favorite stanza, though I’m adding “Oh, do not ask, “What is it?” Let us go and make our visit”…

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Celebrate the benefits of Musical Education on World Music Day (June 21)
Children, Education, Music Melissa Rooney Children, Education, Music Melissa Rooney

Celebrate the benefits of Musical Education on World Music Day (June 21)

This June 21, musicians of all skill levels and genres around the world will show off their prowess on World Music Day. Founded 38 years ago in Paris, France, the Fête de la Musique is a public celebration of the musical arts that has blossomed into a beloved international event. As it draws near, it's a good time to learn more about the important role music plays in our children's education…

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