Especially For Educators

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Welcome to the Christian Authors Network (CAN) Educator Page.

We so appreciate your influence on the next generation of godly men and women. We are thankful to the teachers who helped us become writers, and we want to help you nurture young readers and writers. That is why Christian Authors Network is committed to helping educators (teachers, administrators, school librarians, and homeschoolers) with all their writing goals.

Whether you are a teacher at a Christian school, a public school, or a homeschool, you may occasionally struggle to find quality reading material that will enhance the learning experience and get kids and teens excited about reading and writing. You may also need some additional teacher resources. CAN would like to help.

We can give you tips on teaching writing to teens, how young children can use more powerful words in their writing, and how to plot a story. We can also provide reading lists of books that are appropriate for students. And we can help you raise funds through author book sales at your school. On this page you can find helpful articles, book recommendations and excerpts, as well as links for contests, special events, and information about CAN authors who are available for school visits.

Christian Authors Network offers you the following services:

Thanks for taking an interest in great books and for taking the time to check out CAN.

Educators Page Contents

Articles

CAN author Kathi Macias loves to write, and she can help your students learn to love it too!

I Love to Write . . . and You Can Too

By Kathi Macias

For as long as I can remember, I have had a love affair with words. I was one of those students who spent every spare minute reading, and when I ran out of books, I started writing my own. In fact, when I was in the third grade one of my stories was turned into a play, which my class then performed for our parents and teachers at a PTA meeting. From that moment on, I was hooked.

My husband, whom I've known since we were six years old, still remembers the day we were walking home from junior high and I confidently announced, "I'm going to be a writer when I grow up." Now he says I'm the only person he knows who actually followed through on my childhood dream, as I have published 17 books of my own, and ghostwritten and/or collaborated on approximately 100 others, as well as numerous articles, short stories and poems.

But what about the majority of students who don't share my enthusiasm for words, those kids who would rather go to the dentist than be forced to write an essay? Let's focus on how to teach kids to love-or at least not fear or hate-the process of writing, rather than spending more time drilling them with the dry rules of grammar and punctuation. Let's face it, the majority of your students are not going to become published authors, but at the very least, all of them need to be able to pass the essay portion of their SAT tests. That's where my writing workbook comes in.

THE TRAIN-OF-THOUGHT WRITING METHOD: Practical, User-Friendly Help for Beginning Writers is not a book about proper grammar or punctuation, or how best to choose the voice or set the scene for the great American novel. Countless books adequately covering those very subjects are readily available everywhere, not to mention the many classes and conferences and seminars that supplement those books. But if you want to help your students learn how best to take their thoughts and dreams and put them into clear, compelling, readable manuscripts, then my writing workbook is just what you need to accomplish your goals. I have personally seen the train-of-thought writing method help so many new writers, from middle-school students to adults, learn to organize, write, and polish their work in a fun, hands-on way that is both visual and practical, that I wholeheartedly and unreservedly recommend this excellent writing method.

Julie Carobini, author of more than 100 published articles, as well as the new novel Chocolate Beach from Bethany House, says of this writing method, "My first published article came as a result of what I learned using Kathi Macias' train-of-thought method." In addition, author and educator Susan Stewart wrote in her review of my book, "Author Kathi Macias' method of turning thoughts into cohesive writing is a great tool for those trying to help reluctant young writers move down the track."

Though this user-friendly workbook is less than 100 pages in length, it is full of easily understood examples and easily applied exercises, all of which can be worked through individually or in a group setting. With relatively little expense and almost no props, this workbook can lead to a fun experience that makes students feel as if they are involved in an enjoyable pursuit of their own choosing, rather than slogging their way through yet another mandatory assignment. Best of all, once the very basic and simple components of this writing method are learned, organizing and writing an essay on nearly any subject becomes second nature and, therefore, non-intimidating. When students feel comfortable with a project, rather than intimidated and inadequate, they not only perform better but often find themselves enjoying the process.

Though I originally wrote this book with the idea of selling it to aspiring writers at conferences, I have since learned that my focus was too small, as I now receive feedback from readers of all ages and from all over the country.

One 85-year-old reader from California asked me, "Where was this book when I was going to school? I always had lots of ideas in my head, but I could never figure out how to put them on paper."

A mother from Florida recently came up to me at a writers' conference where I was selling the workbook and said, "I home-school my teens and bought your book, hoping it would help them with their writing. Now they're acing all their writing assignments-and loving it!"

A high school senior from Iowa wrote, "I just finished using your book to help me with my assignment, and I got my first A in creative writing. I used to hate writing assignments. Now I can't wait for another one! I should have started using your book a long time ago."

Proper grammar and punctuation is important, and I would never discourage anyone from learning it. But if our goal is to help students move from being intimidated by writing assignments to actually anticipating them, then we need to provide a fun, practical, visual way of doing it. The train-of-thought writing method fills the bill.

To order THE TRAIN-OF-THOUGHT WRITING METHOD: Practical, User-Friendly Help for Beginning Writers, go to any of the following websites:

Though it is possible to teach the general concept of this writing method by employing just one book per teacher/classroom, it is more likely that students will apply the concept to future writing assignments if each has a book to write in and keep for personal reference. Therefore, if you are interested in large group orders/discounts, please email me directly at: ezyrtr@comcast.net

I believe you will find my workbook to be a helpful tool in your quest to teach your students to enjoy putting their words on paper for others to read.

Author Interviews

An Interview with Jeanne Gowen Dennis, author of Matt's Fantastic Electronic Compusonic

What inspired you to write Matt's Fantastic Electronic Compusonic?

Video game addiction is becoming a national epidemic. I saw this happening with friends and relatives-both adults and children-several years ago. I thought it was important to draw attention to the problem in a humorous way, so I wrote the book. By reading about the havoc caused by Matt's obsession with his video game, readers can see the dangers of video game addiction in a fun way.

How do you see video games influencing children?

The children I have observed who spend a lot of time playing video games have a difficult time leaving the games alone. They fight over getting their turns. They make excuses not to turn off the games, and they readily disobey their parents in order to have more time to play. For some children, video games consume every spare moment of their lives, to the exclusion of active play and healthy relationships.

Video games also seem to dull the thinking of players, much like obsessive television watching does. Critical thinking and discussion of life issues is replaced with discussions of the obstacles the players have to overcome or the characters they have to kill in order to win the game.

You end the book with 1 John 5:21, "Dear children, keep yourself from idols." Is idolatry really a problem for today's children?

I think idolatry is a problem for just about everyone in America. Anything or anyone who takes the place of God in our lives is an idol for us. Americans are consumed with things-clothing, music, games, and other possessions. Children have a great deal of money to spend (or for their parents to spend), and they are targets of intense advertising, to which they readily respond. They are easily swayed, and they want to have everything their friends have.

Children can also become idols unto themselves. This happens whenever they put their desires above obedience to God and the needs of others. Matt's Compusonic talks about idolatry in a gentle, humorous way-by showing what can happen when a person's love for something gets out of hand. Questions at the end of the book help to put everything into perspective. They would be good to use for classroom discussion.

How can a video game become an idol in a child's life?

A videogame can become more important to a child than God. Granted, children are just beginning to understand who God is and what He expects of them, so He may not yet have first place in their lives. But video games are training children during the years when they are forming their ideas about life, morals, God, and their proper relationships with Him and other people. Their tender minds and hearts should be nurtured in the ways of God, not in the ways of the world. Even Christian video games are usurping the role given to parents by God, which is to train their own children to know, love, and serve Him.

How do you hope the story of Matt's Compusonic with benefit readers?

I hope readers will either learn to limit their video game playing or give it up altogether. In exchange, I hope they will live more active, exciting lives and develop vibrant, loving relationships with God.

What advice would you give to parents in their efforts to help their children avoid or overcome addictive behavior?

Teach them self-control. Give them time limits, and if the children exceed the time limits, then take away the privilege. Also, if you see aggressive behavior, fighting, or other negative behaviors increasing when children have been playing video games, take away the privilege for a time. Make sure that the punishment in proportion to the offense. I also recommend having certain days and/or weeks when no videogames or television are turned on. Replace that time with fun family activities. If children see how much fun real life can be, perhaps they'll be less inclined to waste their time playing the games.

How can parents help their children learn to keep God first?

The best ways is by example. When children observe their parents putting God first, it will help them to develop similar priorities. The Christian life is an exciting, though often difficult, journey. We serve the wonderful Creator of the universe, and that should fill us with contagious joy. When our love for Him spills over onto our children, they can't help but respond.

Matt's Fantastic Electronic Compusonic is a humorous picture book for ages 5 and up.

Book Recommendations by Age and Subject Reading Levels

AGES: 0-7
Tricia Goyer 10 Minutes to Showtime

AGES 5 AND UP
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Matt's Fantastic Electronic Compusonic
Karen Whiting Family Devotional Builder

AGES 8 AND UP
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Attack (Strive to Survive)
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Deadly Expedition (Strive to Survive)
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Escape (Strive to Survive)
Jeanne Gowen Dennis My Time with God 2
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Trapped (Strive to Survive)
Susan Marlow Andrea Carter and the Dangerous Decision
Susan Marlow Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home
Karen Whiting God's Girls 1
Karen Whiting God's Girls 2
Karen Whiting Family Devotional Builder
Karen Whiting The Beatitudes

AGES 12 AND UP
J.M. Hochstetler Native Son, The American Patriot Series, Book 2
Jill Nelson Reluctant Burglar Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Alliance
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Encore
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Masquerade
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Passage
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Reveal

TEENS, YOUNG ADULTS
Jeanne Dennis Marta's Promise
Sharon Dunn Romance Rustlers and Thunderbird Thieves
Sharon Dunn Sassy Cinderella and the Valiant Vigilante
Sharon Dunn Cow Crimes and Mustang Menace
Sharon Dunn Death of a Garage Sale Newbie
T. Suzanne Eller Real Teens, Real Stories, Real Life
Tricia Goyer Arms of Deliverance
Tricia Goyer Dawn of a Thousand Nights
Tricia Goyer From Dust and Ashes
Tricia Goyer, Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom
Tricia Goyer Night Song
Jeanette Hansome Dragonfly on My Shoulder
Jeanette Hanscome Good-Bye to All That
Jeanette Hanscome Want More? Joy
J.M. Hochstetler Native Son, The American Patriot Series, Book 2
Maureen Lang Pieces of Silver
Kathi Macias Train of Thought Writing Method
Jill Nelson Reluctant Burglar
Virginia Smith Just As I Am
Karen Whiting Secrets of Success for Women: Time

TEACHER and GUIDANCE COUNSELOR RESOURCES
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Homeschooling High School
Kathi Macias Train of Thought Writing Method
Karen Whiting Secrets of Success for Women: Time

SUBJECT AREAS

BIBLE, CHRISTIAN LIVING, CHRISTIANITY
Kacy Barnett-Gramckow The Heavens Before, The Genesis Trilogy, Book 1
Kacy Barnett-Gramckow He Who Lifts the Skies, The Genesis Trilogy, Book 2
Kacy Barnett-Gramckow A Crown in the Stars, The Genesis Trilogy, Book 3
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Attack
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Deadly Expedition
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Escape
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Homeschooling High School
Jeanne Dennis Marta's Promise
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Matt's Fantastic Electronic Compusonic
Jeanne Gowen Dennis My Time with God 2
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Running Barefoot on Holy Ground
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Trapped
Sharon Dunn Cow Crimes and the Mustang Menace
Sharon Dunn Death of a Garage Sale Newbie
Sharon Dunn Romance Rustlers and Thunderbird Thieves
Sharon Dunn Sassy Cinderella and the Valiant Vigilante
T. Suzanne Eller Real Teens, Real Stories, Real Life
Tricia Goyer Arms of Deliverance
Tricia Goyer Dawn of a Thousand Nights
Tricia Goyer From Dust and Ashes
Tricia Goyer, Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom
Tricia Goyer Night Song
Jeanette Hansome Dragonfly on My Shoulder
Jeanette Hanscome Good-Bye to All That
Jeanette Hanscome Want More? Joy
J.M. Hochstetler Native Son, The American Patriot Series, Book 2
Jill Nelson Reluctant Burglar
Gayle Roper Allah's Fire
Virginia Smith Just As I Am
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Alliance
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Encore
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Masquerade
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Passage
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Reveal
Jeanette Windle Mystery at Death Canyon
Jeanette Windle Secret of the Dragon Mark

LANGUAGE ARTS
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Homeschooling High School
Kathi Macias Train of Thought Writing Method
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Alliance
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Encore
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Masquerade
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Passage
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Reveal

SOCIAL STUDIES
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Attack
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Deadly Expedition
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Escape
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Homeschooling High School
Jeanne Dennis Marta's Promise
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Trapped
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Homeschooling High School
Jeanne Dennis Marta's Promise
Tricia Goyer Arms of Deliverance
Tricia Goyer Dawn of a Thousand Nights
Tricia Goyer From Dust and Ashes
Tricia Goyer Night Song
Jeanette Hanscome Good-Bye to All That
J.M. Hochstetler Native Son, The American Patriot Series, Book 2
Maureen Lang Pieces of Silver
Susan Marlow Andrea Carter and the Dangerous Decision, Circle C Adventures
Susan Marlow Andrea Carter and the Long Ride Home, Circle C Adventures
Gayle Roper Allah's Fire
Jeanette Windle Cave of the Inca Re (Parker Twins)
Jeanette Windle Captured in Colombia (Parker Twins)
Jeanette Windle Jungle Hideout (Parker Twins)
Jeanette Windle Mystery at Death Canyon (Parker Twins)
Jeanette Windle Race for the Secret Code (Parker Twins)
Jeanette Windle Secret of the Dragon Mark (Parker Twins)

SCIENCE
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Homeschooling High School
Jeanette Hanscome Good-Bye to All That

HEALTH
Jeanne Dennis Matt's Fantastic Electronic Compusonic (videogame addiction)
T. Suzanne Eller Real Teens, Real Stories, Real Life
Tricia Goyer, Life Interrupted: The Scoop on Being a Young Mom
Jeanette Hanscome Good-Bye to All That
Virginia Smith Just As I Am

MATH and COMPUTERS
Jeanne Gowen Dennis Matt's Fantastic Electronic Compusonic
Jeanette Windle Race for the Secret Code

THE ARTS
Tricia Goyer Night Song
Jill Nelson Reluctant Burglar
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Alliance
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Encore
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Masquerade
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Passage
Sarah Anne Sumpolec The Reveal

CAN Authors Available for School Visits

Shelley Bates
Shelly Beach
Laurie Barker Copeland
Terry Burns
Jeanne Dennis
Jeanne Gowen Dennis
T. Suzanne Eller
Judy Gann (presentations and book talks)
Louise M. Gouge
Tricia Goyer
Jeanette Hanscome
Marilyn Hilton
J.M. Hochstetler
Maureen Lang
Susie Larson
Kathi Macias
Susan Marlow
Gail Gayner Martin
Carla Williams
Cyndy Salzmann
Karen Whiting
Gayle Roper
Maureen Schmidgall
Virginia Smith
Sarah Sumpolec (middle school and high school)

 

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