NEW Handouts!! I’ve posted a new book-group guide and creative writing workshop handout for The Dragon of Never-Was. I’m happy to devise something tailored to the needs of your class or group, or to help devise activities to draw reluctant readers and kids for whom English is a second language…drop me a line through the Guest Book on this website and let me know what you need or suggest ways to improve what’s already here.

PDF Download a PDF of the Dragon of Never-Was Book Group Guide (68kb)
PDF Download a PDF of the Dragon of Never-Was Creative Writing Workshop (148kb)

Make and Fly Your Own Wyvern Kite

I’ve added a downloadable for a dragon kite activity that can be used in conjunction with either book, or in celebration of spring, Chinese New Year, or a science unit on wind.

The kite uses inexpensive, readily available materials, and is small enough to be “flown” indoors. The miniature kite activity is appropriate for kids ages 8 and up, and could be done with slightly younger kids with the help of an adult or teamed with a class of older kids as “kite buddies.” If you make this kite or any other dragon kites with your class, send me photos and I’ll be happy to post them when the site is next updated.

Hearty thanks to Glenn Davison of Kites Over New England for coming up with this great design. Glenn is the author of a book Kites in the Classroom, and has his own website, http://www.kitingusa.com.

PDF Download a PDF of the Dragon Kite Activity (72kb)

Hatching Magic Book Group Guide

I devised these book group and workshop handouts to help teachers and librarians use Hatching Magic in the classroom and in reading outreach programs in libraries. I'd love to hear how these worked for you, if you've used them, and welcome suggestions for additional activities (to make a suggestion, please sign my guest book).

This handout is designed to help guide a discussion with young readers who have already completed the book on their own, or perhaps had portions read aloud to them in a classroom setting. More advanced readers could use these questions as a springboard for their own independent book group, perhaps with a teacher or other adult sitting by but not leading the discussions.

PDF Download a PDF of the Hatching Magic Book Group Guide (1.2mb)

Creative Writing Workshop

This handout uses Hatching Magic to encourage aspiring writers (ages 9-14) to create their own imaginary creatures, to write new scenes using the characters in the book, and to gain some insight into how the creative process works.

PDF Download a PDF of the Hatching Magic Creative Writing Workshop (1.1mb)

Design Your Own Dragon

Intended to engage kids whose preferred form of expression isn't verbal, this workshop provides an opportunity for non-readers to express their creativity in drawings, 3-D media, and even recorded sound.

Download a PDF of How to Build Your Own Dragon (70kb)

Just for Fun

Don’t miss the printable goodies—tattoos, magnets, stickers, and bookmarks—under "Just for Fun."

Dragon graphic
© Copyright , Ann Downer credits