Using the Common Core Standards for Children's Book Writers

Hi gang, instead of the usual picture book teaching review, I decided to make a video about the Common Core Standards for both FICTION and NON-FICTION writers (and teachers). The Standards are part of a long line of interventions trying to make educational systems  more accountable, and more consistent to better prepare students for future success (which mostly seem to be defined here for going to college and getting a job). I have very mixed feelings about Standards and the ways that they seem to minimize the importance of the arts and creativity for future success (which I define as having a meaningful personal/civic life along with financial well-being) and the ways that they seem to ignore very diverse aptitudes, such as those for kids who are more mechanically oriented or artistically inclined (whatever happened to the Multiple Intelligences approach?).

Based on what I'm hearing in forums and conferences, editors and agents are looking for stories that connect with the Standards to increase their marketability. So without further ado, here are my suggestions for using them as a tool and how not to be intimidated by them :)

PS If you like this video, please take 20 seconds and FB like and share with your friends :)