Above is an author presentation that gives a quick preview of the creative and factual work of Steve Jenkins. He is a factual scientific children’s author who has several best sellers with amazing images and ways of depicting facts. A few ways you could use Steve Jenkin’s work in the classroom for science would be to learn about Beetles with his Beetle Book, measurements and true sizes of animals in Actual Size, and how to climb Mount Everest in The Top of the World: Climbing Mount Everest. Teaching these ideas could go with the science TEKS 10 in Kindergarten and 1st grade, 10.A in 2nd grade, and 7 in 3rd grade. These are just a few ways that Steve Jenkin’s books can be a great science tool in your classroom.
I loved that you showed the inside of some of Jenkin’s books. I thought it was interesting that his degree was in art and graphic design, but he writes science books for kids. It reminds me of Joanna Cole (Author of The Magic School Bus) when you explained the techniques Jenkins likes to use. Instead of a lot of humor, like Cole, he uses imagery and playful writing. I wonder if making books by Jenkins and Cole would be a good way to provide very different texts on similar subjects to appeal to different learners.
I really enjoyed your presentation on Steve Jenkins. This was my first introduction to Steve Jenkins and your presentation made me want to check out more of his work! I think his writing is very unique, while also being extremely interesting and informative. His pictures alone are stunning. I think students would enjoy the themes he writes about and find it fascinating that his illustrations are true to the actual size of animals! One suggestion I have would be to perhaps include a video or sound clip of Jenkins reading some of his work, to see how he interacts with the language and images. Overall, your presentation was visually appealing and very informative!