R. Howard Blount, Jr.        Author

R. Howard Blount Jr. is a fourth generation native Floridian. However, because his parents were missionaries to Latin America, he grew up speaking Spanish as a second language. After earning a B.A. in Elementary Education from Southeastern College, Howard began his career as a classroom teacher with Hillsborough County Schools in Florida. Later he earned an M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida.

Over the years Howard has written numerous theme units, designed a system of portfolio assessment, conducted workshops, served on district committees, and was named a Florida Associate Master Teacher. Howard’s fascination with corresponding with authors led to the publication of his first book, The Address Book of Children’s Authors and Illustrators, which now in its 2nd edition has become his newest book.

In 1998, at the ripe old age of 39, Howard retired from his 17-year career as a public school teacher. Now, in addition to writing, he serves as minister of music at his local church. Howard enjoys playing with his miniature long-haired dachshunds, collecting first editions, playing his extensive CD collection, listening to teaching tapes, and reading. He sidelines as a proofreader, copy-editor, occasional reviewer of children’s books, and travels to speak as an author and educational consultant.


Coming Soon!

The Address Book of Children’s Authors and Illustrators, 2nd edition. Instructional Fair/TS Denison, 1999.

Published Books
The Address Book of Children's Authors & Illustrators : Corresponding With the Creators of Children's Literature by R. Howard Blount, Darcy Myers (Illustrator) Paperback (October 1994) T S Denison & Co;

ISBN: 0513022317     

A comprehensive resource with addresses of over 100 authors and illustrators who will correspond with their readers. Author listings include mini-biographies, photographs, autographs, birthdays, selected titles, e-mail addresses, web sites, and more! Also features forewords by Johanna Hurwitz and Norma Fox Mazer, suggestions for Write-the-Author projects, and reproducible blackline masters. A must for elementary and middle school language arts teachers, librarians, and children’s literature enthusiasts everywhere!

“ . . . it’s a real gold mine.” —Teaching Pre-K-8

“ . . . well organized and presents all the essential facts about writing to authors in a highly interesting way.” —Joan Lowery Nixon

“I enjoyed reading the various biographies and was delighted to find myself in such distinguished company. I have already heard from a of number teachers!” —Eth Clifford

“ . . . visually superior, easy to go through, and has a lot of information.” —Stella Pevsner

“ . . . handsomely done.” —Theodore Taylor

“ . . . a great-looking, useful resource.” —Diane B. Foote, Holiday House


Language Arts Lingo: Glossaries and Flashcards for 200+ Terms. by R. Howard Blount, Good Apple/Simon & Schuster/Frank Schaffer, 1997. ISBN 1-56417-665-7

A compendium of reproducible glossaries containing over 200 literary, genre, book content, and book construction terms, along with removable flashcards that make learning these language arts essentials a breeze. Flashcards feature terms on one side with definitions and authentic examples from children’s literature on the reverse side. The perfect way to turn students from elementary through high school into junior literary snobs and have fun in the process. Suggestions for games included.

“. . . the most exciting and interesting book we’ve ever done . . .”—The Printer


Art Projects Plus: Introducing Art Form, Media, and Technique with Children’s Picture Books. by R. Howard Blount Jr., Martha Venning Webb.   Instructional Fair/TS Denison, 1977.
Reading level: Ages 9-12 Paperback (January 1997)  Instructional Fair;

ISBN: 1568225253        

Over 60 literature-based art projects that use children’s picture books as models for teaching lessons on working with drawing and paint media, paper, collage, prints, and a host of miscellaneous activities. Includes a foreword by Thomas B. Allen as well as exclusive behind-the-scenes articles by other picture book illustrators such as Leonard Everett Fisher, Peter Catalanotto, Matt Novak, Giles Laroche, Wendy Anderson Halperin, Brian Pinkney, Linda Shute, Robert Quackenbush, Hans Wilhelm, and more! The appendices include The Ten Commandments of Teaching Art to Children, Art Curriculum Basics K-6, Picture Books to Take Your Breath Away, and other reproducibles.

Dear Howard—
    I had to drop you a note to tell you how much I enjoy Art Projects Plus. I have never seen a book that so effectively combines a love for literature and a love for art, and then uses all that to get kids excited about both. It blew me away! I will certainly be getting copies for every art teacher (and other teachers) I know. Thanks to you and Martha for all your hard work.
                        Sincerely—
                        Matt Novak


Implementing Literature-Based Instruction & Authentic Assessment. Instructional Fair/TS Denison, 1996.

    ISBN 0-513-02353-4  

The ultimate resource for effectively using children’s literature in the classroom. A user-friendly book written as if you were having conversation with the author over pie and coffee. Offers a wealth of practical suggestions, information, and sequential plans for literature studies, writing experiences, portfolios, Journaling, designing thematic units, literature response activities, author studies, poetry anthologies, and much more. Includes sample activities and reproducible checklists. Foreword by children’s author Gloria Houston

“My personal favorite of all my books!”—Howard Blount

School and Library Presentations

Sessions available for students, teachers, and librarians about conducting author studies and corresponding with authors and illustrators of children’s books via U. S. mail and the Internet.

Workshop and Conference Presentations

Within his realm of experience, Howard Blount will tailor his presentations to suit your needs. Topics include:

• Professional Publishing for Educators (How Teachers Can Get Their Work in Print)
• Children’s and Young Adult Literature
• Literature-Based Instruction
• Authentic Assessment
• Reading and Writing
• Author Studies

Howard Blount has been a featured speaker at BookFest of the Palm Beaches, Frank Hodge’s Let the Reading Begin XII, University of South Florida’s Young Authors Conference, and has done book signing for Instructional Fair/TS Denison at the International Reading Association annual conference.

The Professional Fee is $500 per day plus travel, accommodations, and meals.

Mr. Blount prefers no more than 3 sessions per day. He will be available for book signings.

Books available from:    
Instructional Fair/TS Denison at (800) 443-2976
Good Apple/Frank Schaffer at (800) 421-5565

Overhead projector, screen, and display tables are needed.

Contact

Howard Blount may be reached for scheduling appearances at:

Howard Blount
603 W. Dixie St.
Plant City, FL 33566

813-752-4131

  howardblount@teacher.com

To return to state page click HERE.               07/25/07 date last edited