Get That Chickadee Feeling

Frank Glew -- Author and Self-Publisher

Section 6: Background of the Author

Overview of Author

Frank Glew was born in Clinton, Ontario, Canada on December 22, 1939. He is fourth oldest of seven children. Frank grew up in a family with lots of love but little of money. During his childhood, he developed a keen love of nature, farming and sports. Hockey was his favorite sport. He played Pee Wee hockey up through to Junior B hockey in his home area.

In school, almost every report card stated that he was not working up to potential. He had a difficult time getting interested in reading during primary school. He thought most books were written for girls and did not interest him. Surviving was more important than school. His grade twelve English teacher, Mrs. Robinson, had a significant influence on him. He developed a love of literature from her outstanding teachings of prose and poetry. He struggled through elementary and high school but excelled at the university level where he found his niche in biology and environmental science. Education gave him wings to success.

His first job as a teacher was in a one room school teaching all grades in an Amish-Mennonite area of Waterloo County. He claims it was the best learning situation a teacher could have. He has taught in Tillsonburg, Toronto, Kitchener, Waterloo and Melbourne, Australia.
Frank was the creator in 1974 of the popular, "Instincts for Survival", an environmental simulation game that is still played in most Outdoor Environmental Programs throughout the world. Students, in a natural setting, play the role of wild animals in a forest, food pyramid. They are identified by wearing coloured vests. It develops empathy for all wildlife and gives you a real feeling for the plight of wild animals. The game is remembered longer by students than any other environmental program.

Frank has taught at all grade levels of education from K-OAC to university. In his 35 years of teaching, he has held the role of teacher, principal, consultant, coordinator and university professor. His main field of expertise is in the area of environmental science education. His thesis was on Values Strategies for teaching Environmental Science Education. He believes in a holistic, integrated, and active and student centered approach to learning. He has practiced these beliefs in a pragmatic way throughout his career.

Frank married Sharon Becker of Clifford, Ontarion and has two daughters, Andrea and Lisa. Sharon is a retired primary teacher (primary and reading specialist) who accompanies and helps Frank during his reading presentatons in schools and at workshops.

Academic Background

BA - Science, English and Sociology
B.Ed. - Environmental Science
M.Sci.Ed. - Environmental Science
Ph.D. - Environmental Science
Teaching - K-0AC, University of Toronto, University of Waterloo and Western University
Consultant in Toronto Bd. of Ed.- Science, Environmental Ed.
Coordinator in Waterloo Bd. of Ed. - Environmental Science Ed. & Outdoor Ed.
Vice Principal, Dandenong H.S. in Melbourne, Australia

Author and Publisher of Children's Picture Books
2001-THAT CHICKADEE FEELING -Canadian Best Seller 6 yr., EFTO 5 star rating picture book
2002-When I Grow Up I Want To Be Just Like My Dog-ETFO rating 5 star
2003-Butterfly Wishes- picture books on the Monarch Butterfly- ETFO rating 5
2005- Samuel’s Most Important Message-addresses the core values of Env. Ed.- EFTO 5 star rating
2006- I Need A Hug - how a giant redwood tree manages to get a hug after 2007 years without one
2007- BOOMer Rules - a reluctant bullfrog becomes a hero of the river for his good deeds
2008- Feed the Good Wolf

Over 20 school boards in Southern Ontario have purchased a copy of the first 4 books for every primary class.
The author has donated more than $45,000 worth of books to Ont. schools from Windsor to Ottawa with the profits.

            Frank has been a keynote speaker at many national and international conferences. He presents 40-50 workshops a
            year to students promoting literacy and environmental science education. His main thrust now is presenting his picture
            books to students in their own school library and spending as much time as possible with his grandson Samuel.

            Recent Experience
         1995 to 1997 - Ministry of Agriculture - writing curriculum and presenting workshops
           1999, 2000 - Professor at U. of Waterloo - taught 3rd & 4th year students, Env. Sci. Ed.
           1999 - Coordinator of Watershed Wanders, a Watershed resource for 10 Bds. of Ed. in the Grand River Watershed.
           The goal was to foster a sense of place.
           1990 to 2007 - Chairperson of TD-Canada Trust Friends of the Environment

Presenter - Reading For the Love of It --- 2005, 2006, 2007

Hobbies - Hockey, Writing, Camping, Birding, Photography, Hiking, Travel, Enjoying his Grandchildren - Samuel,
Kaleb and Kalista who give the reasons to promote a sustainable and safe world for the future.

Contact the Author Here