![]() Last week I spent two hours having the time of my life with 34 children from nine to ten years of age. Yes, you heard correctly... :) I have a dear friend, also named Maria, who invited me to meet with her class and another to talk about how writing inspires me. She had already read excerpts of Kylie's Blossoms to her students, telling them that I was an author, a nurse and a professor. I was thrilled to accept this opportunity, yet never expected the positive response I received from the students... really heartwarming and inspiring in and of itself. Here is a shot of me surrounded by some of the most amazing kids on the planet - seriously! These youngsters wanted to hear what I had to say. They were curious yet respectful. Their open minds and hearts made them an ideal audience - I looked at the most adorable sponges before me, absorbing my every word. As such, I took this presentation seriously... I asked initially if anyone in the class had ever thought about writing a book. Imagine my delight and surprise when they informed me that everyone present had written their first book in Grade One. One young lady shared two books she has written since - lovely, self - illustrated collections of poetry. I polled the group and about 50% of those present enjoyed writing. Thinking of the adults I teach and their trepidation with the writing process, I thought this was a fabulous starting off point. I shared the following key points with them to foster their enthusiasm for writing ...involving their active minds as much as possible:
I was impressed with the students' attention span. However, after about an hour, I felt the need to give everyone a short break. Maria was masterful in her selection of an interactive YouTube that got everyone up and dancing...even yours truly! Have a listen and you may find yourself doing the Continental Drift yourself...it's rather addictive, in the best of ways! After this energetic stretch, everyone was ready for my challenge - aka a contest. I gave each student this copy of Mike Friedman's beautiful photograph of sunflowers. I gave everyone about 15-minutes to write either a two paragraph story or a two stanza poem about how this picture made them feel. In case you were wondering, the students were well-versed in the definition of paragraph and stanza. I brought along four autographed copies of Kylie's Blossoms that were awarded to the first four students whose names were pulled out of a box and who were willing to read their work to the class. Opening the floor to Q & A, I could see that my audience had been listening - some had even prepared questions beforehand. Here are some of the questions I was asked... I'm sure there were more that I'm forgetting...
![]() There were a few moments before class was dismissed and some of the students asked if they could also read their stories. We all agreed that each story read was from a different point of view as one youngster summarized for us. I am in the process of writing feedback on each of these brilliant pieces - looking forward to returning them and saying HI to my writing colleagues before they break for the summer. I was touched and honored when some of the students asked for my autograph at the end of the class - as I was the first author they had met. The pleasure was all mine... a time of joy, inspiration and fun that I'll carry in my heart forever. I'm in discussions with Maria to see how I might mentor some of the group who already have a demonstrated passion for writing...more to come, as we refine the specifics. ShoutOuts!Until next week, spend some time in the company of the younger set - it's worth the investment.
Hugs, mar
22 Comments
Kim Thompson
5/25/2016 05:32:59 am
Good Morning Mar
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These students renew my faith in our younger generation. Their eagerness to learn, absorb and participate indicates strong and competent teachers have inspired them to grow. I'm sure this experience with you will be etched in their memories for years to come. Thanks for sharing this wonderful adventure.
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Mike
5/25/2016 11:31:49 am
Hello Maria. It looks like both you and the class had a memorable day. I am sure they will remember their first meeting with an accomplished author.So nice that these kids gave and received in this classroom setting. It speaks highly of your friend Maria as well.
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Sounds like you had a grand time, Maria. I have much confidence and faith in today's "Kids!" Just spending time with my army of grandchildren is more fun & challenge that this old Gram ca handle. They ARE so bright, inquisitive & eager to learn. They also crack me up constantly. I'm impressed with their sense of humor & comfort in relating to adults.
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Dear Maria,
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Oh I'm grinning at the idea of us BOTH doing this adorable dance... I was convinced that 'walking it out like Grannie' was directed at Miss Maria... :)
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Maria Carroll
5/25/2016 06:17:59 pm
Maria, what an awesome summary of a spectacular day! The kids are still talking about it. Some even wrote a few more pieces that they want me to share with you. We will also connect on you mentoring especially one special girl who loves to write. This was a day they will remember forever. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!!! Love, Maria
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Dear "Mrs. Carroll",
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Dear Maria, what a wonderful experience! I studied the picture of you surrounded by students. One can clearly see above average intelligence on the faces of those kids. Because they read, and even write? One can but only wonder what came first: Intelligence or the love of reading/writing?
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5/31/2016 03:36:08 pm
Prof. Mahreer,
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Shauna
6/17/2016 12:54:56 pm
What an awesome experience, Mar! And the kids have to be commended. The questions they asked were well-thought out and showed their interest in writing and what you, as an author, had to say. I'm sure this is an experience you'll remember for the rest of your life.
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