Another Blessing and Answered Prayer 5/24/2007 6:24:26 PM
What an amazing experience as an author. I was invited to speak to a fourth grade class by my friend, Tracey. Her daughters (she has two) school was having a Writing and Reading All Day event. I was introduced to the class by Tracey as a published author and their neighbor. Some of the children gasped, or said “awe!”
I engaged them with some questions which they were eager to respond. Then I read a couple bits of my book. They were so excited and even the boys, who had said they liked mostly mystery and adventure, said they want to read the story. The whole experience was truly wonderful. Then….
Almost two weeks later the teacher contacted me to see if I would do a workshop for the children. Wow! How cool. Although I had only started a new job the previous week it was no problem taking time to do this for the children. I had never done this before, but it was a wonderful experience.
The children were so excited and they asked some good questions. I spoke about writing in general and the way I like to write. We discussed ideas for a story, then they settled down in quiet time, with soft music the teacher uses when they go into writing mode. After a time we (the teacher and myself) had them stop writing their stories, with promise they would have time later to finish. I then asked if they liked poetry and liked to write poetry. I was surprised at their positive responses. They even mentioned learning about haiku. They truly amazed me. I read them one of my own favorite poems, with much applause following. The most important part of my message to them was encouraging them to write.
The kids amazed me, and I am sure I gained more from the experience than they did. I am so thrilled to have had these opportunities, and feel very blessed.
