Book Description

In July 2018, a small class formed with the idea to teach children about writing...more specifically, how to write creatively. For this class, there was less emphasis on "proper writing style" (spelling, grammar, etc.) and more focus on using ones imagination with their writing. Though spelling and grammar were addressed, they were just not the central point of this class. The class consisted of five young ladies, all eager to participate, but also a bit nervous about trying to put down their thoughts on paper. Each class had activities that are intended to allow the writers to look at their world differently and then be able to write about it in a way that can express their thoughts, entertain or educate, or to spread awareness about something or someone. IN school, children are usually taught the mechanics of writing - punctuation, grammar and spelling, as well as the shapes of different types of narratives. However, often time constraints don't allow for children to be taught just what it is to be awriter. To know the thrill of the idea that emerges as if from nowhere, the hours spent searching for the right word for the job, the anxiety and anticipation of having our work read and the gratification of receiving feedback from someone you haveaffected simply by the way you arranged words on a page or screen.That part of writing is something that has to be discovered rather than taught. So to offer children that opportunity, to learn for themselves the joys of creative writing, this was something that could not be passed up. The idea was to not onlygive the children an introduction on how to flex their imaginations and put it down on paper, but to also put it all together for this book.No matter your age, seeing your writing on the printed page is a thrill. Perhaps that thrill is greatest for the youngest of writers, as they feel acknowledged and proud of their work and the fact that someone has decided it's good enough to share with the rest of the world.The talent and imagination of young people is a joy to see and encourage. They have clever fictional stories to tell, touching personal stories to share, and voices that should be heard. As teachers we can give children the tools and skills to becomewriters, but the more challenging step of helping them discover the writer within, is that creative leap only they can make.