Reading and Writing

I've been working in quite a few schools in Georgia these past few months and I've met so many dedicated teachers and students.

It's amazing to me how many teachers are hungry for tools to help their students improve in the craft of writing. It is equally thrilling to watch students use the tools of writing to create beautiful poems, engaging information pieces and intriguing stories. Each day adds to my understanding about how students learn, think and synthesize. It also humbles me as I realize that girls and boys, ages 5-11, can convey so much meaning in so few words.

At the very end of October it was my pleasure to visit St. Martin's Episcopal School in Atlanta. Their media specialist, Molly O'Brien, asked me to speak with all students (preK-grade 5) writer-to-writer. It was an author's dream. First of all Molly planned the day so students would receive as much one-on-one time with me as possible. We chatted about books, the joys of writing, the difficulties and the craft. We laughed and we posed questions that made us think. At lunch I was fortunate enough to meet with a dozen conscientious writers from all grade levels. Again we had a vibrant discussion that revolved around their writing. After school I met with teachers who wanted to know more - how to help students self-select writing topics, how to encourage revision, and how to help them stay focused on one idea. Here is the bulletin board that Molly designed to build interest before my visit.

My day at St. Martin's was glorious. Why? The students were excited to meet the author of many books they had read. They, as writers themselves, had serious questions. Each group had an hour with me - time to build a writerly relationship. And it was organized. Ahhhhh,
nothing pays off like the hard work done behind the scenes. I thank Molly for that. It was a seamless day of enthusiasm and inspiration.