Our local community college held a three-week “Kids Camp this past week.” In the afternoon of the third week, there were two creative writing sessions. I got a call on Tuesday asking if I could help out. Apparently, the writing courses were not to be done simultaneously, and with only one instructor, they were overwhelmed. I agreed to help.
I arrived on Wednesday afternoon expecting there to be a curriculum, supplies, and a plan of action. Instead, I got a stack of ordinary copy paper, nine pencils, and one eraser. Oh, and six kiddos. In talking with them about backstories, I learned one was heading into the 2nd grade, three were heading into the 4th grade, and 2 were heading into the sixth grade.
I began my teaching career in 1971 but spent most of my time at the junior high/high school level. I have never worked with this age group. The course was titled “I AM AN AUTHOR.” So, I have three days to make the statement factual. What do I do?
Thanks to Google, I came up with three writing prompts My Pet Aligator, The Box, and My Super Powers. I gave them a template to write an eight-page picture book and some things they should include. Students were free to choose their topic. They designed a cover, numbered the pages, and then wrote one sentence on each page. Next, they drew a picture related to their sentence. On Friday, they colored the pictures and read their book to the class.
According to the students, they enjoyed the structure of the class. According to the parents, the kids were excited to write, color, and publish (staple the pages) their book. Something is exciting about publishing, even if it is a picture book for and by elementary students. It was fun for me to see the pride each took in their creation.
What is your next creation?
Steven Wilcox 