I received a call from the librarian of a local prep school asking if I could help a group of students ranging from kindergarten through fifth grade to learn how to write an original story. It sounded like a challenge to me, especially the kindergarten part. We got together to work on the details, and came upon the crazy idea that we could get each student to write their own book. She was willing to enlist the support of parents and other school personnel to accomplish the task.
What we planned as a six week project turned into a twelve week affair, with several hurdles appearing as we worked along. The biggest was – you guessed it – kindergarteners. They can't write yet! At least not well enough to fill a book! The librarian and I simply asked them to tell us the story and we wrote it for them. But the illustration was left up to them! They all did an amazingly credible job.
With patience we persevered, and completed the project with ninety three students creating hard bound books, all colorfully illustrated and beautifully written. Students saw their works for the first time at a year-end celebration a few days before the end of the school year. What joy could be seen in their faces as the read their own book, as well as those of their friends. And more joy was seen on the faces of the proud parents.
My librarian friend and I were amazed at our accomplishment!
Relevance?
This experience made me realize that when a young student writes a book all by themselves, they are changed for life. Many still see me around town and say with a big smile, "Do you remember me? You taught me to publish a book, and I still have it!" Some have written more stories since then, and are excited to share them with others.
Since that experience I have taught young leaders, some special needs kids, and some special needs adults how to use their imagination, create a story using standard story structure and rules, and how to put together the whole thing in a manner that a publisher might really be interested in printing.
What we planned as a six week project turned into a twelve week affair, with several hurdles appearing as we worked along. The biggest was – you guessed it – kindergarteners. They can't write yet! At least not well enough to fill a book! The librarian and I simply asked them to tell us the story and we wrote it for them. But the illustration was left up to them! They all did an amazingly credible job.
With patience we persevered, and completed the project with ninety three students creating hard bound books, all colorfully illustrated and beautifully written. Students saw their works for the first time at a year-end celebration a few days before the end of the school year. What joy could be seen in their faces as the read their own book, as well as those of their friends. And more joy was seen on the faces of the proud parents.
My librarian friend and I were amazed at our accomplishment!
Relevance?
This experience made me realize that when a young student writes a book all by themselves, they are changed for life. Many still see me around town and say with a big smile, "Do you remember me? You taught me to publish a book, and I still have it!" Some have written more stories since then, and are excited to share them with others.
Since that experience I have taught young leaders, some special needs kids, and some special needs adults how to use their imagination, create a story using standard story structure and rules, and how to put together the whole thing in a manner that a publisher might really be interested in printing.
Relevance? Oh, yes!
Even our more subtle requests from life can touch lives, blessing both the person receiving the request (you) and those at whom the request is directed.
Even our more subtle requests from life can touch lives, blessing both the person receiving the request (you) and those at whom the request is directed.
