A couple days ago, I got a phone call asking me to take part in a Young Writers' Day for grades 3-12, hosted by Keystone College. I came recommended by an acquaintance who described me as 'flexible and good with kids.' Would I consider taking charge of a break-out session with an unknown number of third graders? My initial thought was, Who, me? What could I possibly tell 8 and 9 year olds about writing? It's not like I'm a real author or anything. But the caller was persistent, and eventually I agreed to read the workshop's agenda and consider the possibility.
So let's just assume I am the right person for this. What can I bring to a bunch of kids eager to write the next Captain Underpants? I guess I could share their feelings as they look at putting their ideas into words. Like them, I am intimidated and confident, exhausted and energized, completely overwhelmed and totally in the zone. Sometimes all in the same day.
I think I would also be TERRIFIED, but at the same time, that is an age that if you give them something sort of fun to work on, they will never know there is anything wrong. Very basic plot design... Main character, motivation, conflict, resolution... write a story! Could be sort of fun!
ReplyDeleteGood luck with it!