This morning I had the pleasure of going to my daughter's class to kick off a "How-To" book writing project they are just beginning. I had no idea what I was going to say before I arrived but I knew something would come out. I miss teaching in so many ways and it always rushes back to me when I get to do something like this. My daughter was my trusty photographer. It is fun to see things through her eyes.
So a "How-To" book is the perfect subject for me to discuss. I shared how I plan and make lists and brainstorm and create and finally, how I write. I often don't work in a linear fashion so I tried to be as organized as possible when I described how my How-To books come to life.
I shared my watercolor paintings,
my many sketch books,
how I pick yarns and scribble out patterns as I knit and how these chicken scratches become pictures and patterns in a book.
In light of poetry month at my daughter's school she gave me permission to share this poem she wrote and shared with me this morning:
If I Were in Charge of the World
If I were in charge of the world,
I'd make sleepovers everyday,
Candy at school,
And soda in the living room.
I'd have dessert every night,
No one would copy,
And everyone would have a cool talent.
There would be water slides in school,
The poor would be wealthy,
And human beings would be called "friendly beans."
School would only be for an hour,
Rain forests would be kept safe,
And water fountains would be filled with root beer.
The End.
If only she were in charge...
best, susie