Itching to Write

I do a lot of substitute teaching. There just isn't a lot of time to write right now.

The other day I was teaching sixth grade. The read-aloud book as Fablehaven, by Brandon Mull. I had, of course, heard of this novel but had never read it. I had some free time during the school day and picked the book up and was instantly drawn into the story.

Not only that, but as I immersed myself in the book, I started salivating with creative juices. I felt myself itching to work on my newest junior fiction book. I can't wait for spring break when I can hopefully get back to work on the third of my Secret Worlds books.

Happy Hooligans

http://happyhooligans.ca/

Here's a fun website for helping children develop creativity.

Thinking What No One Else Has Thought

Creativity is seeing what everyone else has seen, and thinking what no one else has thought.

~ Albert Einstein

Give the Gift of Creativity

I've run across some websites lately the share lists of creative gifts you can give this holiday season. Instead of toys, consider giving a child such things as magic markers, colored paper, scrapbook scissors, glitter glue, craft foam...things that can be used to create a myriad of artistic masterpieces. The same holds true when it comes to adults...give such things as scrapbook supplies (for the scrapbook fanatic), a gift certificate to Home Depot or a yarn store or fish lure store, depending on the interests of the person you have in mind. For the wannabe artist, give art supplies. You get the idea. Other ideas for creative gifts include providing lessons, special family excursions and coupons for spending time together.

It may take a little extra thought, but this holiday season give gifts of creativity and gifts of memories.

Introduce Them to Books

I occasionally accept substitute teaching assignments. Last week I subbed for a resource teacher in a junior high. I don't believe I've ever seen a classroom that was decorated more creatively. Mobiles hung down from the high arched ceiling. The walls were covered with interesting and fun posters and decor. There were shelves of board games and things to do. And there were books--shelves and shelves of books of all kinds.

The students had earned a free day. After the opening happenings, they were left to their own devices. They just sat there. Nobody went over to check out the board games. Nobody went over to the bookshelves. They didn't even seem to be confident conversing with one another--other than the normal banter of young teens.

It wasn't until the computers were unlocked and the students had access  to technology, their hands and eyes and minds occupied with surfing the Internet or playing a game. were they comfortable.

This happened in each of the class periods. I was amazed. And saddened.

Something's wrong with this picture.

I understand that technology is here to stay. We live in a world where our children need to use technology to learn and function. But surely books haven't become a white elephant! Are we really dependent on a computer to entertain and intrigue us? Can't we function or be conversant or creative without a monitor staring at us?

Let There Be Music!

Music for the Very Young Child

It's never too early to introduce a little child to a variety of music. A love of music seems instinctive even to a baby. A mother's lullaby can calm the newborn.

I remember visiting in the home of my son's family. Their young daughter was (and is) a very active child. She had trouble falling asleep because her mind would continue racing and imagining. Her wise mother would play peaceful music softly on the CD player. It set such a sweet, calm atmosphere.

I remember as a very young child dancing as my mother played the piano.

Expose your child to a variety of music styles. Play some Souza's marches and all march around the house waving flags. Hand everyone a rhythm instrument and enjoy playing Latin music. Tape a strip of crepe paper to a stick and twirl it around as you dance to Swan Lake. What a fun way to develop creativity.

Let your child see you enjoy many types of music.

What a marvelous smorgasbord of musical genres are out there to be enjoyed...by all ages.