Carve Out Time to Write

It's not always easy to find a large block of time to write. Sometimes we must be satisfied with a few minutes here and there.

I have found that there is time during a substitute teacher's day to get a little writing in--while students are taking a test or are at a specialty class, or during the teacher's prep period.

Utilizing these little blocks of time works well for some aspects of the writing process, but not all.

I Love to Read

Sometimes when I substitute teach, I play a little game with the students. I have them write down three things about themselves that they don't think anyone in the class knows about them. Then I read the clues and the class tries to guess who the person is. I did this with a third grade class this week. I was delighted that upon reading the clues for several of the students that they had all written: I love to read. Wonderful!

Enjoying Music from Other Lands

Music is enjoyed by people on every continent. Here's a great website that introduces children to music around the world:

http://www.dariamusic.com

Learn about music and songs from other cultures. Discover how to make our own instruments. A fun, creative website to explore.

Learning to Play Musical Instruments

Last week I subbed in a sixth-grade class that attended a school assembly given by a local junior high band and orchestra. The students loved it. At one point the band leader asked for a raise of hands of those in the band who hadn't had prior experience with a band instrument prior to junior high. Most raised their hands.

It brought me back to my junior high band years. Playing in the band was one of the few high points of my junior high career. So many wonderful, memorable experiences! I played the clarinet and later the bassoon and oboe. I had opportunities to play in small ensembles as well as symphony orchestras and everything in between.

I highly recommend that youngsters consider taking up an instrument--any kind of instrument. It can enhance their creativity. And it's a lot of fun!

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.

Painting the World

I am a Webelo scout leader. We've been working on the Artist award, and one of the assignments was to draw or paint something outside. I took the boys outside and talked to them a little about plein air art. We talked about how to measure relationships in distance using a pencil. I told them that when you are out in nature, you look around you and you want to paint or draw everything. You feel overwhelmed. It is important, therefore, to pin down what you want to focus on. Zero in on something.

I was interested in what the boys chose to draw. One drew an intricate drawing of the trailer parked in the driveway next door. The details he added even included the bolts. Another boy drew the telephone pole across the street.

Plein air art is amazing. It brings out individuality in a remarkable way.

Happy Birthday to Me

Today is my birthday. The first thing I did when I woke up was say my morning prayer...which has actually continued throughout the day. It is a prayer of thanks--all thanks, no asking, today. It's been a good life--not always easy, but good. I've been thinking of the specific things for which I am grateful.

I thank my Heavenly Father for books, for the ability to read. Think about the impact that the ability to read has had in your life! What an amazing miracle.

I thank my Heavenly Father for imagination, creativity, the ability to explore worlds of my own creation, the ability to look at life in different ways.