Intelligence is Imagination, Not Knowledge

The true sign of intelligence is not knowledge but imagination.

~ Albert Einstein

A Creative Way to Explore Music

Kids love to make noise...er, music. A fun summer activity is to make your own musical instruments and experiment with rhythm and music.

There are YouTube videos and websites out there on how to make instruments. Here's a pdf file that gives directions, based on actual types of instruments (woodwind, string, brass, etc.): https://www.atlantasymphony.org/aso/asoassets/downloadcenter/Symphony%20Street%20Activity%20Sheets.pdf

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.