Have you ever sat and watch a child struggle with a blank page? Have you ever wondered why some children just seem to detest anything to do with writing? Have you seem them just give up in frustration and walk away angry and distraught? Well you are not alone. Every one possesses the capability to write stories, plays, poems or journal writings. There is something that belongs to you and nobody else ? something that you can always keep a secret. There is something so special that it is priceless, and yet it costs you nothing. This is something that can never be taken away from you, but is yours to share with as many people as you choose. This is something you can keep for a lifetime and use anytime. Do you know what it is? Do you give up? This is your imagination.
Poets and artisans of ancient Greece attributed their inspiration to playful whispers from Muses. Eventually, they recognized the mystic murmurings to be their own imaginations. Einstein claimed that imagination was more important than knowledge. Knowledge was limited, he said, whereas imagination could "embrace the entire world stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution."
As co-author/facilitator of a literacy program in Ontario, 'The Muse Program' Debbie has had a unique opportunity to observe children at work and see the methods that work best. The hesitation comes for some as they sit facing a blank page. Even with a vivid imagination, without the tools to utilize it, it becomes a stumbling block for many children.
Debbie has peppered her books with practical questions easily understood by children of any background. Their answers to those leading questions will provide a strong basis for a story. There is a broad comfort zone, because she leads them through familiar territory so that they can write about what they know best.
Using techniques she has developed with her own children to stretch their imaginations and her artistic background, she is able to conjure up images in their minds that are more easily transformed into words on that intimidating blank page.
The first in the series, 'Short Stories with Imagination' is designed to encourage the use of imagination and to help foster a child's self-image, opening up a whole new world to explore. Based on real-life childhood memories, these stories promote the idea that anything is possible. With a little help from our imaginations, an ordinary day can become one filled with adventure ? sailing with pirates, running a race, or experiencing the thrill of a plane ride for the first time.
'Storybuilding with Imagination', the second in the Imagination Series, uses the proven techniques Debbie has developed and helps walk the child through the general principals of story writing. Following her lead helps the child untangle the confusing trail of mazes, and feel the pride of a job well done. 'Storybuilding with Imagination' is written simply, visually and interactively, so that children can follow along, regardless of reading and writing capabilities.
Kid's Writing Place could be called an Internet learning room where children are mused and/or become the muse to others, helping to spark children's imaginations and promote writing skills. Encouraging the use of imagination helps a child build strength and courage, thus fostering a child's self-image. At Kid's Writing Place, children that are intimidated by that blank page can come and get story beginning ideas, or those that are full of ideas but just can't seem to finish the ending can get help with their ideas. Those that are well on their way to becoming the next generation of authors can have their work read and critiqued by others. This not only enhances skill improvement but promotes interaction between others.
The goals of Kid's Writing Place are to Foster Literacy through the Imagination. This is achieved through the interaction, cooperation and brainstorming of the children working together and learning how to build on their ideas. This on-line forum was inspired by a writer's fascination with the ability to motivate the creative process within children using their imagination. Visit www.designsbydebbie.ca/kidswritingplace and join in the fun of letting your own imagination soar and be amazed at the places that it can take you.
"The kids of today are our future", says Designs by Debbie founder, "I believe that we are all capable of helping to improve our children's futures, starting with their own imaginations."
Debbie is co-author of 'The Muse Program' a literacy program for children. Musing children has been a life-time goal of Debbie's, helping children reach their full potenital - http://www.designsbydebbie.ca.
For additional information contact:
Debbie Long
http://www.designsbydebbie.ca
On one of her quarterly visits to see her grandson,... Read More
Does the homework battle so typical with your hyperactive or... Read More
Although, not a well publicized statistic, childhood obesity has more... Read More
In our last article about the neurology of ADHD we... Read More
Quite simply, an absolute nightmare for parents and babies alike,... Read More
As parents and teachers, sometimes we want to praise, at... Read More
For the first year or two of life outside the... Read More
The debate in many towns continues throughout this country about... Read More
Even if your teenagers do not use drugs, you still... Read More
By the time your children reach their teens, there is... Read More
It's been said, time and again, that for a child... Read More
Angie was brought up by rigid, authoritarian parents who kept... Read More
Corolle Paul or Emma Drink-and-Wet SET potty dollsThis is the... Read More
Most people have more training before they receive their driver's... Read More
Dads, please let me encourage you to change some things... Read More
A fun way to build your child's imaginationWriting is still... Read More
As I sit here and reflect on the past two... Read More
So you want to be a mum? Every time you... Read More
Very often, new parents rely on a parenting tip or... Read More
What's hard for teenagersHaving people who don't understand you trying... Read More
Anyone can splurge on a formal dinner or a pricey... Read More
Q. How do I overcome the 16-year-old who does things... Read More
Ritalin is a good medication with a bad reputation. Its... Read More
In an actual war, to be attacked means to have... Read More
Public education in the United States has never been equal... Read More
taxi o'hare Auburn ..If you visit search engines you can find several resources... Read More
Now is an excellent time to have your child's vision... Read More
Children and teenagers are relentlessly bombarded with merchandise that entices.... Read More
Article based on a friend's experienceI just wanted to share... Read More
Are you considering a car wash fundraiser for your group?... Read More
I hear from many parents that their child is stressed... Read More
One of the most powerful tools that parents have for... Read More
I have always been aware of my number one weakness:... Read More
Teens don't learn responsibility overnight. If you haven't been working... Read More
Julia Roberts recently gave birth to twins: Hazel and Phinnaeus.... Read More
The key to a successful car wash fundraiser event is... Read More
In the wonderment of childhood, it is easier for a... Read More
Home schooling benefits children. As a parent, I feel it... Read More
It's the third time this week that Sam has complained... Read More
As mothers, we play so many different roles and most... Read More
After giving up my profession to become a wife, a... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Sometimes a change of perspective can make a huge difference... Read More
Did you know there's a game children and parents play... Read More
If I had a dollar for every time I persuaded... Read More
Who Can Register A Birth? The child's mother... Read More
Many people still think that the game of chess is... Read More
Teaching kids to deal with conflict effectively and peacefully is... Read More
Because most teens have not had the experience of getting... Read More
When my oldest daughter was born, I walked the floor... Read More
Parenting |