Some of you may remember that last summer I volunteered at the Explore the Arts camp in Greenville, SC. I was thrilled when the camp's director, Donna Shanks-Major, asked me to teach the creative writing class this year. I had two classes: the first one consisted of eleven 6th-8th graders who wrote and published a camp blog.… Continue reading Creative Writing at Explore the Arts
It's been a pleasure to share images from my week volunteering with Explore the Arts camp at the Fine Arts Center in Greenville, SC. If you missed it, here are the first and second posts. Thanks to all who have left comments and vicariously enjoyed my week. Apart from talented instructors, one of the things that amazed me… Continue reading The Art of Growing Artists- Part III
When my children were young, I used to make up ABC stories for them at bedtime. Beginning with "A" I would invent a story that used every letter of the alphabet. Until I read Carole Weatherford's poem, I didn't realize that I was being an abecedarian. In honor of Poetry Month, I am sharing Carole's poem… Continue reading Celebrate Poetry Month with An Abecedarian Bedtime Chronicle
The writer of Ecclesiastes (1:10) said that first, but having just finished reading Sylvia Plath's The Bell Jar, I must share this quote from the biographical notes. Plath wrote this about her book of poetry that was repeatedly submitted and rejected under ever-changing titles:"Nothing stinks like a pile of unpublished writing, which remark I guess… Continue reading There is nothing new under the sun
Attending an all black school, worshipping at an all black church, not being served at restaurants where Caucasians ate, going to the back of the bus…these were all normal part of Madie Smith's everyday experiences growing up in Charlotte, NC in the 30's and 40's. Last week… Continue reading “That’s the way it was”
9000 middle school teachers and administrators. Hundreds of workshops stuffed into 2 1/2 days. Ten enormous rows of vendors selling everything from excellent writing lessons plans Maupin House to interactive maps Rand McNally, to spicy popcorn used for fundraising, to worldwide travel experiences for students. Add several roving reporters for The Conference Insider who desipte… Continue reading National Middle School Conference Report