Every spring, I teach a four week after school writing club at a local elementary school. We read picture books and discuss what makes each book special. Maybe it’s a funny character, a unique setting, interesting vocabulary, or a seriously surprising ending.
Then, the kids write and illustrate their own books.
I’m there to teach the kids about writing. But every week, and every spring, I learn something from these kids.
- Jump in. Our after school class is only 1 hour long, so we don’t have time to wait for inspiration to strike. These kids just jump in and start working on an idea right away. They don’t second guess themselves, they just get started.
- Go wild. You know that inner voice we have that makes us stop and say ‘that’s a dumb idea?’ These kids don’t listen to that voice. They give themselves the freedom to write anything they want, no matter what the other kids at the table might think.
- Dream big. These kids don’t set small goals. Most of them are working on stories at home in addition to what we create in class. And some of these kids are working on stories that are hundreds of chapters long. I’m not exaggerating. I’ve seen the handwritten manuscripts!
If you want to write, and especially if you want to write for kids, give yourself the chance to write like a kid. Write that idea, no matter how random. Let yourself write with abandon. Be free to follow the plot down a strange, unsettling path. And don’t put limits on yourself. You are strong and capable and creative. You can write that book!
And you can read more about my after school clubs here!
