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
I love Google and Yahoo. With Google and Yahoo I... Read More
Studies have shown that:1 out of 4 children were sent... Read More
It can be said that any man who procreates is... Read More
Did you know that over 75% of teens aged 16-17... Read More
If you had to spend 4 or 5 hours in... Read More
Q: Our son has been in honors classes all through... Read More
Something happened the other day that made me feel uneasy.... Read More
There's a new kind of fun and calm out there... Read More
One of my first memories of childhood is that of... Read More
Night Visits From Your ChildIn the middle of the night... Read More
1. Tell me something you like about yourself? Help your... Read More
Little Suzy has really been having a hard time getting... Read More
The law of -ing.The law of -ing refers to a... Read More
Travel is a common theme in my life -- probably... Read More
When parents help their children learn to read, they help... Read More
Sometimes a change of perspective can make a huge difference... Read More
Goal setting is essential for building a successful life. However,... Read More
Gift shops are a kid magnet and often a trip... Read More
It is hard to believe that summer is coming to... Read More
Impulsivity is one of the hallmarks of people with Attention... Read More
In memory of 14 year old Matthew Smith; 11 year... Read More
Children are moral and make moral determinations... at least until... Read More
Single parenting has seemingly become an acceptable norm which is... Read More
Graphology for Child development.:- Graphology is the science of understanding... Read More
Like anything else in life, there's a method to the... Read More
Wood Dale limo ..Here's a scene: A parent "might suddenly grab a happliy... Read More
A strange thing happened to me today. Or more precisely,... Read More
Software for parental control is a useful tool, if applied... Read More
Have you ever had this struggle with your teens? Did... Read More
There is nothing pleasant about failure, at least not at... Read More
1. They are leaders as well as parents. They don't... Read More
Q. With another school year starting, we are not sure... Read More
We begin forming healthy habits at a young age. With... Read More
Did you know that the number of twin births have... Read More
Q. How do we decide what our teens should be... Read More
What are the easiest things citizens can do to prevent... Read More
Ritalin has been shown through the years to be very... Read More
If there are any parents reading this who are thinking... Read More
Most people with children want to be good parents. The... Read More
Child Car Seat Safety:We know you love your children, but... Read More
One of the challenges for parents with a gifted child... Read More
Is there anything wrong with lying, cheating, stealing, shop-lifting, taking... Read More
"Walk through any toy store and you will see walls... Read More
Yesterday my husband Wade took the day off (that's one... Read More
It was a hot summer day in august and The... Read More
If you are like most people today, you do not... Read More
There are several treatment options available to help improve the... Read More
An Awesome Dad in by no means perfect. But that... Read More
Dining in a restaurant with kids can be very enervating... Read More
Learning obedience is an important part of child development. This... Read More
Parenting |