Have you thought about the power of written words lately? How about the stirring Declaration of Independence, a love letter from someone special, or your favorite book? Maybe you just got the text message you were waiting for? Congress recognized the importance of writing in our personal, professional, and civic lives by declaring a National Day on Writing to celebrate, and all of DES participated on October 20th.
We started our day with a whole-school Quick Write, all of us writing about a place special to us. Every person received a journal and pencil to take home so that the writing magic can continue wherever we are.
Then the third and fourth graders welcomed Gretchen Draper, National Writing Project instructor, and Barry Draper, biologist and nature photographer. The Drapers led us in “Collaboration with Nature”, an integrated outdoor adventure that began with creating nature sculptures and ended with writing about our experience.
We closed our day with a Graffiti Wall at lunch, where all of us were able to add our thoughts about what we like to write about. Our giant poster will be on display in the multi-purpose room for everyone to share.
We are all writers, and we have so much to say! Maybe this week you could chat with your child about some of the ways you use writing in your life. Or better yet, write down one of your family stories together! Write on!
Very cool! Thank-you for including us!!
My Storehouse
By Miss Blessing
Maybe you remember the children’s book Frederick? It is the tale of a tiny field mouse who sees the world a bit uniquely. While the other mice gather seeds for winter, he collects sounds, sights, and feelings. In the winter when they run out of food, Frederick warms them with his memories of the sun and cheers them with his poetic words.
Today I was Frederick.
I gathered sights. Children scurried in and out of the woods scooping up milkweed pods, knobby sticks, and multi-colored leaves. Sunshine streamed through post-frost fog, gradually melting the grassy areas from patches of white to patches of green. Each sculpture reflected the individuality and innovation of its creators. Groups of learners collaborated cheerfully, adding their special artistic touches while respecting the work of others.
I gathered sounds and words. Who can resist laughter? Enthusiastic voices peppered the air with questions and exclamations.
“I’m calling mine, ‘Relax Paradise!’”
“This is cool!”
“Our group collaborated to combine all of our ideas.”
“Whoa! I found an amazing mushroom for our pixie house!”
“Thank you for sharing with us.”
What could be better than an adventure that surrounds you with people who fascinate you while at the same time filling your heart with a storehouse of treasures to savor and pass on?