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What Matters Most?
Recently, I performed at the Deming New Mexico Public Schools and spoke at the New Mexico International Reading Association Gila Council's Young Writer's Celebration. I would like to commend the IRA folks in New Mexico for the work they do with their young writers and readers! Students who participate in this particular ceremony write a story, are publicly recognized for their efforts, and have their story published in a real book that the students can actually hold in their hands. See it. Feel it. Share it. Read it! This process places great value on their creative work, an appreciation, if you will, for the written word. This is extremely important!
How important is the skill of writing? How important is the good habit of writing your thoughts down?
I once heard a public speaker expound on the statistical successes of college graduates. Even if the students graduated from Ivy League schools, only three or four percent of them became highly successful. He went on to explain why--those few individuals who accomplished much more in life had developed a common habit.
They literally wrote down their dreams and goals on paper!
At the risk of redundancy, I will repeat these words again. Writing your thoughts down is the first crucial step of bringing your visions into reality!
Wow! How can we not get excited about helping young people develop their writing skills? One of my favorite school principals, Jan Cox said, "We must expose our children to all the possibilities." Absolutely!
What if we helped children both visualize and write down their possibilities?
I picked up a pamphlet at the Scottish Rite Center after a performance. The title caught my eye, "Take Time To Read." Why take time to read to kids? Here are a few great reasons:
1. Reading aloud is fun and children love it.
2. Reading aloud helps children develop an understanding and appreciation of language and communication, preparing them for learning to read.
3. Reading aloud stimulates imagination and inspires creativity.
4. Reading aloud helps a child develop good listening skills and expands their attention span.
5. Reading aloud prepares a child for school.
6. Reading aloud creates a bond between the adult and the child.
7. Reading aloud instills values and helps develop critical thinking skills.
Is it safe to say that reading aloud to children is a necessary investment of everyone's time? Absolutely!
What's New?
This year I started visiting schools via video conference-and it is fantastic! I do my standard reading program and then we actually get to visit. The students are able to ask questions and share their thoughts. This type of author visit is very rewarding for me. The teachers report students love the 'visit' part of the video. No matter what age, all students, from kindergarten to high school ask questions that keep me thinking!
I have videoconferences next month with students in Canada, Brazil, and Puerto Rico. A videoconference is an easy and economical means of having a productive and constructive get-together! I urge you to check it out at CILC or VC Spark.
Another new word in my life is Skype. I have been having a great time "Skyping" with classrooms across the country. These short sessions feel like I am right in the classroom with the students. Technology is G-R-E-A-T!
Until next time,
Rooster Morris
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