Another Happy Day at Vanguard School

I bet today's photo caught your attention? What in the world, you may be wondering, are we up to? That's me with Xavier and Pano doing jumping jacks on Friday at Vanguard School. (Thanks to Tess, for taking this pic.)

I was at Vanguard twice last week to work with the Grade 11's. Two groups of students had me for a three-hour block -- which is why, on Friday, I suggested jumping jacks before the final writing exercise. (That's because I can be a lot to take for three hours in a row!!) Most of the students passed on the jumping jacks, but not Xavier and Pano! Thanks, guys! 

The students were DELIGHTFUL. But in keeping with some writing advice I often share "Show don't tell" -- I'm going to devote today's blog entry to showing you why they were delightful. Ready?!

When I walked into the classroom at 8:30 I was greeted by Avery with a big hello -- and a bigger smile. I asked her, "Are you a morning person?" to which she replied, "I'm good any time!" Oh, do I ever love that! Avery, don't change! The world needs more people like you!

When I asked which of the five senses writers depend on most, a student named Michael came up with the answer I wanted -- our sense of sight. When I said, "I like him" (referring to Michael), a student named Tenka called out, "We all like him!" See what I mean by delightful?

When I mentioned my book What World Is Left, a student named Lea told us she has read many stories about the Holocaust. And when we were doing a loosening up exercise coming up with words that start with the letter F, Lea explained how she included the words Friendship Circle. That's an organization supporting kids with special needs and their families -- and Lea volunteers there! (If you could see me now you'd see me smiling as I type this paragraph.)

When I asked the students to guess why I'd put the word Shower on the board -- along with my other writing tips -- Tenka's answer cracked me up: "We're a bunch of teenagers. We all stink!" Very funny, Tenka (though I did not notice any malodorous students in the room on Friday!). (And I also went on to explain that like many writers, I get some of my best ideas in the shower!)

I'll end today's blog entry with two simple words Delilah wrote during the writing exercise (she wrote a lot more than two words, but I just loved these two): "Old me." Ahhhh, doesn't that get you thinking? Who was the old Delilah anyhow? And in what ways has she changed? I suggested that "Old Me" would make an amazing book title! Delilah, get to work on that story!! Plus, don't we all have a story-worthy old me in our lives?

A big thank you to Ms. Forlini for arranging my visit to Vanguard and for sharing your students with me; thanks also to Ms. Hannah, Ms. Cutts and Ms. Julie for being there (Ms. Julie was on her break and decided to come and have a listen!). Thanks, especially, to the kids. It's only Sunday -- and I already miss you! Take care of yourselves and each other -- read and write and keep delighting the rest of us!