"Introduce Your Students to Creative Writing" is a teaching guide for parents and teachers who wish to instill in children the love of writing and reading. The illustrated story "China Adventures," was created by second grade students. It is included as an example showing the writing level second grade students can attain.
This guide introduces the art of creating a book with children. This was a joint teaching project between Marcy Wirth, Second Grade Teacher and Edna Siniff, Publisher and former teacher. Both worked within the required teaching guidelines of the school district.
Marcy worked with the whole class developing the skills needed to write. Plus all the other umpteen things a teacher does each day. Marcy found Journal writing very important in the process of learning to read and write. Each child used a yellow legal pad as their journal for their research.
Edna had 15 minutes, once a week, with each group of 4 to 5 students. This is where student ideas were discussed and expanded. Where individual creativity was encouraged and writing reviewed. Where items from indigenous people in other parts of the world were introduce. The concept was to create a story based on lands beyond the United States. Broaden their knowledge while discovering things that might peak their interest. The student's research discoveries surprised everyone.
The 15 week guide, included, was used by the teacher and former teacher to stimulate creative writing in these students.
This program may be used by homeschool families as well as classroom educators.
Every child in the classroom participated.
This project renewed the joy of teaching for these women and returned fun to the classroom. As the children discovered ideas through research and talking to each other, they became animated and excited. That excitement spread through the classroom and filtered into other activities.
"China Adventures" is included in this book. Two other books were created by second grade students, "Madagascar" and "Our Day in Australia" can be purchased on line.
The human mind is designed to want answers to questions. This project enhances that theory.
Future employers want good communicators. Students who delvelop writing and reading skills will meet those needs.
Marcy Wirth: Masters Degree; Teacher 1967-Present; Lutheran School grade1;Forest Lake grade 2. 1987-20010 Scandia Elementary;1996 Wilderness School in Washington State; 2020-present Para Legal River Grove Elementary.Civic Club Marine on ST.Croix; Alumni Council for Concordia University, Church Council member.
Edna Siniff: Graduate of Michigan State University; Alaska Elementary/middle school teacher/remote area teacher 5 years; Scandia Elementary Schoo 5th grade teacher 1 yearl; Dental technician, Lab owner 1980-84; Farmer 1968-1994; newspaper owner 1984-94; publisher 1984-present.
