About mid-way through this school year, my daughter started griping, I’m bored. I thought, whatever. She nagged me to volunteer in her class. I thought, no way.
When a four- or five-year-old uses the word, bored, it’s a safe bet they are playing with the word. But when they are eight or nine, it might be time to pay attention. When I did, it changed my life.
I like Georgia’s historic, charming, well-staffed, well-intentioned public school. She does too. This post is not about the shortcomings of her school. It is about the shortcomings of my attention.
My daughter and her classmates are being taught superlatively well how to write to rules and rubrics. But to write freely, for fun and without judgment? That’s a different story.
Stuck in my own nowhere of creative momentum, I plunged instead into a new adventure. I proposed to Georgia’s teacher that I lead a classroom project in something I’d never done, but that amounted to the only thing I could contribute. The magnificent teacher did her part: she said yes. Then, over a four-month period, she and I worked together with 19 third-graders to write their own creative nonfiction (and a bit of fiction) stories.
We tell our children stories. We read books aloud, and prod our kids to read for themselves. So they read about famous people, folk tales and legends, biographies, historical fiction and fantasies. But do they realize that their own lives are stories? That they have the experience and imagination to create and share stories that come entirely from themselves? Based on their own remarkable lives and the future they envision?
Well, of course, they can. Give them tools and attention and you will be amazed. I was amazed. I was encouraged. I was uplifted and transported. I was repaid a million times over, with the only payment that counts or lasts.
I want you to know that wherever your child goes to school, or doesn’t, whatever their age or grade level, they are brilliant. They are geniuses. They are authors. I am convinced already. I am their first fan.
I word-processed and printed out each three-chapter-long book on my computer. They drew illustrations and a cover design that we laminated. They wrote author bios and I snapped their photos and we put that together on the last page. We spiral bound everything together and then they went on book tour reading their stories aloud in classrooms of younger ages. We’re having a book festival next week where the kids will read their stories to their fellow authors and everyone gets a literary prize. An eraser. Oh how I prize my own, because the most important thing about writing is not that you finish. It’s that you start, and then start all over again.
What did they write? To keep it short, I assembled 19 lines from their work into this abridged life story. It gives you an idea of the treasure they handed to me.
My story is unlike any other.
I was born early because I wanted to go places.
My first smile wasn’t a real smile, it was my “about to cry” smile.
It was like being sad and happy at the same time.
When I was little I liked excitement. I put Cheetos in the microwave.
When people asked how many friends I had, I said, “It would take a long time to count them.”
It seems like I have friends all over the world.
Friends are magic, movies are magic and spelling is magic because people can read your writing.
Making people feel happy and safe is the most important thing there is.
Everywhere we went, we went fast.
I thought a lot about growing up, but my parents thought about when I was little.
That’s what parents do.
Sometimes you have to lose something to find something better.
What you love never really goes away.
I used to want to work in an ice cream store, but something tells me life will be more interesting than that.
The day you read this I may be 9 or 90.
Now my energy goes up in the daytime and down in the nighttime.
The funeral lasted three hours.
Somewhere I’ll be watching, and I’ll be happy if you are good citizens.
I could go on forever, but my heart is bursting, and I find I have some writing to do.
***
If you are a parent or teacher and you would like a copy of the lesson plan I created for this project, “My Life Story: A Creative Nonfiction Project for 3rd Graders,” just leave a comment with a way to contact you, or email me and I’ll gladly share.
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Karen, my son enters 3rd grade in the fall and I would love your lesson plan to share with his class.
Both my son and my daughter (about to become a 1st grader) love books and seem to enjoy writing. Anything I can do to nurture that love–for them or for their classmates–I will most certainly do.
As always, I stand in awe of your creativity and your efforts to make the world a better place.
Comment by Sharon Delman — May 17, 2009 @ 4:46 pm
What a wonderful thing you did! It must just thrill those kids and make them so proud to be able to tour the other classes to share their product! I am a teacher and a parent. I would love to have a copy of your lesson plan! My email is hanaleidaydream@yahoo.com. Thank you so much for sharing!
Comment by Diane — May 17, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
Karen,
wow, how cool, my two kids are only 18 months and 22 days, but I’m ready to get the lesson plan- for myself- so I can write my story, and then be ready to write theirs with them- I remember when I was young being very curious about myself, what I was like when I was a baby, and a young child, wish I had this project as a 10 year old!! Thanks for all you do, and thanks for posting this on my birthday! Sharon_bennett@mindspring.com
Comment by Anonymous — May 17, 2009 @ 5:23 pm
Karen,
I love this! I would love a copy of your lesson plan to share with our home schooling group as an ongoing activity to do with the kids of all ages. Thank you for sharing!
Kimberly Hiatt
kphiatt@earthlink.net
Comment by Kimberly — May 17, 2009 @ 6:06 pm
I love this! Okay – I’m neither a parent nor a teacher but I’ve been thinking for more than a year about what I could do for the children in my community and this morning I’ve read two posts reminding me about all those ideas and aspirations scribbled in my journal. I would love to have your lesson plan and I will take that next step and talk to my friends at the village school.
Comment by Marianne — May 17, 2009 @ 7:05 pm
Oh – and my contact is zenpeacekeeper at gmail dot com
Comment by Marianne — May 17, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
Your 19 line abridgment was brilliant. Oh, and that reminds me, I finally found Mamma Zen a new home, so need to order another, one with scribbles. And finally, please please please share your lesson plan with me. My kid has been doing a great job writing his story, but I would LOVE to help his class mates.
Comment by Mrs. B. Roth — May 17, 2009 @ 9:12 pm
I don’t teach 3rd graders, but writing is writing is writing, so I’d love to see your approach. You can email me at zenmama at gmail etc.
Comment by Lorianne — May 17, 2009 @ 9:14 pm
Hola Karen, it’s Jim in Mongolia. I could use the lesson plan both for our children’s program and my ESL students, so could you send me a copy? Like others, I’m sure you have my email address but you can use my class Gmail.com account at jimbagsh (bagsh means teacher in Mongolian). Thanks….
Comment by Teacher Jim — May 17, 2009 @ 10:55 pm
I am the children’s education coordinator at my church and this is something that would be perfect for our kids to do! I would love the lesson plans. Thanks so much!
Comment by jlmschirm — May 17, 2009 @ 11:24 pm
Karen,
I would LOVE to engage in this lesson plan. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for everything you’ve shared, sent my way and prayed on my behalf especially with sending me your book and including my miscarriage in your Sunday observance.
Love, Trish
patriciadolan@comcast.net
Comment by Anonymous — May 18, 2009 @ 12:22 am
What a fab idea! LOVE it. Aren’t those comments just grand? Aren’t you just floored when kids are amazing, and yet they’re always like that.
Comment by Elissa — May 18, 2009 @ 1:19 am
Yes, please. I would love to have a copy of your lesson plan. I’d love to help kids at my son’s school dive into writing in a creative, attentive way!
Comment by Claudia — May 18, 2009 @ 1:26 am
Oh, yes! I can’t think of anything more grand than trying this and trying again as every moment our stories change, so please send me the lesson plan, too! Congratulations on your completion of this momentous project and the gift you’ve given to 19 very lucky kids. I am hosting a luncheon for you for giving so much of yourself to make this happen! That is, of course, if you’d DO lunch… I can do dinner instead… Name a date, I have just the place!
Comment by Melissa Moore — May 18, 2009 @ 2:21 am
I am the mom of a third grader and a big fan of creative non-fiction. I’d love a copy of the lesson plan. Thanks so much.
Cynthia
cwells33@comcast.net
Comment by Cynthia — May 18, 2009 @ 2:24 am
Me! Me! Me! Not only would I like it for myself, but my girlfriend is a teacher (formerly fourth grade, now sixth) and I know she’d love this.
Jeanette
info@jeanetteleblanc.com
Comment by Jeanette — May 18, 2009 @ 5:25 am
My son is bored and his creativity squelched with the rules and rubrics. We’re homeschooling now and I’d love to have your lesson plan as I encourage him to more freely express himself.
Thank you–
Amy
canisgoofus at yahoo dot com
Comment by Anonymous — May 18, 2009 @ 7:26 am
Writing instruction in many classrooms is changing… it is exciting. New creative ideas are out there and developing for teaching writing (yea!). I’ve seen some amazing work with Kindergarteners about writing and finding their voices. Imagine what we will be reading in a couple years?!
I’m a teacher currently on hiatus raising my daughter— I would love your lesson plan! shantimama3 at gmail dot com.
Comment by Shanti Mama — May 18, 2009 @ 10:30 am
I would love it if you can e-mail a copy. But, by the looks of your comments, you may end up posting the plan on your blog
Comment by Anna — May 18, 2009 @ 11:28 am
I would love a copy of your lesson plan. I think it is so important to teach our children that they have a voice.
Thank you.
Kelly
kellyqhughes@gmail.com
Comment by Anonymous — May 18, 2009 @ 12:49 pm
I am so very touched and inspired by your group of authors. I would love your lesson plan.
Jane
jsinclai@buffalo.edu
Comment by Jane — May 18, 2009 @ 1:45 pm
Anna, I’m keeping up with it just fine and the plan is far too long to post.
I’m really happy to share and keep the spirit going.
Comment by Karen Maezen Miller — May 18, 2009 @ 2:04 pm
Karen- I’d love a copy of the lesson plan. -Alesia
henryclear@msn.com
Comment by She She — May 18, 2009 @ 2:59 pm
That sounds wonderful. One of my favorite things about teaching was doing creative writing with my kids. I taught HS, and my kids are too young themselves, but I’d love to see what you did in that class.
rowena dot murillo at gmail dot com
Comment by Rowena — May 18, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
Oh, good for you! That sounds wonderful. And you took them from bored to excited and involved.
Kids ARE geniuses. Brilliant. And I hope they all stay that way.
Comment by denise — May 18, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
Please, please, please send me that lesson plan. That will be an awesome thing to do with my two children. gailnhb@yahoo.com.
Super duper cool.
Comment by GailNHB — May 18, 2009 @ 4:14 pm
Lesson plan, please.
jena@strongcoaching.com
Comment by jena strong — May 18, 2009 @ 5:55 pm
This is brilliant! I would love a copy of your lesson plan too please.
mamagoose.me@gmail.com
Thank you!
Comment by Mama Goose — May 18, 2009 @ 6:23 pm
please and thank you.
latishaspring@hotmail.com
Comment by latisha — May 18, 2009 @ 6:48 pm
Oh, how fabulous! My husband is the principal at our children’s school. I’d love to see your lesson plan. I wholeheartedly agree with you–in the belief of every child’s individual genius. Why, why, why… do schools work so hard to squash that?
terri@terrifischer.com
Thank you!
Comment by Terri — May 18, 2009 @ 7:50 pm
Terri,
I don’t believe our schools or teachers work hard to squash genius. Our government does, in the name of ill-guided “education reform” and in many cases with public demand for standardized measurement as proof of outcome.
And so we do what we can do; we offer ourselves to each other. A spot of freedom, a moment of mutual trust.
Comment by Karen Maezen Miller — May 18, 2009 @ 7:56 pm
Ah Karen this is wonderful. A project like this would be right up my daughter’s alley. I see an excellent summer project on the horizon.
I must admit I do not volunteer as I should in the classroom. I tell myself when my youngest starts school I’ll begin. I hope I do.
Comment by Shalet — May 18, 2009 @ 9:10 pm
Thank you for doing this! One of my best school volunteering experiences was working with my son's first grade class while they were writing. Kids blossom before your eyes when they are allowed to tell their own tales. (Which is what I love so much about teaching them art & crafts, too.)
Comment by Judy Merrill-Smith — May 18, 2009 @ 9:19 pm
jeez, mae, this is wonderful…and i don’t know why, but i have tears in my eyes. thank you for “seeing”.
i love you mae,
wendy
Comment by Wendy — May 18, 2009 @ 10:03 pm
Tears in my toes. Sometimes I see through them, too.
Comment by Karen Maezen Miller — May 18, 2009 @ 10:12 pm
This is amazing. Please send to me too. cheri.biggs@yahoo.com
Comment by Mental Momma — May 18, 2009 @ 10:53 pm
I want to teach this to my daughter’s class. I think everyone can benefit from looking at their life as story too. My email is lindajpr@hotmail.com.
Thank you!
Comment by Linda Pressman — May 18, 2009 @ 11:34 pm
yes, please send me a copy… I have a friend who is a teacher of 3rd graders and she would love a copy! I will forward mine. Thanks so much… it brought tears to my eyes. herbanchica at cox dot net.
Comment by ~Herban Chica~ — May 18, 2009 @ 11:58 pm
me! when i grow up can i be like you?
mb
Comment by mb — May 19, 2009 @ 1:15 am
This project makes my heart sing! Thank you so much for sharing! jakk at magicbeansworkshop dot com.
Julie
Comment by jakk — May 19, 2009 @ 1:43 am
That is so wonderful. Sorry I’ve been away from your blog so much. Life is happening at a rapid pace!
Since I’m planning to homeschool, I’d love a copy of your lesson plan.
Those one-liners really show how wonderful and wise children can be.
Comment by Shelli — May 19, 2009 @ 2:20 am
oh great brilliance.
these lines are pure genius.
i would LOVE the lesson plan.
thank you so much for sharing.
turgie5@hotmail.com
Comment by jessamyn — May 19, 2009 @ 5:33 am
Karen, this post filled me with joy. I had tears in my eyes by the end of it! What a wonderful project. Our schools need more parents like you involved. Bless you.
I’m a gramma. My son is all grown, but my oldest granddaughter will be in the third grade next fall. I’d really love to have the lesson plan also, if you don’t mind sharing with me.
Thank you for sharing the story.
Comment by Sharon — May 19, 2009 @ 6:59 am
Hi Karen,
I would love a copy of the lesson plan. My son Chase is ending 3rd grade, as Georgia is, and he HATES writing. I would love to pass this on to his teacher so she can possibly inspire her class next year and beyond. My email address is yogajill@charter.net.
-Jill D.
p.s. cant wait for the retreat next month!
Comment by Anonymous — May 19, 2009 @ 1:08 pm
We did a similar project when my kids were that age. They penned fiction. I think I may like this “non-fiction” angle better. How inspiring and cool for you all! You, too, always lift me up. I would love a copy of the lesson plan.
Comment by Kathleen Botsford — May 19, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
through teary eyes, i thank you.
i would absolutely love a copy!
xo
Comment by Kirsten Michelle — May 19, 2009 @ 4:03 pm
This is brilliant. Thanks so much for sharing. Among other things, it gave me hope regarding public schools, which has been much on my mind, since my eldest enters kindergarten at one next year, and I have been worrying way too much about it….
Comment by mommymystic — May 19, 2009 @ 5:29 pm
Your writing project sounds exciting and fun for kids – I would love to introduce your project to my daughter’s teacher when she gets a little older. Thank you for sharing your creative ideas!
Makiko
mkambayashi@yahoo.com
Comment by Makiko — May 19, 2009 @ 6:05 pm
Wow! I was just talking to my daughter last week about how she could write her own book. She’ll be in the 3rd grade next year. I would love to read your lesson plan. Please send to activedescendant@yahoo.com
Comment by Anonymous — May 19, 2009 @ 7:59 pm
What a wonderful idea! I would love a copy of your lesson plan for this project. Thank you!
unexpectedblissblog@gmail.com
Comment by Sheri — May 19, 2009 @ 8:47 pm
This is FABULOUS!!! Thank you *so much* for sharing this wonderful story from your life experience.
I needed this today!
Here’s to hearts bursting open, full of such incredibly magical
goodness
Comment by Lisa — May 20, 2009 @ 12:44 am
Oh, this is so wonderful! I’ve been thinking about starting a children’s writing workshop in my community, and this would be a wonderful help! I’m at theambles@centurytel.net Thank you!!
Comment by Emme — May 20, 2009 @ 4:00 am
that’s great! my juneau, AK 4th graders just wrote their own 10 page stories or comic strips (their choice). they love it and worked on it for weeks. on the last day we all sat around and read their stories and marveled over their creative illustrations. kids can be so creative…glad to hear that your little darling got a chance to do the same.
Comment by Erin — May 20, 2009 @ 5:48 am
What a lovely offer–I’d like a copy please.
Thank you.
send to:
nsconnectingkids@aol.com
Comment by Anonymous — May 20, 2009 @ 6:36 am
Hello Karen, please send me a copy too. I want to teach 11 and 12 year old kids about journalism and writing and your plan could surely help me. Thank you.
elsbrenninkmeijer@gmail.com
Comment by Anonymous — May 20, 2009 @ 7:14 am
Writing is such the thing of beauty I find… how did I miss this post – those words written – ah to be touched by the words of others… to be touched by others…
My son writes now – 16 years old and he writes it all out just like me…
Comment by Cat — May 20, 2009 @ 3:19 pm
This is wonderful. Yes, I would love your lesson plan, thank you for the offer! laura@mazergroup.com.
Comment by laura — May 20, 2009 @ 7:29 pm
Dear Karen,
I would so love a copy of this lesson plan.
I run a lot of courses in therapy and educational settings and am always looking for new ideas,
Be well you creative being,
Susanna
lasuza@neuf.fr
Comment by Anonymous — May 20, 2009 @ 8:18 pm
I would love to see the lesson plan. Thank you! -Abbie
backinslc2003@yahoo.com
Comment by Anonymous — May 20, 2009 @ 8:20 pm
The abridgment brought tears to my eyes. My daughter is only 6 months old but I would love to have the lesson plan for her to write her story later in life.
Thanks and blessings to you,
Jo
Comment by jo.copeland@xtra.co.nz — May 22, 2009 @ 12:49 am
That is sweet and grand. Please. I’d love a copy. What must I do?
Comment by mapelba — May 22, 2009 @ 3:29 am
could you please send me a copy though…love new ideas. thanks
juneauecomommie@hotmail.com
Comment by Erin — May 22, 2009 @ 4:28 am
wow. thats all i have to say. wow.
Comment by sandra — May 22, 2009 @ 5:02 am
I would love to read a book containing all of their stories.
Comment by Mary Ann — May 23, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
Karen,
This is so cool! It is true- kids are amazing, they are geniuses, they are endlessly creative and we adults have a lot of learn from them.
I would love to see the lesson plan for the kids I work with.
mambinki@gmail.com
Comment by Mambinki — May 24, 2009 @ 9:51 pm
Gayle Schrier Smith, MD
1503 West Avenue
Richmond, VA 23220
GayleSmithMD@comcast.net
bring on the lesson plan!
Comment by MDMom24 — May 25, 2009 @ 2:28 am
This is awesome. My son is just beginning to expand his writing skills and I’d love to see about ways to get him more excited about it (as he recently has about reading!). The timing is perfect, he is just finishing 2nd grade so I would love to see your lesson plan. Many thanks!
-Carrie A fan in Seattle
Comment by Coopie — May 26, 2009 @ 6:01 pm
Hi Carrie,
Just need your email address.
Comment by Karen Maezen Miller — May 26, 2009 @ 7:47 pm
Sorry – email to send curriculum to is ccoopie@comcast.net.
Many thanks again!
Comment by Coopie — May 26, 2009 @ 11:37 pm
Oh please, me too. Your lesson plan for me and for my grandchildren. Thank you!
gpc490 [at] gmail [dot] com
Comment by gpc — May 26, 2009 @ 11:47 pm
Add me to your growing list!
I think you are fabulous to share this treasure!
I can’t wait to see what my kids come up with!
Thanks,
Susanne
eselmom@yahoo.com
Comment by Anonymous — May 27, 2009 @ 2:50 am
Hi there!
Oh my! I somehow came across your blog and am in love with your creativity! I am a Spanish teacher and would love to explore your lesson plan within my own classroom!
Thanks for wetting my appetite with the 19 lines!!! It made me want to start the lesson right away!
Would love to get a copy of the lesson plans! Thanks for sharing!
-Susie
susiedubeck@yahoo.com
Comment by ~susie — May 27, 2009 @ 4:02 am
This looks just fabulous, I hope it's not too late to get a copy of the lesson plan. My daughter is not quite old enough, but I'm always looking for inspiring teaching lessons through life. thank you, Nina
kornchik@sbcglobal.net
Comment by Nina — June 4, 2009 @ 5:00 am
please, please, and thank you for sharing.
mreid14 AT hotmail DOT com
Comment by Anonymous — June 7, 2009 @ 1:46 am
thank you for this… i would love a copy.
tekeal@bluewin.ch
Comment by tekeal — June 9, 2009 @ 12:19 pm
Oh, I am so glad that I stumbled onto you!
I would love to have a copy of the lesson plans. We homeschool and as much as my daughter loves to write, she tends to be very critical of herself. We're working on that.
BTW, I just subscribed to your RSS feed.
See ya around.
Comment by Wendy — June 11, 2009 @ 10:44 pm