Tasmanian author Johanna Baker-Dowdell visits her son's classroom and
inspires and leads the students into creating a wonderful story about a
tiger and a puppet.
As a child, do you remember how thrilling it was to meet an adult whose job was something really special, like a singer, an artist or TV star?
When my youngest son, Ethan, started Prep
this year he excitedly told me his class would focus on a specific author every
few weeks. Everything excites him about school (which is great), but the idea
of finding out more about an author really delighted him. I chuckled to myself
and said, “I’m an author too.” He said, “I know mum. Why don’t you come to my
class and talk to us?”
I wasn’t sure whether the classroom of
five- and six-year-olds would be interested in hearing about how I wrote a
business book, but I did think they would like to hear about how a story comes
together. And so did their teacher.
Not quite sure how I was going to talk
about storytelling with this group of 25-odd kids, I fell back on a trusted
activity both my sons have enjoyed over the years and one I’ve started using myself
when writing creatively – writing prompts.
I enlisted Ethan’s help and together we
collected a box full of interesting prompts to kick-start even the most
stubborn creative streak. Our box of goodies included: a flower, an autumn
leaf, an Indian tiger puppet, a small wooden spoon, a ribbon, a pair of blue
sunglasses, a gum nut, a round stone and a jigsaw puzzle piece.
Armed with my prompts, some butcher’s paper
and coloured pens I shared the items with the class and we talked about how we
could use what was in the box to create a story. Before long we had a central
character (Rosie the tiger) and had filled three pages of paper with her story.
I hadn’t planned on using all the items as prompts, but the kids were so
excited and their ideas flowed so freely that we just kept going until every
item had played a role in Rosie’s story.
The class was so enthusiastic that we
extended the storytelling session. I placed a few items from the box on each
group of desks and every child wrote their own story using these as prompts.
Some used the characters we had created together and others started fresh with
new characters, but every child created an individual story. A class full of
engaged children all scribbling with their pencils on blank paper to create something
unique was an honour to witness.
Their enthusiasm was contagious and I came
back to my office to type up their class story, laying it out so each page
could be accompanied with a picture. Within days Ethan proudly showed me the
illustrated and bound story displayed in his classroom. You can read the text of the story
online.
Since then I’ve spoken with several of
Ethan’s classmates at school pick up about the stories they have written. And
one wants to be a Star Wars author
when he grows up! Parents also told me how excited their children were to write
a story together, so I’m chalking that up as an inspiring experience – for all
of us.
Johanna Baker-Dowdell
Freelance journalist and author of the book Business & Baby on Board.
Freelance journalist and author of the book Business & Baby on Board.
Blog: http://johannabd.com/
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