I love school visits. Yes, even the-swarm-of-butterflies-in-my-stomach-before-I-start-presenting-in-the-cafeteria-gymnasium-atorium-after-wiping-ketchup-off-tables-dealing-with-multiple-personalities—and-last-minute-changes-just-seconds-before-I-am-to-begin-giving-kids-(who-need-them)-gentle-reminders-to-be-good-listeners-wishing-I-could-remind-some-teachers-of-the-same--making-mental-notes-to-underline-and-star-the-clause-that-reads: “teachers-need-to-intervene-when-kids-misbehave-because-I-don’t-discipline-kids”-in-my-contract-for-next-time-moments.
I really do. Because all I have to do is look into those sparkly eyes in front of me and know that I am in the right space (or should I say the "write" space?) and the right time to (hopefully) inspire little writers to write and to love writing.
At my most recent school visit (just yesterday), I had some especially smiley face moments that I wanted to share with you:
1. When talking about some ways a writer can get ideas, I showed a photograph that I took of a little girl running along the shores of Lake Michigan appearing to chase after some wild geese. I shared that this photo gave me the idea to write a story about a little girl who chases a pair of geese and turns into one of them. From the 2nd row, a 2nd grader called out: “Wow, you have a great imagination!” Me: I smiled and noticed that that swarm of butterflies (in my stomach) had fluttered away.
2. At Q and A time during my 2nd presentation, a first grade boy raised his hand. Him: “Did you write the book RED FOXES?” Me: “Why yes, I did!” Him: “That’s my favorite book of all time!” Me: “Thank you! That’s so kind of you to say!” *I walked over to him and we exchanged fist bumps.
3. A teacher’s aide stayed back after my first presentation and shared that she had written a children’s Halloween book, sent it to one publisher (who rejected it), and, now, after my talk, she was encouraged to send it to a few more places. *I wished her well and suggested a publishing house that I thought might be right for her story, and told her “to go for it.” She thanked me and walked away. Who knew I would be inspiring BIG writers, too?
4. Two parents and a teacher approached me after my 3rd presentation to tell me that they loved my talk and thought it was "just what their students needed to kick off their young author writing program!" *I thanked them and felt energized to start my fourth (yes, I said fourth) presentation to a boisterous group of 4th graders who just quieted down.
5. My absolute favorite moment of the day? It had to be the question I received from a 2nd grade boy. Anticipating a writing inquiry, I smiled and prepared myself to offer some additional writer-ly advice. Him: “Do you like snakes?” Me: I paused for a moment, pleasantly caught off guard. I then replied with a question: “Would they be the kind of snakes that would bite me?” Him: “No.” Me: “Then, yes, I do like those kinds of snakes.”
I love school visits. I really do.
