Testing the waters at school :)

wyntermoon · May 25, 2007

I'm debating about test-driving a poem at my daughters' school. One of their first grade teachers is a friend of mine, do you think it's overstepping the line to ask if she'd read the poem during story time? I have no pictures to accompany it so it would be a cold read.

lostgirl · May 25, 2007

I don't think it's an overstep. If she's your friend she'd feel comfortable enough in telling you no if she didn't want to right. The only thing is with 1st graders they might need pictures to help stay focused. However I'm not sure because it is such a lively little fabulous poem.

wyntermoon · May 25, 2007

I wonder if they'd go with stick figures? Stick figure zombies?

lostgirl · May 25, 2007

stick figure zombies would seriously rock!

wyntermoon · May 25, 2007

Oh, I have got to send you my Feb. Freelance piece if you like zombies.

Susan Flemming · May 25, 2007

Hello wyntermoon,

Why not ask your teacher friend if she'd like to use your poem as a fun exercise for her class?

For example... she could read the poem and then the children could draw pictures about the poem. Or perhaps there is a simple craft project that you could create that goes along with the poem.

Soccer Mom · May 25, 2007

That's a great idea, Susan!

I think it sounds like fun, Stacey. Just ask the teacher if she feels comfortable doing it. If you approach her the right way (and I know you will) it would be fine.

Southern_girl29 · May 25, 2007

I think it's a good idea, too. I also like the idea Susan suggested.

wyntermoon · May 25, 2007

Excellent idea, thank you, Susan!

Stijn Hommes · May 25, 2007

Assuming you've made sure the poem fits whatever age group you want to test it on and give it to the teacher to mull over before making a decision, I think it would be fine.

dclary · May 25, 2007

wyntermoon said:
I'm debating about test-driving a poem at my daughters' school. One of their first grade teachers is a friend of mine, do you think it's overstepping the line to ask if she'd read the poem during story time? I have no pictures to accompany it so it would be a cold read.

In 6th grade, Mr. Zoller would read to us for an hour, and then give us a creative writing assignment, due that Monday (and we'd get to read some of those stories aloud then).

He read to us Where the Red Fern Grows, Stuart Little.... and a story he'd written, and was trying to get published.

I later found the book he had read to us when I was an adult, and tracked him down, and thanked him for letting us be his test audience, and (of course) got my copy autographed.

So I don't think there's anything wrong at all with test-driving during story time, as long as you get the teacher's permission.

wyntermoon · May 25, 2007

Great advice, I'll email her after the weekend. Thank you!!

myscribe · May 26, 2007

wyntermoon said:
I'm debating about test-driving a poem at my daughters' school. One of their first grade teachers is a friend of mine, do you think it's overstepping the line to ask if she'd read the poem during story time? I have no pictures to accompany it so it would be a cold read.

I think this is a good idea if it is appropriate for the class. There are several authors I know who do this with their novel manuscript. Some take it and read it to the class themselves and some have the teacher do it.

wyntermoon · Jun 5, 2007

Update:

Went in today for the "author's chat." Only one child picked his nose during the story and I've been declared "awesome." Think I can bribe any of them to call up agents?

lostgirl · Jun 5, 2007

I don't know one kid did pick his nose. Did he flick his booger at you?

wyntermoon · Jun 5, 2007

Only you would think that. pffffffft.

lostgirl · Jun 5, 2007

What can I say, I'm awesome

I think it sounds wonderful. I wish I had a teacher friend to do something like that with. Maybe I need to make one.

Susan Flemming · Jun 5, 2007

wyntermoon said:
Update:

Went in today for the "author's chat." Only one child picked his nose during the story and I've been declared "awesome." Think I can bribe any of them to call up agents?

Congratulations on the successful author's visit!

Susan Flemming · Jun 5, 2007

lostgirl said:
What can I say, I'm awesome

I think it sounds wonderful. I wish I had a teacher friend to do something like that with. Maybe I need to make one.

Hello lostgirl,

If you're really interested in doing some school visits, contact your local elementary schools... well, maybe in the fall, since the school year is almost over.

I've found that most schools and teachers welcome a writer volunteering to come talk/read to their classes. Usually what I do is call the school first, explain what I'd like to do and ask who I should speak to about volunteering.

lostgirl · Jun 5, 2007

Thanks Susan. I was sorta thinking along those lines until I realized that my two year old might be a little problematic for a school visit.

I just moved so I haven't found a trusted babysitter yet. But it is definitely something to plan for in the future.

Testing the waters at school :)

wyntermoon

lostgirl

Always Watching

wyntermoon

lostgirl

Always Watching

wyntermoon

Susan Flemming

Soccer Mom

Crypto-fascist

Southern_girl29

wyntermoon

Stijn Hommes

Know what you write...

dclary

Unabashed Mercenary

wyntermoon

myscribe

Who's the ninja now?!?

wyntermoon

lostgirl

Always Watching

wyntermoon

lostgirl

Always Watching

Susan Flemming

Susan Flemming

lostgirl

Always Watching