Do you remember our discussion about the bean seed being more than a bean seed and the worm being more than a worm in The City of Ember? They are transforming and growing--just like Lina and Doon! As your own brain grows, you begin to see the world (and your books) in different ways. You develop the ability to spot the hidden symbolism behind the simplest words and sentences in your book.
This coming week, our Media Monday will be an interesting clip about an author named Mac Barnett. He talks about how he loves to make up stories for children, and we'll get to peek inside the brain of someone so creative. We will also read some of my favorite, creepy short stories. Keep in mind that authors dedicate their lives to writing stories for you! These stories don't just fall from the clouds. Authors think and write for years before those books reach your hands. They use art--in the form of words--to get you to think, question, and appreciate life more deeply. I've worked in Medford at a summer camp for 8 years, and when I worked with the 5-year-old group, they were the most fun because they were willing to ask a lot of questions that many of us stop asking as we get older. We seem to lose a sense of wonder because we feel like we have to outgrow that wonder, but I think that's unfortunate.
On any given day, the 5-year-olds at camp would make me pause and reflect about details that I would otherwise skim over: "Ms. Sanford, why do we have eyebrows? Why do we dream? How tall is the sky?" It is the curiosity sparked by others that leads me to become more curious and concerned about the world outside of me. Without imagination, I would be more like Lizzie Bisco: shallow, self-centered, and careless. Instead, I'd rather be like Lina Mayfleet: curious, determined, and eager to work through any bewilderment. Now, as we near the end of our journey through Ember, get ready to ask some great questions and think up some awesome predictions!
--Ms. Sanford
This coming week, our Media Monday will be an interesting clip about an author named Mac Barnett. He talks about how he loves to make up stories for children, and we'll get to peek inside the brain of someone so creative. We will also read some of my favorite, creepy short stories. Keep in mind that authors dedicate their lives to writing stories for you! These stories don't just fall from the clouds. Authors think and write for years before those books reach your hands. They use art--in the form of words--to get you to think, question, and appreciate life more deeply. I've worked in Medford at a summer camp for 8 years, and when I worked with the 5-year-old group, they were the most fun because they were willing to ask a lot of questions that many of us stop asking as we get older. We seem to lose a sense of wonder because we feel like we have to outgrow that wonder, but I think that's unfortunate.
On any given day, the 5-year-olds at camp would make me pause and reflect about details that I would otherwise skim over: "Ms. Sanford, why do we have eyebrows? Why do we dream? How tall is the sky?" It is the curiosity sparked by others that leads me to become more curious and concerned about the world outside of me. Without imagination, I would be more like Lizzie Bisco: shallow, self-centered, and careless. Instead, I'd rather be like Lina Mayfleet: curious, determined, and eager to work through any bewilderment. Now, as we near the end of our journey through Ember, get ready to ask some great questions and think up some awesome predictions!
--Ms. Sanford