A "Big" Brainstorm

For the past two weekends, I have been spending time at Five Rivers Environmental Education Center working with a Big Brothers/Big Sisters arts-in-education program through the New York State Alliance For Arts Education. In teams of big and littles (mentor and student), we are creating living history books, much like the picture book I wrote for Milton Hershey School.

Today, we got our creative juices flowing by brainstorming descriptive words. The first two and last two sheets here are words selected to describe individuals in the program. The middle sheet focuses on an animal -- the wolf.

To create these books, each writer will select an animal or plant with which to parallel his or her life. For example, a 14-year-old in the program will show significant life events over her fourteen years, while sharing the life cycle of a plant or animal for that same time period. Eventually, we will each create an illustrated picture book to capture these parallel events.

Stay tuned for regular updates on our progress! Great books are emerging!

Connected to Kennedy Center

For the last few weeks, I have been busily creating arts-in-education plans for the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. as part of its ARTSEDGE program.

Every day has been a learning adventure for me. From "Bibbidi Bobbidi Bach" to "Making Rain," I have immersed myself in curriculum development with engaging and intriguing approaches to learning. Today, my journey takes me to comic strip creation and wearing emotions.

I look forward to sharing some of these lessons with students at schools and libraries. And I thank the Kennedy Center for offering me the opportunity to be part of learning that connects with young people on many levels.

Splashing Into Summer!

This summer, I will be presenting a workshop at libraries throughout New York State called "SPLASH! into New York State Water Science" as part of the nation-wide summer reading program.

I'm excited about this program. It's not often that a certified water nut (that's me!) gets to share her water passion with young readers.

This summer's program will include an auditory rain-making activity, music exploration with frogs and other water critters, liquid haiku, and Gyotaku (Japanese fish printing using a trout replica).

Want to know more? Please contact me through my web site.

Think sunshine and summer!

Winter Solstice Wishes

Happy Winter Solstice to Everyone!

I celebrated the turn of daylight by listening to Paul Winter's Silver Solstice CD. (You can listen to samples of solstice online. I encourage you to welcome winter with the wolves.)

I met Paul a few years ago at Rowe Conference Center in the Berkshire Mountains of Massachusetts. I was one of about 30 musicians who explored organic music with the saxaphone master. It was an experience I will never forget.

The beach chair countdown has officially begun.

It's 159 days! (That's five months and a few days, Beach Buddies!)

Think Sunshine!

Chocolate Blessings to Students and Staff

A warm (melted chocolate) thank you to the students and staff at Milton Hershey School.

On Friday, I spent the day on their beautiful campus, signing books, meeting with students, and sharing the research and writing process for their two centennial books. It truly was an honor to celebrate their centennial with them. Thank you for asking me to write these books. Thank you for welcoming me into your hearts and home.

For those little oak trees at the elementary school, remember to plant your roots, reach for the stars, and grow to be mighty oaks. I know you can do it. It's now your turn to share The Growing Story of Milton Hershey School with family and friends.

For the "quiet" middle-school students up on the hill, ride that roller coaster with gusto, and scream like you mean it. (I have no doubt that everyone will hear you and know the Hershey spirit that lives within you.) It's your turn to write the second part to Diary of a Milt. I hope to one day open my mailbox and find a signed copy of your book waiting for me.

I will remember this day with warm memories.

With HERSHEY Hugs,
Carol

Applause for Alison Ashley Formento!!!!!

Former Writing for Children student, Alison Ashley Formento, has announced her first picture book! This Tree Counts! is scheduled for release in March 2010 by Albert Whitman and Company.

Cheers! Cheers! Cheers! (I hope she sends me a signed copy when it's hot off the press!)

Thank You to Circleville Elementary!

Amber Brown and I want to thank the crews from Circleville Elementary School for their wonderful thank you notes and cards. They are currently decorating my office to inspire me as I work on three science fair books for curious students just like you!

THANK YOU!

Carol, Amber Brown =^..^=, and Junie B., too =^..^=

P.S. If you click on the photo, you can read the notes!