CREATIVE CHILDREN: Something They Can Learn?

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Creative ChildrenCREATIVE CHILDREN: Something They Can Learn?

Creative children are creative because they are willing to practice being creative.  Some middle school readers have asked me the question, ‘Can I learn how to be creative?’  As the author of Saltwater Taffy, I am going to answer that the best way I know how:

ABSE-TUTTIE-FRUITY

Children can learn how to be creative children.  Do you think painting classes are for creative children who already know how to paint?  Do you think piano lessons are reserved for creative children who already know how to play the piano?  Being creative only means you are willing to PRACTICE at what you desire long enough to become good at it.  Then you will be called, CREATIVE.

Being creative” means nothing more than having the confidence to fail

The only difference between creative children and non-creative children is…

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MIDDLE SCHOOL READING: I Want To Be Older Now

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middle school readingMIDDLE SCHOOL READING: I Want To Be Older Now

A common trait in middle school reading and being a middle school student is the burning desire to be older, NOW.

This is why you guys read books with characters who are older than you are.  Sad to be the bearer of bad news, but there’s no getting around this one.  Every day is filled with 24 hours and every week is 7 days.

Trust me, I know what I’m talking about because I’m still a kid myself.  If you read Saltwater Taffy, you know that main character is me!  And when I was twelve years old, I wanted a later bedtime.  Who wouldn’t?  I mean, when you this age, you want to have more time doing what you want to do, not what your parents or teachers want you to do, right?  I hear ya, but the thing about your desire to be older is that it develops a bad habit in the future.   That bad habit is never really enjoying the moment you are in because…

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MIDDLE GRADE BOREDOM: Think Again

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Middle Grade BoredomMiddle Grade Boredom: Think Again

Middle Grade Boredom is a myth.  How do I know this?  Well, are you really bored as a middle grade kid or are you just being lazy?  What does it mean to be bored or “bide one’s time?”  The Webster’s Dictionary, one of my favorite books of all time (ask me about the dictionary game!!!) says it means “TO WAIT FOR A GOOD OPPORTUNITY.”  Sounds safe enough, but within the hide of the bide, you’re missing out on the fabulous RIDE of being YOU.

The reason I say this is because most of the time middle school children are so busy watching the clock, waiting for the bell to ring, or waiting for school to get out, you miss out on what is happening right NOW.  Imagine if the kids in Saltwater Taffy were bored with being the kids they were and… Read more

MIDDLE GRADE CHILDREN Are Messengers of Greatness

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Flippity FlappityMIDDLE GRADE CHILDREN Are Messengers of Greatness

Why do I think middle grade children are messengers of greatness?  Well, when I sat down to write the Saltwater Taffy book, I knew I wanted to tell a story of adventure for middle grade readers.  Middle grade children are at an age where they still know what it is like to play, be silly, and dream of a brighter future.  They never worry about what other people think of them.  They simply go about their business and take no prisoners doing so.  They simply PLAY.

If we aren’t careful, however, it can also be an age where they develop bad habits that stick with them for the rest of their lives.  What kind of habits am I talking about?  The habit of… Read more