Young Writers Rock My World

This is the third summer in a row I've run a creative writing program for kids at my library. My first summer, I stepped in to run the summer literary magazine for grades 5–9 (which the library has run for quite a few years now). Last summer, when a new coworker volunteered to do the literary magazine, I ran a write-a-book program for grades 3–5.

And this summer, I'm doing a "junior" literary magazine for grades 2–5. It sounds a lot more formal than it is. I do very little in the way of teaching. Basically, I provide the time, the space, the outlet, and the encouragement. The kids do the rest. I can take no credit for their boundless creativity, thoughtfulness, and humor.

At the end of the summer, I'll gather their stories, poems, drawings, and comic strips into magazine format. We send it to an outside printer. All contributors will get a copy (I hope a couple), the library will acquire a couple copies, and I'll put the material online, too.

I try to keep my talking to a minimum for a few reasons. First, I have the worst allergy-related cough in the universe this month. Second, the more I talk about particular ways of writing, the more confusion there is. Third, 80% of them have absolutely no trouble thinking of things to write without me offering suggestions—and the remaining 20% manage to think of something with just a little nudging. Fourth, I love seeing what they do when they do things their own way.

This isn't school time, it's play time—creative play. My job is to smile and say, "I love it! Tell me more! Keep it up!" And occasionally act as Human Dictionary (though I try to convince them not to worry about spelling on their first drafts).

I cringe every time a kid asks me, "Can I write about X? Can I draw Y? Can I use the colored pencils? Can I use the pencil sharpener? Can I go to the bathroom?" They're so used to asking permission for everything (thank you, school). The answer I give them every time is, "YES!"

The first week, I had 25 kids show up. The second week (the week of July 4), I had 22. This week, a whopping 37. I had to double-check my counting, I couldn't believe it! Most of them are repeat customers at this point—all of whom stayed on task the entire hour without a word from me!

Today, I started typing up some of their work, reading it as I went along. I'm so charmed by their creativity and humor. I can't wait to put it up on the web—so I can brag, of course, even though I can take no credit for their accomplishments!