Parenting Information

Imaginations Soar


Have you ever sat and watch a child struggle with a blank page? Have you ever wondered why some children just seem to detest anything to do with writing? Have you seem them just give up in frustration and walk away angry and distraught? Well you are not alone. Every one possesses the capability to write stories, plays, poems or journal writings. There is something that belongs to you and nobody else - something that you can always keep a secret. There is something so special that it is priceless, and yet it costs you nothing. This is something that can never be taken away from you, but is yours to share with as many people as you choose. This is something you can keep for a lifetime and use anytime. Do you know what it is? Do you give up? This is your imagination.

Poets and artisans of ancient Greece attributed their inspiration to playful whispers from Muses. Eventually, they recognized the mystic murmurings to be their own imaginations. Einstein claimed that imagination was more important than knowledge. Knowledge was limited, he said, whereas imagination could "embrace the entire world stimulating progress, giving birth to evolution."

As co-author/facilitator of a literacy program in Ontario, 'The Muse Program' Debbie has had a unique opportunity to observe children at work and see the methods that work best. The hesitation comes for some as they sit facing a blank page. Even with a vivid imagination, without the tools to utilize it, it becomes a stumbling block for many children.

Debbie has peppered her books with practical questions easily understood by children of any background. Their answers to those leading questions will provide a strong basis for a story. There is a broad comfort zone, because she leads them through familiar territory so that they can write about what they know best.

Using techniques she has developed with her own children to stretch their imaginations and her artistic background, she is able to conjure up images in their minds that are more easily transformed into words on that intimidating blank page.

The first in the series, 'Short Stories with Imagination' is designed to encourage the use of imagination and to help foster a child's self-image, opening up a whole new world to explore. Based on real-life childhood memories, these stories promote the idea that anything is possible. With a little help from our imaginations, an ordinary day can become one filled with adventure - sailing with pirates, running a race, or experiencing the thrill of a plane ride for the first time.

'Storybuilding with Imagination', the second in the Imagination Series, uses the proven techniques Debbie has developed and helps walk the child through the general principals of story writing. Following her lead helps the child untangle the confusing trail of mazes, and feel the pride of a job well done. 'Storybuilding with Imagination' is written simply, visually and interactively, so that children can follow along, regardless of reading and writing capabilities.

Kid's Writing Place could be called an Internet learning room where children are mused and/or become the muse to others, helping to spark children's imaginations and promote writing skills. Encouraging the use of imagination helps a child build strength and courage, thus fostering a child's self-image. At Kid's Writing Place, children that are intimidated by that blank page can come and get story beginning ideas, or those that are full of ideas but just can't seem to finish the ending can get help with their ideas. Those that are well on their way to becoming the next generation of authors can have their work read and critiqued by others. This not only enhances skill improvement but promotes interaction between others.

The goals of Kid's Writing Place are to Foster Literacy through the Imagination. This is achieved through the interaction, cooperation and brainstorming of the children working together and learning how to build on their ideas. This on-line forum was inspired by a writer's fascination with the ability to motivate the creative process within children using their imagination. Visit www.designsbydebbie.ca/kidswritingplace and join in the fun of letting your own imagination soar and be amazed at the places that it can take you.

"The kids of today are our future", says Designs by Debbie founder, "I believe that we are all capable of helping to improve our children's futures, starting with their own imaginations."

Debbie is co-author of 'The Muse Program' a literacy program for children. Musing children has been a life-time goal of Debbie's, helping children reach their full potenital - http://www.designsbydebbie.ca.

For additional information contact:
Debbie Long
debbie@designsbydebbie.ca


MORE RESOURCES:

Learning Parenting 101: Better Late Than Never
Hartford Courant, United States - 4 hours ago
Welcome to Parenting 101, a two-part introduction to the fundamentals of effective child-rearing. Upon passing this course, which will conclude with next ...


Anderson court records detail accused killer's commitment to parenting
Anderson Independent Mail, SC - 11 hours ago
In 2006, family court officials ordered both parents to submit to drug tests and to comply with court-ordered behaviors, including the exposure of their ...


Positive Parenting Practices May Prevent Aggressive Behavior Among ...
AAP Grand Rounds (registration), IL - 5 hours ago
Positive parenting and early puberty in girls: protective effects against aggressive behavior. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. 2008;162(8):781–786; ...


iParenting Media Awards Announce Greatest Products for Holiday 2008
MarketWatch - 18 hours ago
The iParenting sites address a range of parenting issues from preconception through raising teenagers and beyond. iParenting Media's Editor-in-Chief, ...


Bourdain dishes about parenting, food
Clarksville Leaf Chronicle, TN - 18 hours ago
By SUZETTE LABOY • AP • December 1, 2008 MIAMI BEACH — After spending years introducing television viewers to unusual eats from around the globe, ...


NEWS.com.au

The TV channel to good parenting
Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia - 15 hours ago
I AM not ashamed to say that TV makes me a better parent. Too much TV isn't good for kids, but a bit of it sure is good for mums and dads. ...
Parents defy experts on television and computers Melbourne Herald Sun
all 26 news articles


Examiner.com

Parenting Tip of the Day: Watch the sugar
Examiner.com - 11 hours ago
by Terreece Clarke, Parenting Examiner Though I'm writing this with the holidays in mind, this is actually a good tip for any time - watch the amount of ...


Should Schools Close on Inauguration Day?
Washington Post, United States - 10 hours ago
Let us know in the comments here or on the On Parenting blog. Stay on top of the latest from Inauguration Watch! This easy-to-use widget is simple to add to ...


Interaction of Parenting Experiences and Brain Structure in the ...
Archives of General Psychiatry - 8 hours ago
Objective To examine the influence of adverse parenting as an environmental moderator of the association between brain structure and depressive symptoms. ...


Telegraph.co.uk

Parenting: The Idle Parent
Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - 17 hours ago
It is highly critical, for example, of full-time day care for small children, arguing that, in the early years, the child needs its parents to be close by. ...

Parenting - Google News

home | site map
© 2006