Give Them What They Want

Give them what they want. ~Winston Churchill

Some time ago, I shared a quite literate story by a four-year-old author. He wrote several other things as well, but after sharing that one in front of the whole group he subsequently declined, usually saying, "It's not finished yet." This is, of course, a valid choice for any writer. He loved the creative process, one where he sits in one-to-one intimacy with the adult taking dictation; the public performance wasn't his thing, at least for now. Maybe some day he'll be finished, but maybe not.

We have had other authors in our classes, however, who were very much interested in having their stories presented in front of the entire group. And then there are some who have mastered the art of writing for their audience, giving them what they want.

The following story is really a creative collaboration between a daughter and her mother, both of whom were aware from the beginning that this story was always destined to be read aloud to room full of four and five year olds:

"Once upon a time there was a

big monster who pooped

everywhere. And he was

called POOP MONSTER!

But he just kept on

pooping. Poop, poop, poop

Poop, poop, poop, poop

Poop, poop, poop, poop.

Poop.

Poop.

Poop.

"This is a big, big poop from that blue monster! And then it just kept on pooping! Poop, poop, poop, poop, poop, poop, poop, poop, poop, poop, poop, poop, poop, poop, poop, poop . . .

"This is a really big, big, buh-buh big poop!"

I had the honor of reading this masterpiece of its kind to the class. She had them rolling in the aisles, every last one of them.

(Update to yesterday's post: For those who read yesterday, my wife Jennifer is definitely on the mend. She has been walking around a bit and eating, although she still prefers a cool, quiet, dark room. Thank you for all of your support. It means a lot to both of us!)

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If you liked reading this post, you might also enjoy one of my books. To find out more, Click here! 

"Ready for a book that makes you want to underline and highlight? One that makes you draw arrows and write 'THIS!!!!!' in the margin? Then you are in for a treat." ~Lisa Murphy, M.Ed., author and Early Childhood Specialist, Ooey Gooey, Inc.

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