In a child’s mind
One evening during supper (and after a week of particularly challenging behavior) my second grade son announced, “I have my first prompt tomorrow.”
“Really?” I asked, interested. (As a teaching artist and writer who does school visits and workshops, I know all about CMT’s and prompts.)
“I just have to remember BME,” he said, “beginning, middle, and end.”
“What?” his father asked.
We discussed the requirements for a few minutes, and I realized how anxious my son was about this new adventure in education.
“Are you worried? It’s not such a big deal,” I said, wanting to mitigate his anxiety.
“No, Mom, it IS a big deal. Ms. (Teacher) is VERY serious about it.” My son was solemn.
“You know how to write a story,” I said. “You’ll do fine.
“But I can’t ask anyone for help, not you, not the teacher, not anyone. And 45 minutes is a long time.”
I thought for a moment. “Just pretend that I am sitting right next to you, and I will remind you about everything you know. You can imagine what I’d say, because you’ve heard it so many times.”
The next afternoon, he came home and presented me with a note that read, “thank you for your thought, mom, it worked.” He’d pretended I was sitting next to him, and, to his own astonishment, discovered that he was capable of writing for 45 minutes.
Okay, so I’m his mom, but I’m also an author, and I’ve been that child who needed someone to sit next to me. And I realize, that is what we do as authors – certainly what my favorite authors did for me – Madeleine L’Engle was an imaginary mentor and living presence to me, long before I met her.
We authors offer vicarious, yet real, support. We are present in a child’s mind: our words resonate and whisper; our stories and books share examples of getting through tough spots; and that we authors understand reminds the child that he/she knows more than they think they do, can do more than they think they can.
Tags: CMT's mentoring parent-child school visits Stanley test-taking values writing partner writing support
December 1st, 2009 at 11:56 am
What a delicious way to imagine the author’s role, Sanna! I more often picture myself front of the child or perhaps across a campfire, telling a story. Sometimes I am aware of being right inside a child’s mind, when reading happens. But being there, long after they’ve read my book, still offering encouragement? That gives me chills! Thank you.
Kay
December 11th, 2009 at 2:14 pm
The truth in the words resonate and whisper. How lovely.