I recently wrote about the importance of name writing and now just a few days ago wrote about writing in general and how much it has positively benefited my life and well-being.

A few weeks ago, I shared my book Walking Wednesday with a preschool classroom. At this visit, I read my book and supported the children to create their own story.

Little to no surprise the final product reveals a jumbled story nay sentences with not much direction or content. But again this comes as no surprise. Preschoolers are at the beginning of their literacy journey. They know what a book is but not what it entails and the components that make a story understandable and what one considers a book.

But… this is just the start. What IS there is verbiage, drawings, writing all from the children themselves. They came up with the story. A little prompting and direction of course but this book is the work of these young learners. They were listened to. They were heard. Their words were written down and that action alone is beneficial to the development of self love, confidence and the relationship of the teachers and children.

Children will see their writing, their drawings, and their ideas transformed into a piece of art that they will be able to see for days to come. Each day a reminder of the experience that came along with their hard work.

Creating this book alongside young learners is an experience of its own. I enjoyed sharing my story and then seeing the realization that they too can do this. Seeing my work influencing and sparking an interest to write and create.

I look forward to continuing this experience. Not only sharing my work with children and teachers but also inspiring them to continue to write learn and grow.

As Jeneva says “just write” and it all comes together in the end.