{discover.play.build.} research a place
My friend Tam is writing a story about a rodent who wants to visit Paris. I’ve been enamored by Tam’s work on this project. (And I’ve even found myself liking the rodent, Neville, who is quite charming and likable, once one gets over the fact that he is, in fact, a rodent.) Recently what has me most intrigued by Tam’s story is she has never been to Paris. Yet this is the setting of her story, and it’s working out quite well for her.
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What place have you’ve never visited, but find intriguing? |
I think maybe I’ve taken the advice, write what you know, too literally when it comes to setting. There are many things we can write that we don’t know, but can imagine. As I was flipping through POP UP LONDON by Jennie Maizels and paper engineering by Richard Ferguson (Candlewick Press, 2012), I found myself imagining story possibilities. What if…How about…I wonder…tumbled around my mind. It was then I realized I can write a story set in a place I’ve never been. (Click here to see more of my thoughts about this book.)
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If you’ve never been to Cyn’s website or followed her on Twitter You are missing out BIG TIME! Click the links and be ready to be engulfed in her online spaces. |
This is the photo I’m printing and taping into my notebook.
How about you? What are you discovering through your play?
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yesterday I began writing about running, about the trail and the creatures who share the trail with me – trying to notice the difference between morning and evening creatures – it has been nudging my creative juices
A few years back I was intrigued by Italy when studying the Renaissance with my 6th and 7th graders. I just found out that next year I will be able to teach social studies on my Spanish weeks and it is the year for that same cycle again. I am looking forward to revisiting it. I will have to play around with your idea this summer (once my dissertation is complete or close to it hopefully) and then I can use then I can scaffold my students' own explorations during the school year. This post is already sparking a lot of possibilities… Thanks!
Thanks for giving Neville a plug. Paris awaits him–oh, the sights and the food, the food!! Need to make the list of those places I know inside and out, also.
Alrightie… I am ready for my {Discover. Play. Build.} posts on my blog!
Thanks, Ruth 🙂