| Have you ever sat and watch a child struggle | | | | world to explore. Based on real-life childhood |
| with a blank page? Have you ever wondered why | | | | memories, these stories promote the idea that |
| some children just seem to detest anything to do | | | | anything is possible. With a little help from our |
| with writing? Have you seem them just give up in | | | | imaginations, an ordinary day can become one |
| frustration and walk away angry and distraught? | | | | filled with adventure – sailing with pirates, |
| Well you are not alone. Every one possesses the | | | | running a race, or experiencing the thrill of a plane |
| capability to write stories, plays, poems or journal | | | | ride for the first time. |
| writings. There is something that belongs to you | | | | ‘Storybuilding with Imagination’, the |
| and nobody else – something that you can | | | | second in the Imagination Series, uses the proven |
| always keep a secret. There is something so | | | | techniques Debbie has developed and helps walk |
| special that it is priceless, and yet it costs you | | | | the child through the general principals of story |
| nothing. This is something that can never be | | | | writing. Following her lead helps the child untangle |
| taken away from you, but is yours to share with | | | | the confusing trail of mazes, and feel the pride of |
| as many people as you choose. This is something | | | | a job well done. ‘Storybuilding with |
| you can keep for a lifetime and use anytime. Do | | | | Imagination’ is written simply, visually and |
| you know what it is? Do you give up? This is | | | | interactively, so that children can follow along, |
| your imagination. | | | | regardless of reading and writing capabilities. |
| Poets and artisans of ancient Greece attributed | | | | Kid’s Writing Place could be called an |
| their inspiration to playful whispers from Muses. | | | | Internet learning room where children are mused |
| Eventually, they recognized the mystic | | | | and/or become the muse to others, helping to |
| murmurings to be their own imaginations. Einstein | | | | spark children’s imaginations and promote |
| claimed that imagination was more important than | | | | writing skills. Encouraging the use of imagination |
| knowledge. Knowledge was limited, he said, | | | | helps a child build strength and courage, thus |
| whereas imagination could “embrace the | | | | fostering a child’s self-image. At |
| entire world stimulating progress, giving birth to | | | | Kid’s Writing Place, children that are |
| evolution.” | | | | intimidated by that blank page can come and get |
| As co-author/facilitator of a literacy program in | | | | story beginning ideas, or those that are full of |
| Ontario, ‘The Muse Program’ Debbie | | | | ideas but just can’t seem to finish the |
| has had a unique opportunity to observe children | | | | ending can get help with their ideas. Those that |
| at work and see the methods that work best. | | | | are well on their way to becoming the next |
| The hesitation comes for some as they sit facing | | | | generation of authors can have their work read |
| a blank page. Even with a vivid imagination, | | | | and critiqued by others. This not only enhances |
| without the tools to utilize it, it becomes a | | | | skill improvement but promotes interaction |
| stumbling block for many children. | | | | between others. |
| Debbie has peppered her books with practical | | | | The goals of Kid’s Writing Place are to |
| questions easily understood by children of any | | | | Foster Literacy through the Imagination. This is |
| background. Their answers to those leading | | | | achieved through the interaction, cooperation and |
| questions will provide a strong basis for a story. | | | | brainstorming of the children working together and |
| There is a broad comfort zone, because she | | | | learning how to build on their ideas. This on-line |
| leads them through familiar territory so that they | | | | forum was inspired by a writer’s |
| can write about what they know best. | | | | fascination with the ability to motivate the |
| Using techniques she has developed with her own | | | | creative process within children using their |
| children to stretch their imaginations and her | | | | imagination. Visit [ and join in the fun of letting |
| artistic background, she is able to conjure up | | | | your own imagination soar and be amazed at the |
| images in their minds that are more easily | | | | places that it can take you. |
| transformed into words on that intimidating blank | | | | "The kids of today are our future", says Designs |
| page. | | | | by Debbie founder, “I believe that we are |
| The first in the series, ‘Short Stories with | | | | all capable of helping to improve our |
| Imagination’ is designed to encourage the | | | | children’s futures, starting with their own |
| use of imagination and to help foster a | | | | imaginations. |
| child’s self-image, opening up a whole new | | | | |