I had a Door Within speaking engagement today with an elementary school near Columbia. About a hundred fourth and fifth graders came and sat on the rug before me like a gigantic "Story Time" session. It was wonderful, I did my silly English Accent Shtick and prowled around the library with my broadsword. {Uh, Wayne, should you be waving a broadsword around children?} Well, uh...I've almost never hurt anyone with it.
Back to the story. I got to read one of my favorite passages, "Falon's Stair," from The Door Within. Those wonderful children stared up, and I could just see the mental movie churning in their imagination. And how freely those children gave away their smiles. Just an aside, what if treasure were measured in smiles rather than gold? If it was such a different economy, I struck it rich today. And I am thankful. At one point, I was so completely filled with love and joy for these kids. We shared an experience…a story. What a wonderful thing.
I have four little ones of my own…though not so little anymore. But I sat and read with each one of them {except for my oldest daughter who decided I was 2nd place to American Idol--insert dagger and twist.}. Let's see, I read: Dora's Bedtime Tales, Stink Moody, and Tom Swift. Hmmm...
But it was the time with my children, sharing the story that mattered. Wherever you are, and whatever you do, don't forget to make time…for storytime.
7 comments:
There is something unique reading to little ones. I used to tell stories I made up to my little brother when he was scared of the dark and the spiders and would come into my room once Mom and Dad were upstairs. And all the hours I spent reading to little cuddle bugs when I baby sat, I wouldn't trade that for anything. I can't wait to read to Maddy, my niece. She's a squirm-worm right now and would rather play, but story time will come. ;)
Story time was my favorite as a child. I remember my mom reading classics like The Secret Garden and silly stories that she'd made up about me. It was amazing to me.
Nothing could have prepared me for how much more amazing it is to be the grown-up in the situation. My daughter can't wait to snuggle down on our favorite couch and listen to amazing adventures. Now that she's old enough, 8, we take turns reading to each other. Both of us share a love of fantasy and adventure. Very soon, she'll be ready for The Door Within Trilogy and we'll be able to share in the experiences I've already grown to love myself. Cultivating a love of reading is a gift that God gives us, that in turn, we have the responsibility and joy to share with the little ones.
BTW - teaching preschool was fun too. Four-year-olds have a pretty great attention span if the book they're listening to you read - comes to life because of your own enthusiasm.
The Secret Garden...ah, my eldest daughter just tried out for a part in a local production of that. It's a cool story. I hope she gets a part.
Oooo Oooo!!! You struck my favorite part about stories...telling them to others! I'm a BIG fan of that. I'm always telling my brother stories. I can't wait until my little niece is ready to sit down and listen.
And we're doing Narnia for our church production. I'm Edmund LOL.
Wise words.
I always like how your blogs have something in them to make me smile. The broad sword comment did it today.
I think the joy of writing is having other people enjoy it. Personaly. Allthough only a couple people have ever enjoyed any story I wrote. I felt like it was payment enough to go through all the time writing.
Anyways, have a good day. Keep doing public readings! They sound like fun.
Do you do school visits and what are your fees? How can I contact you to make arrangements? I'm the librarian of a private school in the western suburbs of Phila.
Hi, Elowry
I do many school visits each year, but mostly local because I am a full time teacher myself.
It's very hard to take days off from school for travel and such.
Email me at Batguy21784@yahoo.com and let me know what you have in mind.
Thanks!
-WtB
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