It’s not always easy staying in touch with your audience. It used to be, when I was teaching in the classroom everyday. Even when I worked as a language arts specialist I’d spend time in classrooms, doing model lessons and working with kids. Now I’m retired. Luckily, I volunteer. It’s a win-win the way I see it. The class wins because I help encourage and support their writing efforts. I win because I am able to stay in touch with my audience.
Today during my visit to the fourth grade classroom where I volunteer, I’ll be surveying the class. Ill be asking the kids what they worry about, at school, at home, and out in the world. This will be the latest version of the survey that I’ve done over the years. It’ll be fun to see if there are trends. Do kids tend to be concerned about the same types of things over time? How do worries change?
The results will be of interest to me, however they come out. I may use insights for writing. I’m thinking of a not-so-super hero story or series that would address some of the common problems kids have and worry about. Why not-so-super? I think it would add a bit more realism and humor, and I think kids could better relate to a more vulnerable character. Still not sure; lots of thoughts twirling and tumbling. And that’s half the fun!
Leave a Reply