The resilience of Migrant students is a moving thing to behold! This summer it was my honor to provide three weeks of creative writing workshops for TK-8th Migrant students. The children—some U.S. born, others from Mexico, Central or even South…
A Writing and Drawing Workshop Based on “My Favorite Things” This summer, I had an amazing experience leading writing workshops for Migrant students! I had Pre-K students all the way through 8th grade. So I presented one 60+ minute workshop…
Ten years ago, following my assemblies at a rural school in California, I was asked to spend an hour with a small group of Migrant students. They ranged widely in ages and still spoke only Spanish. The idea was for…
Usually, I urge kids to gather around books, not screens. But with summer almost here, and literary activities welcome, it’s nice to know that high quality, book-related television exists. Over a year ago, Seattle-based “Look, Listen + Learn TV” approached…
Wishing warm snuggly layers of clothing for everyone facing the brunt of winter. Even parts of Mexico, from where I just returned, were chilly, but the bright colors and hot cups of champurrado (corn and chocolate drink) warmed the soul. Last month,…
Two-year olds can inspire a mom or dad to learn what’s possible—like make lunch, resolve a bathroom emergency and define “is” all at once. By the time I was a dad, I was a jazz drummer and an author. But…
National Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15-Oct. 15. Picture books and creative writing add focus for all concerned. Here’s a round-up from Read Brightly of 15 picture books to celebrate the theme. The books include contemporary stories from around the Americas, folktales…
Beginning, middle and end. (El principio, el desarrollo y el final.) True confession: I’m an improviser. (The Jazz Fly series is partially autobiographical!) But I really do benefit by keeping story structure in mind. Basic story structure is especially useful in the context…
See if you can answer this two-part word quiz: Which word originated in South Asia: picture, teacher, jungle or chocolate? Which word originated in South Africa: snack, shack, trek, or steak? (Answers below.) I thought of these questions to kick…
As this year like no other finally lurches toward an end, I want to take a moment to appreciate my locale. Sonoma County, roughly an hour north of the Golden Gate Bridge, boasts natural beauty, state parks, diversity, and a…