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Friday, October 30, 2009

Silver Tastes Like Bitter Salt

Kid writers are awesome.

I did a writing lesson with third graders recently using colors as a way to write more descriptively. The goal was to include rich details in writing that audiences remember.

Dylan wrote:

Silver smells like money.
It tastes like bitter salt.

Okay honestly, I don't even know what that means all the way, but dang, it sounds cool.

And I loved this one, too:

Gold is the sound of little birds opening their wings.

Wow.

You know, I brag sometimes that I have the best job in the world, but that is only because I do. I come home from work every day filled with hope for the future.

If the destiny of our world lies in the hands of small poets who know the sound of gold or the taste of silver, I think we're going to be alright.

hrh

16 comments:

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

Those similies and metaphors they wrote are truly astounding. Their sight is so fresh and untethered by cliche and convention. How rewarding for you and how lucky for us that you shared this. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Bethany Wiggins said...

I can't believe those came from third graders. They are inspiring! Thanks for a beautiful blog.

Wendy Sparrow said...

Wow! If only third graders had it in them to write entire novels. You never quite look at the world the same as an adult--too many preconceived notions.

My daughter is in third grade and the artwork and writing she brings home are astounding. She is a very literal child at times and it's surprising what we take for granted.

"Bitter salt" is the exact way I'd describe a quarter if I licked it after reading this. (Not that I go around licking change, but if you've done it once... it sticks with you.) I'd never make the mental jump that it's the taste of silver--but I might now. (Previously, it would be more like "eww... eww... people's hands... eww... eww... filthy lucre is right!)

Corey Schwartz said...

Wow! They are both awesome! Hmm, either of their mother's looking for a contract? I know a good agent :)

MG Higgins said...

Wow. Those are beautiful. And bitter salt fits perfectly with my perception of what silver--in the form of money--tastes like. (Yes, I've licked a few quarters in my time. Don't ask.)

Kelly H-Y said...

Wow ... those gave me chills. Their little minds are amazing, aren't they?!

lisa and laura said...

Holy crap, those kids can write! We're going to have some serious competition in a few years.

And yeah, you really do have the best job ever. We're jealous!

Myrna Foster said...

The taste of silver is dead on, and I've never heard it described that way before. Money, even the bills, smells bitter.

Isn't it interesting, the things they come up with when they're little? Especially the ones who aren't afraid someone will tell them their words are stupid. You do have a great job.

Stephanie Faris said...

It does sound like you have the best job in the world. I don't have nearly that much fun in my work!

Susan R. Mills said...

It amazes me what children can come up with, and you get to see it every day. Lucky you.

Hardygirl said...

Wow! I love those little imaginations. Now, how to keep those precious little minds fresh and creative as they make their way to adulthood???

sf

Sarah said...

Those descriptions are beautiful :)

Thanks for stopping by to read my interview of Stephanie!

And can I mention that I had a smile/squeal moment when I realized you were the author of the Good Knight books? They get a lot of circulation at the library I work at.

Elana Johnson said...

I love the "taste" of silver. That is beautiful!!

Clementine said...

You DO have the best job in the world. Ya know, Dylan is right. When I was little I put a quarter in my mouth and it is bitter like salt! I suppose I never really grew up, huh.

Clementine said...

Shelli, you should get more of the kids to contribute and pitch an idea to Dutton about putting together an anthology of kids work. We children's writers would love to read it!

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