Oceanlake Brilliance

Working with 6-10 year-olds last week was a different challenge. The 3rd grade class was more what I am used to, but I haven’t worked with 1st and 2nd graders doing writing in ages. They are at such a unique stage with the writing process. It reminds me of when I was very little and saw my mom doing cursive. Of course, to my untrained eye, it appeared to be a series of lovely squiggles, which I immediately tried to recreate. I drew very nice curvy loops that were definitely not words, but I remember thinking cursive was beautiful.

Some are getting paragraphs down on their own and their spelling makes complete sense too. (Complexities of English as a written language cause the majority of issues. I loved that about some of the other languages I have dabbled in, they are actually consistent with their spelling and how words sound, go figure!) Some of my students were just starting to write letters into the form of words. I noticed a couple of younger students who had regular refrains containing combinations of the same 4 or 5 letters. The best part is when those same children recite their works for the class and it grows into an epic impromptu piece. Kids at these ages are so eager and excited to try things!

One star, a mere 2nd grader, came up with 2 rhymes for “alliteration”, and that was by no means the assignment, they just came to him. You never know where their path will lead, but clearly there are so many possibilities for greatness in all walks. My 3rd graders had so many great questions for me, I finally needed to say that if we didn’t get started on writing the class would be over soon. They asked me to “rap” for them and I did. One of the students said they listened to 50 Cent, so I also talked to them briefly about the history of hip-hop as a culture and creative force, not just songs heard on the radio, it's the art of making do with what we have, making art from what we have.

The school held an evening write nite event, where Joanna (an amazing person also working with students at my school) and I did an assembly style workshop. A whole cafeteria full of families and staff writing and discussing their family story! The room buzzed with chatter, while we got to mee some of the parents of students we saw during the day. Once we were done, the line of students, (and students with their parents), who wanted stretched pretty far to read for a packed house of over 200! Folks faced one of the highest ranking fears, public speaking, with idividual style. We even had time for everyone to read who volunteered. One of the tiniest readers stepped to the mic and I reminded her, as I did everyone, to speak up and not to be afraid of the mic. She killed it! Perfect projection, every word crystal clear- a pro, like she does that every day before she eats her breakfast! They blew me away, and by the end of the evening my cheeks hurt from smiling so much. What an amazing community! I could listen to youth on the mic for days. This is why I have focused more energy on workshops and performances with young people. Seeing them do their thing and knowing that each experience helps fuel the people/artists they will become brings me great joy.

Another huge highlight reel moment:
One of the writing and drawing exercises we did involved saying what we carried in our heart. The literal scribes wrote about vessels and blood, which was fine and yeilded cool pictures. Obviously parents and family ranked high on many lists. Then one little girl, when asked to share two of the things she carried in her heart, said “Turiya and kittens”. I came before kittens! That is when you know you are a true star. It has nothing to do with being on tv, radio and the like. When you beat out “kittens” or are on par with the undeniable goodness of adorable furry pets- that is when you know you are doing something right!

The teachers were great to let us take over their classes for a week and extremely supportive and helpful, the principal was amazing and the families were clearly involved by showing up to the event. Thank you Oceanlake for an incredible week! I hope to come back and work with you all again soon!