Rally Encourages Writing, Reading
Occasionally there are paybacks to parenting that make it worthwhile, yet none so rewarding as sharing with your child what I call an “Ah-ha” moment: the flash of discovery for a youngster when your daughter accomplishes a new task by herself or your son solves a problem he’s been grappling with.
On Nov. 1, there will be plenty of “Ah-ha” moments awaiting children at the annual Whitworth Writing Rally.
Whitworth College professor Les Francis chairs the event, bringing together colleagues, student-teachers and sponsors to host a top-notch educational experience for families.
The rally’s theme is “Encouraging Reading Through Writing.” It’s designed for children in kindergarten through fourth grade who are in the beginning stages of developing their writing skills. Surrounded by an atmosphere of acceptance, a child is encouraged to create and illustrate a story from start to finish, with the support of an adult partner (each child must be accompanied by a parent or other adult).
Two overlapping sessions are offered, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The rally’s first hour features a lively presentation by Jerry Pallotta, author of popular children’s stories, including, “The Icky Bug Alphabet Book” (Charlesbridge Publishing). Readers Theater, a Whitworth theatrical group, will also perform.
Child/parent teams then move into small groups for story-writing, facilitated by an educator with expertise in storytelling, illustrating, writing and book binding. The rally concludes with a reception in which youngsters can share their stories, enjoy snacks and seek autographs from Pallotta.
This will be my daughter’s third Writing Rally. In her small group last year, the teacher encouraged her to write a story that introduced the characters and setting, described a problem that needed solving and ended with a resolution. As my daughter developed a story of a brown bear who got stuck in his cave because he ate too many peanut butter sandwiches, her solution to the creature’s cramped quarters was a memorable “Ah-ha” moment.
An added incentive to attend this year’s rally is to help your child’s school. The World Book Encyclopedia Co. will present a gift set of encyclopedias to the public or private school with the greatest number of students participating in the rally.
Registration is $13, which includes a button, a rally T-shirt and writing materials. (Accompanying adults attend free). Families with more than one child attending will be registered for the same session.
Register now as space is limited; the deadline is Oct. 17. For an entry form, ask your child’s teacher or call Les Francis at 777-4409. Leave your name and address with a brief message, and a packet will be mailed promptly.
, DataTimes MEMO: The Family Track is a weekly column of notes and information for families. Send items to Lynn Gibson, Features Department, P.O. Box 2160, Spokane, WA 99210-1615, or fax (509) 459-5098.