As a writer, nothing makes me feel better than knowing that my words inspired someone else to do something: to write, to think differently, to take some kind of action (or even just to relax, to laugh, or to learn). Last month, I got the nicest letter from teacher Ashley Vallarino, who wrote:
I am a Grade 3 teacher in Mississauga, Ontario and I love reading your books to my students. I would like to start by saying thank you. Your book A Leaf Can Be inspired my students to write beautiful class poetry to celebrate Earth Day 🙂
And here’s the poem:
A Tree Can Be …
A tree is a tree,
as seasons pass by
Many shades of green,
beneath a clear blue sky
A tree can be …
a back scratcher ~ a nest hatcher
a bird rester ~ an owl nester
a raccoon’s home ~ a squirrel’s dome
a high grower ~ a leaf show-er
a water taker ~ an oxygen maker
a wind snatcher ~ a sun catcher
a sap maker ~ a rain taker
an animal protector ~ a raindrop collector
an air cleaner ~ an earth greener
a flower grower ~ a history knower
a story lover ~ and worlds to discover!
Mrs. Vallarino’s Grade 3 Class
Sheridan Park Public School
Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
Isn’t that just beautiful? It makes me happy to be a part of Mrs. Vallarino’s creative classroom, even from a distance!
12 Responses
Wonderful to see how your poems grow more poets.
Thanks, Linda!
I am amazed by the third-graders use of the English language. I shouldn’t be because I’m also amazed that my 4 yr. old great-granddaughter is using words (with proper meanings) like complicated, shocked, consequence, concentrating, organizing .… Congrats Laura on the ripple effect — small leaf in a big pond produces strong limbs and branches as the trunk grows and strengthens. The small acorn, giant oak! You planted the seed.
Thanks, Martha–and yay for your gg. Our oldest had a very advanced vocab like that at that age. And she is still a complete word-lover! Yes–we all do our little bit of planting, right?
Terrific poem from Mrs. V.‘s class. I love how they took your wonderful book and made their own version. I love back-scratcher, nest hatcher!!
Yep, they came up with some really wonderful phrases, didn’t they?
So nice to see them inspired!
Thanks!
Wow–these third graders are creative and insightful. I love their poem and that your book inspired it!
I agree! And am thrilled:>)
Wonderful inspiration from your books Laura. I’m not surprised.
Thanks, Linda!