Living Life Twice

Finding writing ideas does not have to be difficult, but it does involve some thinking time. Sometimes using your senses can be a catalyst for writing ideas. Recently, as I sat in my favourite writing space, the sound of my neighbour's lawn mower buzzing and roaring triggered a memory. I had an idea, but then I had to think about the genre in which I wanted to write. A recount would have been easy, and also a little predictable. As a writer, you have options. In my mind I had numerous thoughts and memories triggered by a familiar sound. The challenge this time was not what to write about, rather how? Student writers need to engage with their peers and teachers around such ponderings. Once they have identified what they want to write about, what messages they wish to convey, the question of how needs to be discussed. Last week I found myself in a brief conversation with a young Grade 3 writer who had recently visited the Lerderderg Gorge situated...

Today's poem has a refrain that aims to be lighthearted and provide a sense of fun and enjoyment. New shoes often have that effect on the wearer. New shoes tend to improve your spirits. The use of repetition in a poem is a literary device that young poets love to employ. It's just a line or lines repeated throughout a poem.  I can recall  once having Prep students parading around a classroom wearing preposterous shoes while reciting this little poem.  Groovy Shoes Groovy shoes Groovy shoes I just can't lose with groovy shoes Pink shoes laces Oh so groovy I could be in any movie Ripple soles Watch me walk All my friends stop and talk Groovy shoes Stripey green When I walk by it's such a scene Every body stops to stare They all shout I want a pair! Groovy shoes Groovy shoes I just can't lose with groovy shoes. Groovy shoes Groovy shoes I just can't lose with groovy shoes Alan j Wright ...