I recently found out about a new free resource for tweens and young teens that’s available from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s NetSmartz Workshop. It’s designed to help kids make smarter choices when it comes to some of today's tough issues like online gaming, cyberbullying, and social networking.
This site stood out to me because all of the materials have been peer reviewed along the way, and the suggestions of real kids have been incorporated in the content. Go to www.NSTeens.org to check it out!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Friday, May 22, 2009
Thank You, 93rd Street School!
Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in "Career Day" at 93rd Street School in Los Angeles. I got to spend the day visiting classrooms and talking about my life as a writer. The kids were enthusiastic, respectful, and asked the most insightful questions, including one I'd never been asked before: "Did your mom and dad and teachers turn you into a writer, or was writing something that was always inside of you?" I had to think on that one a moment! I was definitely encouraged and supported by my wonderful parents and teachers, and I was introduced to writing at an early age because my dad is a writer -- but writing feels like such an integral part of who I am that I do like to think it would have been a part of my life regardless.
That said, I do at times feel discouraged, restless and uninspired as a writer. When that happens, talking with kids is the best way to recharge my batteries and renew my enthusiasm for reading and writing.
I am always looking to set up talks at schools, youth groups, or other organizations. I can talk for as long or short of a time period as you would like, and have experience talking to age levels from kindergarten to high school. I also love to teach fun writing workshops to schools. Plesae don't hesitate to contact me if you're interested in setting something up! E-mail me: dallaswoodburn@aol.com or visit my website www.writeonbooks.org.