Neighborhood Music School, January 22

Today, I went to Neighborhood Music School to change the pad and add markers. The display is sitting front and center in the waiting area (it was Saturday morning, and I was joined in my set-up by only one small child, who watched me curiously). I found that there had been more activity than I had expected. Most interestingly, several repeated word magnets had been crossed out with a pencil, and replaced with words that would better help make logical sentences:

safe --> to
job --> us
money -->it

I suppose this has something to do with the youth of participants. It's kind of heartening to see that they aren't cowed by rules and boundaries and instead insist on doing what works for their, er, creative processes.

I might bring some new, more diverse words the next time I can get out there. I got the message, kiddos.

I added to the prompt on the board: "Make a poem, a story, a song, anything!" - I think a little more prescriptive (but also saying "anything is OK, don't worry") might provide better direction for kids. The prompt on the pad says: "Copy your creation here! Illustrate it! Or create something of your own about your community!" Again, a little on the nose. Lots of exclamation points to excite children, as a third-grade teacher might.

The notebook had some child-like handwriting and some more mature writing. Here's what it said:

opportunity that make money

More money to coportion. [sic]

Why discover more ancient money?

Trust Black as white

I turn the heart black, But love is found beneath her trust

White day always beautiful
White covers, protects, beneath
Ask: why lock up the heart as money in a safe?
I take life
trust home
know love.

Ancient hero
mean(s) romance opportunity,
but loud crime
end(s) opportunity at community.

Discover black in the heart took but that life will always make a difference. So I know which opportunity to take. Ancient love on homes cover up crime. Romance sees opportunity as Beautiful. Beneath community is cooperation at end.

The phrases on the board are:

safe to

I know to always discover opportunity in

love cover take opportunity
beautiful life
protect heart

*Also, I stopped by Koffee and talked to a cashier about possibly putting the display there. The clientele is diverse (a lot of Neighborhood Music School families drop in, as evidenced by mini violins and such permeating the space). The ambiance of the shop reminds me of a living room -- in this atmosphere of leisure, creating poetry might be something one might feel impelled to do...?