Robin Moore came to Hillendale on November 15 and 18 and enchanted students and teachers with tall tales about dogs, ghosts, and scary things. We had fun knowing that we would be safe because Mr. Moore told us how to protect ourselves by placing our shoes under our beds.
At Hillendale students read The Bread Sister of Sinking Creek, and Maggie Among the Seneca, by Robin Moore. This week students had opportunities to hear this author tell scary stories, see and wear clothes worn on the frontier, and demonstrate the craft of writing.
Mr. Moore entertained us in the morning with his stories and music. Later in the day he led the children through a journey of imagination. Students visualized scenes in order to see a story as pictures in their minds. After visualizing, the children were directed to write what they had seen using their "inner and outer eyes." Mr. Moore explained to the children that the "heart and soul" of good writing is rewriting. Rewriting is the difference between writing any old thing just to get it done, and creating the best work that you can do. The children were also advised to read their writing out loud in order to listen to their voice. The children eagerly followed Robin Moore's instructions. Before Mr. Moore left he invited them to complete their stories and send them to him.
Visiting author and master story teller, Robin Moore, entertained our children with his extraordinary tales and provided them with insights into the craft of writing. What a treat!!
