D.A.T.E ~ part 1.

I was thrilled to have the opportunity to see Jennifer Donelly at the conference last week. She is such an inspirational woman, writer, and speaker. She discussed the four main categories that she feels are necessary when planning to write a book:

1. Inspiration
2. Imagination
3. Research
4. Emotion

Of course I would have assumed that these things would have been necessary in order to write a book, but the impact of hearing an author say it, while we were under the same roof, seemed to have more of an impact on me. I do have intentions of writing a book one day and when that day comes, I will look back and remember the encouraging words that Jennifer said.

I also found it interesting that she said: "Nintendo, television and DVD's are ruining the imagination of children." Of course I agree with this because now a days there aren't many educational lessons within these resources. However, I also agree with her when she said: "Technology is gradually increasing children's imaginations." There is proof of this right in our 307 classroom. We have learned so many tools already that are helping us connect, share, and progress as readers, writers and teachers.

I am very grateful for having the chance to see an author speak publicly, especially an author whose books I love!