In August, I was very pleased
to see my poems, “The Math Beast” and “Thunder” featured in Issue 2 of a new online
publication called BALLOONS Lit. Journal.
After reading the journal in
its entirety, I would like to recommend this rich resource to teachers and
young readers everywhere. BALLOONS Lit. Journal features work from both
established and young writers from all around the world. It also includes work
appropriate for a wide age range of students.
The inclusion of work by
young people makes this a wonderful model for young writers. Share the poem, “Rain,”by ten-year-old Sage as an excellent example of using descriptive details and
then ask students to write their own weather poems.
Two fiction stories in this
issue are told from the viewpoint of inanimate objects. “Knight Errant” is a
clever chess story set in medieval times with a twist ending.
“Carnival Balloons” follows the worried thoughts
of a balloon watching over a lost child.
Both of these stories could
be used as models for writing from an object’s viewpoint, particularly a toy or
game.
The art in Balloons Lit.
Journal is utterly delightful. “The Earth—A Miracle” by Hyonju (Karen) Ahn
could inspire writing about the earth, the solar system, and/or ecology.
Ahn’s “City Lights” could make
a terrific writing prompt and discussion for sensory details. Project the art
on a smart board screen and brainstorm descriptive words for the busy sights
and sounds depicted. Ask your students to describe a visit to the city or write
a story about someone who is experiencing New York City for the first time.
Attractively designed and
available for free to educators, BALLOONS Lit. Journal, should be on your back-to-school
list for writing workshop ideas. Check it out at
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