So, you're going to write with kids?

And maybe you have no idea how in the world to do it! Maybe you're feeling WAY out of your league!

It's ok. You're in good company.

We've all felt way out on a limb with the very same assignment.

I've worked with kids for many years, and my first advice is

BE PATIENT!!!

But what does that mean, exactly?

It means, first, lower your expectations. You are not going to read The Great American Novel when they bring you their first attempt at writing.

Good, you're snickering. You're relaxing a little.

Because that's what you need to be, as a writing teacher -- relaxed.

If you are all tied up in knots, what do you think these kids are going to be?

Believe me, kids can read us better than we read ourselves. It's weird.

So relax. Tell yourself that Rome wasn't built in a day.

And then sit down. Take a deep breath.

Remember that whatever your hang-ups are about writing, if you are working with very young children, the chances are VERY GOOD that they don't have ANY hang-ups about writing -- yet.

So don't put them there. Don't tell those kids they have to be perfect writers.

Because they're human.

Just like you.

Stay tuned.