Z’s composition teacher gives silver pens to outstanding authors all throughout the year. During the award ceremony on the last day of school, she gives out a really special (That’s what Z says, but they look the same to me.You can see for yourself; just click on Z's Corner on my Blog) silver pen to certain writers. I love this idea because it motivates Z to write well in a way I could never pull off no matter how much I try to encourage him.
A few days before the award ceremony…
Z: This time I actually get to go up there and get my silver pen. This one is going to be special. It’s not the one we get during the year.
K nods.
Z: Last year when I won (He got the Voice Award) I just got a regular silver pen because I was too sick to go to the ceremony.
K nods, amazed that Z does not consider for a moment that he might not get the award. She wonders if she should say something like, “Winning isn’t everything. You should just be the best writer you can be.”
Z: This year it’s the special pen!
Awards Ceremony 2010
Mrs. Teacher goes to the stage and starts calling names for wonderful writing. When K doesn’t hear Z’s name, she starts formulating her motivational speech. Then the teacher calls out the Future Newbery Winner awards. Z goes to the stage and gets his silver pen and is dubbed a future Newbery Winner.
K is impressed and happy she doesn’t have to go somewhere and find a bigger and better silver pen than the teacher gave the winners to give to Z. Nope, he earned it from his teacher.
Next year, Z is moving on up to be an upperclassmen (OK, the school stops at 8th grade and I wanted to be poetic/dramatic.) and he’s leaving Mrs. Teacher behind to inspire other writers. She will be missed.
