The next Great American Journalist?

For nearly a dozen years, Pinellas County schools have hosted the Great American Teach-In, a day when parents and others spend time in the classroom talking with kids about careers that may interest them. Last week, Gary and I spent about 45 minutes with Colter's 4th-grade class, splitting the time between a discussion of journalism (me) and creative writing (Gary). We had a great time and then were pleasantly surprised by all the thank you notes we received from the students. This was my favorite:

Dear Mr. and Mrs. Moos,

Thank you for coming to our class for the Great American Teach-In. I found your presentation to be inspiring. I have decided to become a newspaper reporter from your inspiring ideas. I have recruited your son and my friend to help gather information. I will write editorials, sports and travel pieces.

What I enjoyed about your presentation was your passion for creativing writing. It was fun when Mr. Moos played a little game with us [Gary read them about a dozen different beginnings for "Little Red Riding Hood" that he wrote in different styles, from different characters' perspectives, then had them guess what story he was telling.] Thank you for giving us a notebook pad. It will surely help me in my reporting.

I appreciate you both taking time to come in our class.

P.S. Colter told me all the great stuff about you.

It turns out that right after we left, this boy interviewed Colter. He's aggressive and a schmoozer -- two strengths he can definitely put to good use as a journalist. Maybe someday he'll replace whoever replaces Peter Jennings. And we'll have a thank you note to remind us we helped him get started.

Comments

[Kathy Gross]

Lealman Intermediate School
Great American Teach-In
Wednesday, Nov. 15, 2006
528-5802 ext 2057

My goal is to have all my speakers before the end of this school year. I would love to invite you and your husband to our Great American Teach-In.
We are the Drop Out Prevention school that serves students in grades 5-8 for all of South Pinellas County. We are doing some amazing things here at Lealman. We would love for you to be part of the Teach_in.

[Lucinda]

Coming from the other side... sort of... My kindergarten teacher still has a note I wrote her when I "graduated" and headed on to first grade. I ran into her as an adult (I also happened to become a journalist), and she told me it was one of the nices notes she's ever received.
Children don't realize what an impact they can have on us sappy adults with just a few well-meant words on paper!

[Robin]

Aggressive and a shmoozer... I don't know. I wish him the best but I think we'll be better off if he matures into patient and sincere ;-)

Sweet note, though!