There is something about beautiful Zambia, Africa . . . something that always stirs an energy inside of me. I can’t explain why, but the sights, smells, and sounds of this country fill my heart with joy every time I return.

Although this trip is going to be short, I’m excited to accomplish as much as possible this week with the teachers and students at School of Hope. Director Kathleen Schwartz has requested writing be the focus in all grade levels. Writing? Really? (Cue the eye rolling and deep sighs.) Writing—so often overlooked in content areas and avoided by students. Writing—believed to be “hard” and take so much classroom time. Writing—a combo platter of “no fun” and “super boring” throughout elementary and middle school. But wait . . . writing isn’t that bad. Writing invites new thinking and reflection. Writing helps us work through ideas and problem solve. Writing works hand in hand with Reading to increase comprehension. We need to write, and not just in Language Arts, but across all subjects.

I’ve got my lessons ready to roll and will hopefully encourage adults and children to reconsider how powerful writing can be in their lives. 🙂