Archive for March 2022

I know how to read. I know how to read thanks in part to Mrs. Dubois, who taught me to read in kindergarten. It wasn’t easy. The word “the” confounded me for quite a while. No matter how many times Mrs. Dubois or my mother would tell me how to read the word, I would…

In my youth, I stole, among other things: Two dozen children’s shoes – all left footed – and the display table upon which they were sitting Many orange traffic cones A grocery cart A New Bedford high school snare drummer’s sticks and his backup sticks A stethoscope The blank, white pages from hundreds of children’s…

I spoke to Charlie’s class fourth grade class last week about writing authentically:   Using the power of the written word to affect change in your life and the lives of others. Moving writing beyond its academic purposes and into the real world.    This can come in many, many forms.   In my classroom,…

I am pleased to announce that my new book of Someday Is Today: 22 Simple, Actionable Ways to Propel Your Creative Life will be available wherever books are sold in the US on Tuesday June 7th and in other countries shortly thereafter! I wrote Someday is Today to help empower you to make manageable changes…

According to the automotive research firm Strategic Vision, 35 percent of truck owners have never put anything in the bed of the truck. I’m not sure why I think this is hilarious, but I do. There’s nothing wrong with owning a truck, of course. Some of my closest friends own trucks. I like having friends…

I mentioned an unfortunate encounter in a restroom last week, and I was asked to elaborate. Here is the elaboration: Years ago, I was returning a book to the library. The librarian informed me that late fees were due on the item, so I removed my wallet and offered up my money with a smile.…

It looks like we may be coming to the end of many of the pandemic mitigation strategies that have consumed so much of the world, including our schools. Just this week, my students and I were given the option to remove our masks. Though many continue to wear them – to protect themselves and those…

Earlier this summer, I delivered a talk at TEDxBerkshires on why it’s important to tell stories. Here’s the recording. Watch it, then tell a story.

Somewhere along the way on Saturday, Charlie discovered that glass jars, flashlights, and food coloring could produce a disco ball effect. Probably read it in some stupid book. Shortly thereafter, a party was being planned. Clara and Charlie prepared a playlist. Games and snacks were decided upon. Outfits were chosen. A schedule was made. I…

Speak Up Storytelling, in partnership with Wolcott School, it thrilled to announce our third annual fundraising event on Saturday, March 19 at 7:00 PM EST. Due to ongoing pandemic restrictions, this show will be produced virtually via Zoom. Join us as Wolcott staff members, including our school nurse, Tracey Roberts, special education teacher Tamara Maldonado,…