MnikesaSpeaksOfGuests: Student Writer Series, Part 1!!! 😍 (Annika, Age 9)

MnikesaSpeaks

Dr. Maya Angelou said that there is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside of yourself.

As a reading and writing teacher, I believe in teaching stories.

I believe in teaching students to share them.

I believe in teaching them to speak.

I believe it is valuable for them to have the chance to see my authentic voice as a writer in the real world presented in these posts. That is, after all, the purpose of writing—to share it with an audience. To speak. To tell a story like only you can.

This is what it looks like when MnikesaSpeaks.

(Photo by: Rachel Liu-Ballard)

From time to time I will have the privilege of showcasing the work of some of my students here on my blog! In these wild times, I am still doing what I love—teaching! Today, I present 2 of my young students who have been working diligently this summer on the following pieces! Enjoy Parts 1 and 2!

Annika has a powerful voice and has recently discovered that she LOVES poetry. She is a master baker and one day you will see her dominating on the Stanford Women’s Golf Team. Look out, world 🌍 . She’s 9 going on ready-to-take-on-everybody!

Tournament by Annika, Age 9

“Next up we have-

Annika Grawala.”

No, No

NO

This can’t-

Can’t

Be happening-

Deep breath-

Nope, not possible-

“A-annika… it's your turn?”

Is it

Too late to

Quit?

Annika.-

Annika.

You

Have to play

In one tournament-

Have to-

Too much

Stress

Calm-

Think of your family

Cheering you on

At home-

HOME

Where I want to be

Right now-

Do it

Annika.

Only two hours of your life.

I grab

My club

Swing

One done

Only 44 more

To go...