One cool thing about having kids if you’re a creative type is that you get to work on fun projects with them. And not just Lego and Play-Doh – though those are fun, too. As they get older, you might even get to do actual multimedia collaborations with your kid. For instance, this is a story that my 8yo son – the comic book artist – and I came up with. Although to be fair, it was about 90% him. I provided the typing and spelling help.
Clumsy Crab
By Abby and Miles
Clumsy Crab was living in the sea and wanted to build a sea life community center. He tried to gain workers by making inspirational speeches. By doing this, 278 creatures (no sharks) volunteered to help.
It took 3 years to build it. (Mostly because Clumsy Crab knocked it down a few times!) But as soon as it was built, the sharks took it over and tried to eat Clumsy Crab!
“Mendacity!” yelled Clumsy Crab, and he moved to Asia. And to think the community center was to keep sharks out!
~ The End ~
I’m not even sure where the idea for this story came from. Spongebob? A recent trip to the aquarium? Who knows. I’m also not sure where he came up with the exclamation “Mendacity!” I had to look it up: it’s an actual word meaning “lack of honesty.”
He wants us to make this story into a book, which he will illustrate. I’m in!
And here’s something he put together one afternoon while I was working on my own project. (A tree frog costume for my friend’s kid. I specialize in last-minute, hoodie-based, felt-and-velcro costumes, if you didn’t know.)
I found these cute mini clothespins with animals on them at the craft store. That was Miles’ jumping-off point to create this video, “Crazy Foxes.” He made it on an iPhone using a free app called Shadow Puppet.
Kids are awesome. Being creative is fun. Go make something!
LINK O’ THE DAY: One of my favorite former writing students, who lives in Ireland and writes for Attachment Parenting International, quoted me in this really interesting, well-researched article on how writing can help us tap into our creativity, find work/life balance, and even be better parents. I sound like I know what I’m talking about, don’t I? 🙂
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
So super cool, Miles!! My boys are always asking me to write things. I think I need to make it a summer project for us (that doesn’t seem like I’m just reviewing school skills – shhh). 🙂
Love it!