Being Grounded Stirs Creative Juices

Matthew has a chart that he needs to follow each day.  You know, things like his chore list, lesson completion, stay within media limits (1 hour a day!), etc.  If he does everything on the list then he has privileges for the next day.  If he doesn't, then he loses those privileges.  By the way, we consider privileges things like TV, video games, computer use, and treats.  It's all up to him.

*cue sad violin music*

He lost his privileges for today.  Of course, the morning started with tearful groans and a toss of a limp body on the bed in dramatic protest.  When he gets like that I just tell him to go to his room and come on out when he has regained control of himself.

He was in there for a long time.  Hmmmmm.....should I check on him?

Finally, he emerged, excitedly, with notebook papers in one hand and a stapler in the other.  He worked eagerly at the kitchen table completing his project.  Oh my, what has he created?

He was so anxious for me to see what he had done.  He had written a story, complete with illustrations.  Now, Matthew has never been very artistic and he rarely uses color when he draws.  He prefers a good old fashioned pencil.  He used his best cursive handwriting, and it was beautiful!  Here's how the story goes.....

The Legend

by Matthew Gadow

Long ago in a land known as Hyrane, there was peace in the land and all were happy.  But, one day something happened where a great, unstoppable evil was released.  The beast destroyed all and released evil onto the land.  The beast was known as The Dark One.  Then, something else happened.  Something the beast never thought possible.  A Hero of Light rose against the beast, wielding the ancient Sword of Light.  There was an epic battle between good an evil.  In the end The Dark One could not be stopped completely.  So, they sealed him in the center of the earth.  There was still evil, but good always came out on top. 

The End

It's short.  But, I was blown away at the use of adjectives!  This is a 12 year old boy who less than 6 months ago would cry if I asked him to write a couple of sentences describing his day.  Now, after using Institute for Excellence in Writing he is.....

1.  Writing by choice without being asked. 

2.  Developing his own story line without any help.

3.  Using excellent vocabulary and descriptive words.

4.  Using excellent grammar and punctuation (thank you Daily Grams!)

Being grounded has stirred his creative juices.  Maybe this should happen more often.....

*cue Mom's evil laugh*