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I’d like to welcome guest blogger, Valerie Goree, author of Shadows of Time. I love what she has to say about paper, scizzors, and glue for children!
During my teaching career spanning 25 years, I worked with a variety of students with special needs, ages from preschool to high school. In one large school district, some of my students were dropped off by parents long before the bus-riders arrived. To keep my three, four, and five-years old kids occupied, I’d set out puzzles or special toys. But their favorite activity was when I dumped my box of construction paper scraps on the table along with kid-safe scissors and glue sticks.
Students would cut and paste their creations onto a large sheet of paper, and then take their masterpieces home.
During the summer break from school, I’d do something similar with my two children. They were elementary age, but enjoyed the activity, too. Their creations graced our refrigerator all summer long. Through the years, I saved their work and gave them a portfolio when they left home! I hope the parents of my students saved some of their work.
Years later, when my granddaughter came to spend time with me, guess what? I gave her the same materials, and that little gal was an artistic genius. At three years old, she’d ask me how to spell words and would label her animals, which were surprisingly realistic. To encourage her talent, her parents provided her with similar opportunities. Now that she’s a young adult, I’m proud to say she has sold some of her drawings. I’d like to think I played a tiny part in her success!
Parents and teachers can encourage children in so many ways that don’t involve expensive devices or toys. Paper, scissors, glue. Let the creativity shine!
In Shadows of Time, my latest novel, Anna’s mother did nothing to encourage her daughter’s talent. In fact, she did the opposite. Anna’s life would have been so different if her mother had embraced her skills.
Genre: Romantic suspense
Blurb:
Long estranged from her genetic scientist mother, artist Anna Knight is stunned by the contents of her mother’s will. Determined to ascertain the source of her wealth, Anna hires tech guru Cullen Kincaid to investigate. Details the guitar-playing Bible-teaching computer expert discovers could drastically alter Anna’s future. When mutual attraction blossoms, can she overcome her feelings of worthlessness? Will Cullen follow his heart without knowing the truth of Anna’s birth?
Valerie’s Bio:
American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis Award winner Valerie Massey Goree resides in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, northwest of San Antonio. After serving as missionaries in her home country of Zimbabwe and raising two children, Valerie and her husband, Glenn, a native Texan, moved to Texas. She worked in the public school system for many years, focusing on students with special needs. Now retired, Valerie spends her time writing, traveling, and spoiling her grandchildren. Novels include: Deceive Me Once; Colors of Deceit; The Stolen Lives Trilogy, Weep in the Night; Day of Reckoning; and Justice at Dawn. Forever Under Blue Skies, is set in Australia. Valerie’s latest novel, Shadows of Time, is now available. Purchase link:
https://www.amazon.com/Shadows-Time-My-Mothers-Secret/dp/1956654712/ref
You can find Valerie at:
www.facebook.com/ValerieMasseyGoree
