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Day: August 29, 2023

Start with Hope

August 29, 2023 ~ wordancerblog ~ 12 Comments

Lately, I worry more and more about our children. They're growing up in a world that is increasingly violent & divided. Children have more worries & much more anxiety. That is why it's so important to offer hope and joy in small things.

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  1. wordancerblog's avatar
    wordancerblog on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 28, 2026

    Come to New Jersey anytime, Kim. You have an open invitation!

  2. kimhaynesjohnson's avatar
    kimhaynesjohnson on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 28, 2026

    What's so fascinating is that children are accepting and agreeable when it comes to working together (mostly)- - far more…

  3. Anita Ferreri's avatar
    Anita Ferreri on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 27, 2026

    I think you should give yourself a round of applause for inspiring their creativity!

  4. wordancerblog's avatar
    wordancerblog on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 27, 2026

    Yes, this is the best part of my job. I'm a learning specialist, but I made room (literally) for crafting,…

  5. Fran McCrackin's avatar
    Fran McCrackin on Working in the Wonder Studio: Setting the StageJanuary 27, 2026

    I think you have the best job!

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12 responses to “Start with Hope”

  1. nancyrsantucci Avatar
    nancyrsantucci
    August 29, 2023

    Congratulations on the publishing of Esperanza! You have accomplished so much, and I admire your long service to kids and education. Life has changed a lot since we were children. There’s an ugliness that I hope is kids today can overcome. They deserve better.

    LikeLiked by 3 people

    Reply
  2. Trish Avatar
    Trish
    August 29, 2023

    This is wonderful! What a tribute to your dedication. (I am looking up at two books by Janet and Sylvia right now. Their work gives me hope.) I think about the vignette from The House on Mango Street, Cisneros’ brilliant book with “My Name.” I will look for the book. (and your lines, “watching and waiting/for all my wild wishes” reminds me of Mary Oliver’s “What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?”) What a perfect, hopeful start to a new year!

    LikeLiked by 3 people

    Reply
    1. Janet Wong Avatar
      Janet Wong
      September 10, 2023

      Trish: my thoughts EXACTLY re the “wild wishes” phrase! And thanks so much for looking up our books!!

      LikeLiked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Lakshmi Bhat Avatar
    Lakshmi Bhat
    August 29, 2023

    That is a lovely poem and thank you for sharing your thoughts. I agree with you.

    LikeLiked by 2 people

    Reply
  4. Kimberly Haynes Johnson Avatar
    Kimberly Haynes Johnson
    August 29, 2023

    Oh, what a lovely poem! Congratulations to you for the publication, and I love that you are still honing your craft – – there is always that craft in writing that we want to make better, and what a blessing to always want to climb new summits.

    LikeLiked by 2 people

    Reply
  5. margaretsmn Avatar
    margaretsmn
    August 29, 2023

    Congratulations on your poem! Children are such a gift and I worry as well about this high tech world they are living in.

    LikeLiked by 2 people

    Reply
  6. beckymusician Avatar
    beckymusician
    August 29, 2023

    Congratulations on your poem being published! It is a lovely piece. I also like your writing assignment for your students. They are lucky to have you as teacher.

    LikeLiked by 2 people

    Reply
  7. Diane Anderson (newtreemom) Avatar
    Diane Anderson (newtreemom)
    August 29, 2023

    What a joy to read… I had a great experience with Think Poetry, too. My poem “Military” is included in the book… inspired by my son. My “postcard” is on my blog (newtreemom) today.

    LikeLiked by 2 people

    Reply
  8. Denise Krebs Avatar
    Denise Krebs
    August 30, 2023

    Oh, Joanne, congratulations, friend! Esperanza is a beautiful word. I so love your poem, and it’s perfect with the photograph.

    LikeLiked by 2 people

    Reply
  9. Fran Haley Avatar
    Fran Haley
    August 31, 2023

    The world needs more insightful, uplifting posts like this, Joanne. Hope has many facets. It is an anchor in the turbulent sea of these times, a buoy to the spirit, and fuel that keeps us going. I share your concerns for the kids. The word that often comes to mind thinking of young people in our society today is the opposite of hope: Despair. They need to know their value. They need a place of belonging. They need hope of overcoming…and so you teach on! A life poured into serving others is a hallowed and beautiful thing. You are an infinite inspiration and encouragement to many, including me. Esperanza Rising is one of the books our 5th grade studies and I’ll share your lovely poem with them; perhaps they will like to choose a Spanish word also for crafting into a poem. I’ve learned, over the years, that children really respond to poetry but it usually begins with one they’ve written vs. one they’ve read. The power of writing!

    LikeLiked by 2 people

    Reply
    1. Janet Wong Avatar
      Janet Wong
      September 10, 2023

      Fran: Sharing Joanne’s “Esperanza” poem in connection with ESPERANZA RISING is a PERFECT!!

      LikeLiked by 1 person

      Reply
  10. Ramona Avatar
    Ramona
    September 10, 2023

    Joanne, sorry it’s taken me awhile to read your post. I love the Spanish word, esperanza. And your words about hope ring true! How blessed your students are to have you instilling a belief that they can achieve anything they desire resulting in hope for their future. Our professions needs folks like you chasing away worry and anxiety.
    Congrats on having your poem selected for the book!

    LikeLiked by 2 people

    Reply
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