Dance Sister Essay

Because of the snow storm, we have all been home for six days in a row so far.  The girls have kept busy practicing violin and ballet, and doing homework.  But, I cringed when Lacey's teacher sent an email asking that the students write an "information essay."  They were to select a person, place or thing that they know well, and write 3 to 5 paragraphs.  Lacey doesn't particularly enjoy reading and writing.  She is still learning English and writing can be challenging.    I told her to brainstorm a list of possible topics.  At the top of her list was, "monkeys."

  "What do you know about monkeys," I asked.

"Almost nothing," Lacey admitted.

Next on the list was "football."

"How much do you know about football?" I asked.

"Not much," Lacey replied.

"Why don't you pick something that you know a lot about?" I prompted.  "In fact, pick something that your teacher doesn't know about.  That way, she won't know if your details are correct or not."

Lacey thought for a few seconds and then grinned.  "I've got it," she said.  "And, I don't need anybody's help!"

She disappeared for about 30 minutes and returned with several pages.  I was thrilled that she had completed the assignment on her own without complaining.  She had written about the Manassas Ballet Theater!  It is really funny to see the ballet academy from the perspective of the sister who sits on the sidelines
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