NAPLAN? Persuade Me!

NAPLAN: Persuasion

Persuasion is the act of coaxing you
by reasoned argument, to take my view;
You may have never thought it out before
so let me outline what you can’t ignore.

It’s not enough to simply state the case
without evidence. You never will embrace
my viewpoint; may stay sitting on the fence
or worse – supporting those who cause offence.

Three arguments, at least, must be supported
by facts and quotes, as action is exhorted,
and though you might at first oppose my view
my hope is you’ll soon share the views I do.

I’m persuaded that you have by now conceded,
which means, of course, my argument succeeded.

Disclaimer: 
I will not stoop to bribe, or to extort,
for there are those who’ll say that you’ve been bought!

Sonnet* © Kathryn Apel 2013

NAPLAN is upon us this week. Students from Yrs 3/5/7/9 in state and private schools across Australia, will be shut into silence, racing the clock, but not at all stressed, as they seek to demonstrate their knowledge of reading, spelling, grammar and punctuation, writing, and numeracy.

There are some good things about the NAPLAN test. And there are things I would change.

I don’t believe rigid time constraints are conducive to creativity in writing, and am constantly amazed that children can walk into a blank room with no conception of the topic to be addressed, then walk out 40minutes later having planned, written and edited a persuasive text, all the while paying specific attention to; audience, text structure, spelling, punctuation, paragraphing, sentence structure, vocabulary, cohesion, persuasive devices, and ideas. No dictionary allowed! No ability to research. Only rubber, pencil, sharpener and supplied paper and stimulus.

I challenge an adult to sit such a rigorous test – and do well!

I would love to see our Prime Minister, and Minister for Education, sit the Yr 9 NAPLAN tests under the same conditions as students.

(Perhaps they should – and we should publish those results?)

I dread to think how I would crumple and fail under the combined pressures of time, stress and scrutiny – with no access to tools that I would usually employ whilst writing.

To Julia Gillard and Peter Garrett, I say;

NAPLAN: Persuade Me

Persuade me that we need a Naplan test
to take up time that honestly is best
employed in teaching kids, enthusing them
to learn. Not stressing testing to condemn.

No matter how we all try to downplay
the importance (or the lack) of NAPLAN day,
it cannot be denied that kids are stressed
and yet we still expect they’ll do their best?!

Since when has child development been a race?
It’s Differentiation staff embrace.
Is ‘Teacher’ not an occupation anymore?
Now assessment is so much the greater chore?

A living, breathing child is not defined
by numbers, on a band, that tests assigned.

Sonnet* © Kathryn Apel 2013

To the Aussie kids in Years 3/5/7/9 who are undertaking NAPLAN testing this week, I say;

NAPLAN can not change or define who you are. Your parents, caregivers and teachers know you far better than any computer ever could. So don’t stress – just do your best!

.
* You can read more about the poetrics of the sonnet here; http://monthofpoetry.wordpress.com 

Month of Poetry 2013 – Part 1

It’s January – and this is the sixth year I’ve started with a poem a day – the fourth I’ve co-ordinated a Month of Poetry. It’s also the first year I’ve been able to wear the co-ordinator’s hat and work on my WIP at the same time. WIN! I love the progress I’ve made, also the poetry that has inspired me on the #MoP13 blog. Such a diverse group and so talented! The daily collections on the blog are locked, but I’ve selected a couple of my poems to share below.

Stone the Phone!

If ever something
makes me groan
it is the wretched
mobile phone,
that rings attention
with a tone,
dispelling thoughts
of time alone.

In the change room,
on the throne,
at play, at ease,
when lying prone,
its shrill demands
are soon made known;
a body’s heart
and soul to own.

Inspired by David Harrison’s post about Careerhymes;

1.
Grazier; a cow cocky –
not a blocky
always on the go
watching grass grow.

2.
Patient: one who waits
as sickness abates.

A spot of cooking in the country prompted this tongue-in-cheek poem;

Moist Date & Carrot Muffins

There’s weevils in the flour.
Have they eaten much, you think?
And the sour cream is mouldy,
with a more-than-sour stink.
The egg has hatched a chicken
though it’s only just a speck.
Should I use a shriveled carrot?
Cause I’m thinking, what the heck.
We haven’t any dates, of course;
that’s really such a shame!
I think I’ll substitute with prunes
and hope they taste the same.
Use ½ a cup of oil they say…
Well there’s no need for that.
The oil might make the muffins moist;
it’ll only make me fat!
The oven’s on the blink again;
I cannot shut the door,
and those flames around the element…
Have they been there before?
The timer hasn’t rung yet.
I wonder if it’s stopped.
My muffins. Oh. The wretched things.
I do believe they’ve flopped!
I googled for a recipe
but Google makes mistakes!
These moist date carrot muffins
would be better called rock cakes!

My first sestina was a stumble… not worthy of sharing… but thankfully it didn’t break my brain like last year’s first sonnet did. And doubly thankfully, this year I wrote two sonnets in a day – and it hardly hurt at all! Here’s the second;

NAPLAN: Persuade Me

Persuade me that we need a NAPLAN test
to take up time that honestly is best
employed in teaching kids, enthusing them
to learn. Not stressing testing to condemn.

No matter how we all try to downplay
the importance (or the lack) of NAPLAN day,
it cannot be denied that kids are stressed
and yet we still expect they’ll do their best?!

Since when has child development been a race?
It’s Differentiation staff embrace.
Is ‘Teacher’ not an occupation anymore?
Now assessment is so much the greater chore?

A living, breathing child is not defined
by numbers, on a band, that tests assigned.

And finally… Just a tiny snippet from my latest WIP. This is written from Shaun’s POV – though in fact much of the work is written from Toby’s POV. In a-maz-me news, my verse novel (which hasn’t even scored a working title as yet) has this month shattered the 10,000 words – which for me was a major milestone! *Insert party poppers and fireworks here.* It’s currently sitting at 10,450wrds… and I’m stoked!

Monkey

Toby is a klutz – can’t keep
his hands on anything;
drops the ball
trips over his feet
and bumps and slumps
the day away.
I wish people didn’t know
he’s my brother
but it’s a bit hard to hide that
in a small town small school
where everyone knows
everything about
your mother’s brother’s
monkey.

I wonder what the rest of January will produce…

.

All poetry on this page is © Copyright Kathryn Apel 2013

Christmas Cheer – a poem

Christmas Cheer

.

Busy elves and Santa Claus,

mistletoe ‘bove festive doors,

Christmas tree, bedecked in lights,

tinsel, bells and festive sights.

Party foods; fizz and pop!

Lists of gifts; shop ‘n drop.

Credit cards and Lay by now!

(Pay it later, don’t ask how.)

Bon bons, parcels, cards and more…

What is all the mayhem for?!?!?!

.

Starlit night of long ago,

softly bathed in lamplight glow,

in a stable, life begun;

helpless Infant, Mary’s Son.

Shepherds tending to their flock,

donkey, hens, and other stock,

gathered at the rustic door…

Baby, nestled in the straw.

Simply, sweetly, less the fuss

He was born for each of us.

.

© Kathryn Apel 2003

.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas! xx

Month of Poetry 2013

If you’re interested in joining us for a Month of Poetry in January 2013, register on the Month of Poetry blog BEFORE 29th December 2012. Click on the icon below and explore the MoP site for more information.

Click the icon to read more & register

PS: Dimity Powell Blog Tour

Today I welcome Dimity Powell to my blog, to talk about her FIRST book – the newly-released, PS: Who Stole Santa’s Mail? 

Congratulations, Dimity. Such an exciting time for you! What a wonderful Christmas YOU will be having this year – if no-one steals Santa’s mail, that is.

Today Dimity is going to be talking about the writing process – and how this first published book has inspired her to continue writing…

Over to you, Dimity.

I began writing when I could properly master the pencil grip. It’s been a continual exploration and accumulation of words and wisdom since that momentous day in kindy. I remember jotting down kids’ book ideas whilst on watch on a super motor yacht as we cruised across the Atlantic, thinking, I’ll write about these properly one day. One day, began around 2008 when I decided to equip my writing satchel in earnest. This is when I really committed to the whole ‘process’ of writing. I did courses, attended workshops, seminars, submitted work, entered competitions, listened carefully, read more, gave up paid employment and last year even learnt how to use Face Book! It’s been a good trip so far. But the training never ever ends.

Hearing the words sing in perfect unison and being moved either to laughter or tears by them is my greatest joy in writing. This is what I want to improve on and most importantly share with children.

Getting it right is the hardest part of writing for me. And finding time for it. I can’t seem to clock on and off to write. I have to write when I can but also when the words want to be written. The two don’t always want to play together.

I don’t think writing is that easy, even when you’re good at it. It involves discipline, skill and technique, and remembering when best and how to use them. But it is easier than most sports for me…I have no eye hand coordination!

The publication of P.S. Who Stole Santa’s Mail? has encouraged me to get on with a second chapter book I began a couple of years ago. I need to reacquaint myself with the characters and their saga before I know if it’s going to ever see the light of day. Creating picture books is my passion. I would love to see a picture book of mine on a shelf somewhere someday. I enjoy writing them and can produce one in days when the fancy strikes, but it takes me ages to perfect them, sometimes years. I am currently polishing a few picture books and short story ideas.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts – and joy – with us, Dimity. Wishing you wonderful sales, and many more exciting publishing opportunities.

PS:  Have a Merry Christmas!

—

In conjunction with this blog tour, you can go in the draw to win one of three copies of the book PS: Who Stole Santa’s Mail. Send the answer to this question: ‘What do you think Santa wants for Christmas?’ to submissions@morrispublishingaustralia.com In the subject line put, PS: WSSM entry. The competition will close at midnight on November 30^th  2012. All entries will be assigned a number, and that number will be put in a draw. The winners will be notified by email.

PS: Who Stole Santa’s Mail can be purchased at your local bookshop, or a signed copy is available from http://morrispublishingaustralia.com. You can get to know Dimity at; Dim Writes Stuff.

To follow Dimity on her blog tour, click the links below;

Kids Book Review 17 November
My Little Bookcase  18 November
Sheryl Gywther  19 November
MPA Australia 20 November
Kat Apel 21 November
Elaine Ouston 22 November
Renee Taprell 23 November
Alison Reynolds 24 November
Buzz Words 25 November
Christine Bell 26 November
Dee White 27 November
Jackie Hosking PIO 28 November
Alphabet Soup 29 November
Angela Sunde 30 November

Alliteration – a child’s definition

.

Last week I asked a class, ‘What is alliteration?‘

This answer, from a Yr 3 student, showed his cane growing heritage;

…Alliteration is when they put all the scraps of cane in piles and burn it up.

Such a sweet answer! All be it a little wrong.

.

.

..

Blackened bits of burnt trash laid bare on brown earth.

Five Very Bookish Questions

The lovely Tania McCartney asked me Five Very Bookish Questions over on the Boomerang Books Blog last week. You can read them here; http://blog.boomerangbooks.com.au. It could be that I talk about picture books – and what I think makes a good PB. And there may even be some favourites from my childhood… and now.

Pop over and have a read!

Inspirational High

The past month has been super-busy, and whilst there has been much to blog about, there has been no TIME to blog. So here’s a quick catch-up.

I had a busy two weeks with author talks in Maryborough, Bundaberg, Gladstone and Rockhampton, as a part of Book Week, and the Carpet Court Storybook Challenge. This was a blast, because I got to talk about what I love, over and over and over again. With different kids responding in different ways each time it was never boring! The Carpet Court Storybook Challenge involved a short writers workshop to get kids inspired to write about what they love about their local area. The Book Week workshops were full day events, running varied poetry workshops for kids from Prep to Yr 7.

Following on from these wonderful weeks of writerly pursuits, my sister and I organised a Fete & Flower Show, and whilst it may have been the 79th Annual Fete & Flower Show – a rich community tradition – it was a first for us. This meant we were on an enormous learning curve and busybusyBUSY getting things up and running for what was a wonderful, fun, family day – and great success.

In the week just gone, I was at Noosa North Shore Retreat for an Action Adventure Camp with 46 Year 7 students. And what an action-packed adventure that was! Now I just need time to write about it, because I am feeling full-on inspired by the events of the week, which included;

• Canoeing (No fear. Huzzah!)
• Mountain Biking (Head-over-handlebars for me. Youchies!)
• Night Hike (almost-a-jog pace)
• Giant Swing (emphasis on ‘giant’)
• Pamper Pole (which I would rename Panic Pole)

The Giant Swing and Pamper Pole need to be seen to be believed. I am so proud of the many kids who made it to the top of both of them – because there was a lot of fear-factor involved, and some tears. And there was no shame in tears! After my head-over-handlebars, bruising buster off a bike with brakes that bite, I had the perfect excuse for not attempting the Pamper/Panic Pole. Not that I needed any excuses. Once I saw the pole – and the photos of the boys conquering their fears on Day 2 – there was no WAY I was putting my life in the hands of a piece of strings and a wobbly pole on Day 3. But I did succumb to the pleading of our gritty girls (they were so brave, and I couldn’t be more proud of them) and decided I would face the Giant Swing. A spur-of-the-moment decision, because I’d surely have chickened out if I planned it in advance.

This is me, being propelled to the top of the 12metre pole by same gritty girls.

I seriously did think I didn’t scream much. But turns out I was wrong. Because I’ve seen numerous videos to contradict that. And apparently body language says much. Overheard on video; “The look on her face is so funny. I shouldn’t be laughing, but I can’t help it.”

I would include a little snippet of video footage for you, because I’m feeling mighty chuffed with how brave I was… (because I was brave!) but alas, I can’t seem to insert a video into my blog. So, no show.

As for the petrifying Pamper/Panic Pole? After climbing the pole with the help of large ‘staples’ the kids then had to scramble onto the top (of the wobbling pole) stand aloft, then leap up and out to hit the orange balloon, before being released to slowly swing down to ground. This is the stuff of nightmares, make no mistake! BUT… the kids loved it. Even those who struggled with fear and anxiety all the way up…

That’s not me at the top. That’s one of our super-brave kids. My son was one of them. But I didn’t see him. (Phew!)

As you can see, a busy couple of weeks. But much to be inspired by!

Let’s get Catty – and a Competition!

Today, I’m going to be a little bit… catty. I’m hosting a cat book on my katswhiskers blog, so we’re running to a theme… and running a competition! (Today’s competition is a little bit different to the other competition that’s running throughout the blog tour at http://www.alisonreynolds.com.au.)

But firstly, welcome Alison Reynolds and Heath McKenzie – and congratulations on your dreamy new picture book, ‘A Year with Marmalade’.

Thanks very much!

Thank you, Kat!

To start the ball rolling… In keeping with the blog, can you each tell me one thing that you think is… the kat’s whiskers? (Or mayhaps it’s the cat’s whiskers.)

Perhaps my new baby daughter, Ava!

Oooh. Lovely! Congratulations, Heath. I’m sure Ava is the kat’s whiskers!

My family and dog. Although I’m not sure if the dog will like being referred to as the kat’s whiskers! 

Haha! Now that could be a little bit catty, Alison.

Where did you find Marmalade, Alison?  Is he the type of pet you would want to keep forever?

When I was little I had a very special green-eyed cat called Charlotte. I feel as if a cat based on her was just waiting to pop into my mind. I was brainstorming book ideas with my publisher, and we wanted a sort of self-contained character, which is a very cat-like characteristic.  I definitely wouldn’t want to give Marmalade away. I spent half my childhood unsuccessfully trying to convince my parents to let me have another pet.

Alison, is Marmalade one of those cats who willfully does his own thing? Or does he have a soft and smoochy side?

Marmalade is a mixture of snuggles and snarls. He is very independent, but wants to be included and loved. Much like most of us!

Not being an artist myself, I’m always fascinated by the Illustrator’s process. Heath, there’s a lot of whitespace in this gentle, breezy book – almost a touch of whimsy. What influenced your decision in terms of colour and whitespace – and characters?

I felt a simpler approach would suit this particular story – something gentle and not too over-thought or designed. Hence the approach of letting the line do most of the talking and leaving colour to make a single statement in each image.

What I find particularly interesting, is that the children (Ella & Maddy) are line drawings – not colour. Yet Marmalade, who would seem to be of equal importance to Ella, is colour. As is background. What is the artistic reasoning behind this, Heath?

Given a big and striking part of the different seasons, from a visual point of view atleast, is the many distinct colours that emerge each year – colour was always going to be the best way to highlight the changing seasons (and then a little extra here and there where an image might not have a direct seasonal element to focus on!)

As for Marmalade’s colour – for a long while, Marmalade wasn’t in colour but ultimately it was decided Marmalade, being the key player here, might need to stand out that bit more – and fair enough too!

The seasons! When you say it, it is of course, very logical. (I feel a bit of a scatterkat for asking!)

Alison:  What five individual words best describe Marmalade?

1. Watchful
   
2. Awkward
3. Fun-loving
4. Loyal
5. Purrfect

It’s the ‘awkward’ makes Marmalade so real and loveable, Alison.

Heath: I’m hoping you have that cat-like quality of landing on your feet, because I’m going to throw you a challenge… I’m pretty good at drawing the katswhiskers (to the right -> ) but that’s my limit. I’m hoping you can extend my repertoire a bit, and skill me up on some other cat moves.

To help you out, I’ve listed some catty emotions I thought you might cat-ture!

• ’fraidy cat
• ecscatic cat
• purrrrfect cat
• catastrophic cat
• caterwauling cat
• cat-ching cat – on the prowl

They’re gorgeous, Heath!! So much personality on the page.

Now it’s over to you, Alison! What can YOU do with Heath’s examples? (Yes – I am asking you to draw a cat pic for us. )

I’m no scaredy cat, Kat. But remember, I never claimed to be a artist!

A very catatonic cat, Alison. And clever word play. Well done, you!

COMPETITION TIME!

READERS:  This is your chance to get catty!

1.  Draw your best cat picture. You can have a bit of fun with it like we did.
2.  Email it to; contactkat @ optusnet . com . au (no spaces) by 8pm this Friday, 17th August, and
3.  YOU are in with a chance to win your own, signed, original Heath McKenzie cat picture!

Please keep cat files less than 300kb. 

Your pictures will be posted to the katswhiskers blog on Sunday, 19th August, when we will also announce the winner, as decided by Heath and Alison.

So – pick up a pencil, pen or piece of charcoal and get drawing!

Want to read more about ‘A Year with Marmalade’? Follow the blog tour;

A Year with Marmalade Blog Tour

7th Aug Dee White;  http://deescribewriting.wordpress.com
9th Aug Karen Tyrrell;  http://www.karentyrrell.com
11th Aug Tania McCartney;  http://www.kids-bookreview.com
13th Aug  Pass It On;  http://jackiehoskingpio.wordpress.com/school-magazine
14th Aug  Kathryn Apel;  http://katswhiskers.wordpress.com/blog
17th Aug  Dale Harcombe;  http://orangedale.livejournal.com
20th Aug  Peter Taylor;  http://writing-for-children.blogspot.com.au
22nd Aug  Susan Stephenson;  http://www.thebookchook.com
23rd Aug  Robyn Opie Parnell;  http://robynopie.blogspot.com.au
27th Aug Sally Odgers;  http://spinningpearls.blogspot.com.au
29th  Aug  Angela Sunde;  http://angelasunde.blogspot.com.au
31st Aug Chris Bell;  http://christinemareebell.wordpress.com

Looking forward to seeing your cats! >^,^<

Green & Gold

This morning on twitter I was asked why the Aussie uniform is green & gold. It’s inspired by our hardy native Australian wattle flower, featured on many Australian symbols. I was reminded me of this song that I wrote for our local choir, sung to the tune made famous in Sound of Music; Edellweiss.

Wattle Flower

Wattle flow’r, wattle flow’r
Like the sunshine that’s warming.
Yellow ball, soft and small,
Floral emblem adorning.

Blossom aglow may you bloom and grow,
Bloom and grow forever.
Wattle flow’r, wattle flow’r
Bless Australia forever.

© Kathryn Apel 2007

Proudly cheering the Aussies in their Green & Gold, as they compete for themselves and Australia, doing us proud at the London Olympics.

Aussie! Aussie! Aussie!