Someday...

While I have a student teacher in my classroom I have been checking lists of books out of our library at school and reading them. Last week I went through a list of books that was created for teaching personal narratives. While perusing the shelves I came across a section of books by Charlotte Zolotow. I came across her book, "Someday." This is a book about a little girl that basically describes her dreams about what people will say and do to her someday. It's a very cute book and not very long. I suggested that my student teacher just read the book for enjoyment for the opening of the school day. The children loved this book. Today I used it for my making connections introduction. It's a lovely little book...
During reader's workshop I noticed a little boy in my room just writing away. I pulled up to him and asked him to read me his piece. His piece of writing was a modeling of "Someday" the book. He took his own personal experiences, his own wishes and dreams, and made his own Someday book.
This is something that I have never experienced as a teacher. I have set the tone and stage for great writing to occur, and my students are taking full advantage. I am so excited to see them reading like writers. This is what we want for them to be able to do easily.
Walking away, I don't think I helped change this child's life as a writer, but he changed my life as a teacher...