Marshmallow
White, soft
Eating, biting, tasting
It is squishy
Candy

By Reyannah, pre-kindergarten
[photo by Reem eng via flickr]

The factory stood there, isolated from the rest.
A girl nearby was gazing intently upon it
Like a lost person searching for a place to stay.
She hoped to stay there forever.
The girl nearby was gazing intently upon it,
She could smell the wonderful aroma of sweet vanilla ̶
She hoped to stay there forever,
In the large factory everyday for the rest of her life.
She could smell the wonderful aroma of sweet vanilla
Trying to make her father proud
In the large factory everyday for the rest of her life.
So she went in and spoke to the people,
Trying to make her father proud.
And reluctantly, she got the job.
She went in and spoke to the people.
It was very different from what she expected.
And reluctantly, she got the job.
Like a lost person searching for a place to stay,
It was very different from what she expected.
The factory stood there, isolated from the rest.

By Angela, 7th grade
[photo by amandabhslater via flickr]

In my room, on the floor, lies my quiet corner I adore. It is dark and still, old but new. No one goes in it, but I cannot tell why. Maybe they are scared. It is the tiniest bit dark. Maybe they think something will pop out at them, but nothing would, except maybe my cute dog. But these are just guesses. I may never know why these people are scared.

This is my favorite spot in the house. This is where I read. This is where I take trips with the Vikings. This is where I go on a hike with the African tribe. This is where my imagination lives! It is here, in this specific corner. There is nothing to be afraid of, good people of the world! It’s just a corner. Please come in.

By Sara, 3rd grade
[photo by Nathan Griffith via flickr]

I see a blue butterfly
It is beautiful and mystical
It glistens in the sun
It looks like fine powder

It reminds me of a precious gem:
Beautiful but not even
Polished

By Ariel, 3rd grade
[photo by Sheryl Tollenaar via flickr]

Photo by Dave Rossman of The Houston Chronicle

Writers in the Schools (WITS) is looking for writers and educators who can teach the joy of creative writing to young people.  Employment is part-time, typically 2-6 hours of teaching, one day a week from September – May.  A yearlong commitment is required.

The pay is $55 per teaching hour.  In addition to teaching, the job duties include preparing lessons, responding to student work, and compiling anthologies of student writing at the end of the school year.

We are looking for writers and educators with teaching or mentoring experience who can convey their passion for the written word in ways that are relevant for Houston-area children.  In particular, we are seeking bilingual writers, but others are encouraged to apply as well.

Visit our website for the full job description.

If you are interested in teaching with WITS, please submit a cover letter, résumé, and 10-page writing sample to mail@witshouston.org or mail to:

Jack McBride, Program Manager
1523 West Main
Houston, TX 77006

Please feel free to e-mail or call 713-523-3877 with any questions.