Periodically, we hold small group writing workshops as well as writing tutoring.  Our Pro/Con Workshop is especially popular because students are asked to write about the pros and cons of a fantasy job of their choice.  An otherwise boring essay becomes magical as kids share their journey into the fantasy world of elves, mermaids, magic carpets and more...the possibilities are endless!  Here, our middle school students are working intently on their final drafts!

The Pros and Cons of Being Santa’s Elf

Camryn, Age 13

            Imagine waking up on Christmas morning and opening the perfect present, created by one of Santa’s elves.  Each day, elves work tirelessly to invent and create the toys that they know will bring children joy. This job comes with both pros and cons.

            Wouldn't it be fun to spend all your days playing?  As one of Santa’s elves, you would be able to harness your creativity and put it to good use inventing and testing out new toys every day! By doing this, you could bring joy to children of all ages all over the world.  There would be no mom to tell you that you were staying up too late playing, because playing would be your job.  If you snuck into the kitchen for a midnight snack, you would find an array of freshly baked cookies, a refreshing glass of cool milk, and perhaps Mrs. Claus waiting to tuck you back in.

            Although being one of Santa’s elves may just seem like fun and games, there are some aspects of this job that are unappealing. If you are one who cares a lot about your looks, being an elf might not be the best job for you. Santa’s elves wear funny looking red and green outfits with pointy shoes and hats. Also, they are very short and have ears as large as elephants’, giving them an unattractive appearance.  Another disadvantage of being an elf is that you have to slave away making toys 365 days a year; who gets the credit (and the cookies)? Santa! That is NOT fair!

            Although there is a lot of work involved in being an elf, the good outweighs the bad.  Next Christmas, remember to leave cookies out for the elves too!

Unicorn Taming

Madeline, Age 13 

As long as I have my protective gear, unicorn taming is really fun; however, it is also very tricky… because you can die.  Since you can die, I just live in the moment. 

Living in the moment is hard though because so many unicorns need help. They need help with their training and I have to do it.  In the training process I get unicorn bites; those things are gnarly, way too gnarly to explain. Oh, and don’t even get me started with unicorn burns. Unicorn burns feel like being cooked at 400f.  Also, unicorns were voted the world’s most stubborn animal, and I definitely agree with that one.  Unicorn taming can also be very fun.

Unicorn taming is really fun because I get to create a bond with the unicorn.   After I have the bond, I can do liberty work and teach them how to ride with a rider. Oh, liberty work is where you do this kind of dance with your horse on the ground. Then I get to do the best part; I take off the halter and let him go to see if the unicorn will stay or not.  If he stays, I have created the best bond with the unicorn, trust.  Oh, and if he doesn’t, I have to start all over again.

            Although getting burned and bit, I still love being a unicorn tamer because it’s a whole new experience with every unicorn I train. When I was younger I always dreamed of being a unicorn tamer and now I am. I would rather die than give up what is most special to me!

Magic Carpet

Matthew, Age 11 

How do people steer a magic carpet? There are many good and bad things you have to go through to keep your magic carpet running smoothly. It isn’t an easy life being a magic carpet; it is harder than most people think. The job of a magic carpet has many twists and turns.

Good things for a magic carpet are hard to come by. One good thing about being a magic carpet is you can fly and see the entire city from above. Your job of flying around all day may be fun to some magic carpets and who knows, you may find a genie. Lastly, you will most definitely go on fun adventures. Though magic carpets have easy jobs, it’s not all flying around all day.

    For magic carpets bad things are easy to stumble upon. One example of a bad thing about being a magic carpet is that you have to obey your master at all costs. You may get snagged on something and rip right in half. Without a mouth, being a magic carpet is very lonely because you can never communicate with anyone.

    Most people think being a magic carpet is an easy job and they should try it someday. Maybe being a magic carpet has a few ups and downs but, you’ll always end up with a good time. While there are bad things, the good always outweighs the bad and the magic carpet always flies in the end. Even though you may get snagged on a fence, at least you’ll get a gorgeous view of the city and your master will come get you down.