I'm afraid of worms.

My son recently told me that I need to be afraid of something...seems he thinks nothing scares me. To comfort him, I said, "No worries, I'm afraid of worms." And that's the truth.

When I made that statement, I had absolutely no idea where the fear came from. My sister is here visiting me. I told her about the conversation with my son.

She began laughing hysterically. "I can tell you why you're afraid of worms." When she stopped laughing for another moment, she finished, "Because I use to throw them on you when we were kids."

It all came back to me as though it were yesterday. Spring rains. Spring puddles. My sister. Worms on the sidewalk...slimy, wiggly, plump, smelly worms flying though the air....onto me.

Logically there's nothing about worms to be afraid of, however, when one lands in your hair it changes your perspective on an otherwise harmless creature.

Writers: Make a quick list of five things that scare the bejeebers out of you. Then chose the fear that jumps out at you and paints a picture it in your mind.

Take that fear and describe it from the perspective of your mind's eye. Then tell how it effects you physically. Does it make your eyes pop open wide? Does it make your skin crawl? Does it make you want to hide? Paint a picture with your words to describe your fear and its effect.
Please share!

Teachers and Parents: Do this same activity. Share your fears first (keep them lighthearted). Then, allow your kids to talk about their fears. Remember, creative talking moves easily into creative writing. Start with what your kids say and let them know they truly have something to write.
We'd love to hear what your kids say. Please share!