The best article I've ever read was written by a second grader. It's also the cutest.
The ingenuous gem, which you can read below, was published in the Cougar's Corner, the student paper at Bagley Elementary School near Seven Mile and Livernois on Detroit's west side.
The paper is written by fourth and fifth graders during an after school English program called The Bagley Book Brigade, organized by Detroit non-profit Repair The World. I occasionally volunteer, teaching students about reporting and helping them write articles on topics they care about -- good parks in Detroit, the school dress code, why bullying is bad, or why camping is awesome.
The Bagley Book BrigadeThey teach me Taylor Swift lyrics, that Funyons are good but also "weird", and that wearing dress pants makes me "look too old."
Isaac Bryant, the intrepid little second grade reporter, usually keeps himself occupied or runs around the room during the twice a week meetings so his older sister Ebony can participate. He's a cool, confident, slightly mischievous kid who surprised the group by writing this. Sure, it looks as if he may have gotten a little help, but everyone needs a good editor. It's still just as amusing and endearing.
When I asked him why he wanted to write it he said, "just 'cuz."
Isaac Bryant, who is not in the photo above because he was hiding in a closet to avoid having his picture taken.
All About Pets
by Isaac
Horses are very tall. Horses need to be dressed up in order to ride them and you can dress them with a saddle. You can guide them with their reins. You need a trailer if you want to transport them. Horses need horseshoes in order to protect their hooves. You have to keep them gated up. They make a neigh sound. You could get a donkey instead of a horse. One time, my dad's friend had a donkey that bit someone on the lip. The donkey was named Eddie. Donkeys have big ears.
I have four fish. I had an algae eater but he has disappeared. I really want a piranha or electric eel, but I can't because they would kill the other fish. I change the water by scooping the fish into some clean water and change the fish tank water to fresh water. When I pick them up, they like to flap all over. I feed them little flakes every morning and sometimes afternoon.
Dogs are cute and warm. Some have tails and some don't. Some of the tails are very long. There are all different kinds of dogs. Some dogs have three legs, some dogs are tall, and some dogs are small. I used to have a big dog, but now my uncle is taking care of her. They usually need a leash to stay put.
