Debbie Mancini

As author/creator of 'Color My World' I travel the country conducting hands-on interactive workshops which are designed to unlock your child's creativity and foster independent thinking skills while nurturing individual learning styles. In my workshops, I use my book, 'Color My World' as a workbook and direct students through a variety of fun exercises which open their minds and release creative juices.

'Color My World' is an interactive poetry book for kids of all ages (primarily between 7 and 12 years old). The book begins by engaging children with fun and funny poems, and encourages them to draw a picture (in the book) of what they see in their mind's eye. The book has a hard cover, but it is spiral-bound inside the hard cover (like most good cookbooks) so that it lays completely flat for easy writing and drawing activities.

I'm BIG on imagination, so I make up words in the book, and encourage the reader to do so as well. I ask them to finish some poems which I've purposely left incomplete (to get those creative juices flowing!), and I ask them to journal their feelings about other poems in the book which are of a deeper subject matter; I completed those poems, ending on an upswing and then ask how it makes them feel.

In the back of the book, I teach them how to make an 'Origami Poetry Writer' which they can make anew each time, and it never gets old because the words they use can change every time. This is a great way to give you a glimpse of what is in their head and heart (especially if you insert some key words into the Origami). In fact, therapists use this as a form of play therapy ~ it's a great tool because kids just think they are having fun!

Another benefit this book brings to the table is that it is a great way to bond with your child. Think of the magic moments you will create ... and since this is a hard cover book, it is a great 'keeper' to break out in 15 or 20 years!

Now let's talk about school visits ... I LOVE bringing my workshops to students across the country. I use many props and lots of humor ... I am very animated ... weaving stories and lessons into the workshop. Kids get so involved that they don't realize they are 'learning' something ... they are simply having a ball ~ and so am I! I love cluing them in to ways to get inspired in everyday life! There are many creative ways to pay for the workshops, and the experience is absolutely invaluable to children! Please feel free to contact me (harmonypublications@hotmail.com) to discuss the options.

My newest program is truly great for the upper age group (around 6th grade level). In a three step visit, I personally deliver my specially designed curriculum which covers topics such as 'how to wrap your brain around a subject you just don't like' and 'how to unblock writer's block' as well as 'tips and tools for creative writing.' I then coach the students through the process of writing their own book which is then professionally published (with an ISBN). I work with them to create a marketing plan, and the kids sell their book as a school fundraiser (way better than candy and gift wrap, huh?). This program is so well received because although it is F-U-N ... it is WAY more ~ it is a complete lesson in economics. AND, the students are published authors at the end of it all~

Again, feel free to contact me (harmonypublications@hotmail.com) for more details as well as a free copy of my grant application template.

I'd love to unlock the creativity in your students~