Students’ Blog

Writing is a big part of both our after-school Homework Club and our Summer Academic Program. Here’s where the students share some of their work, and whatever else is on their minds. (Their names been been obscured for security and privacy, but the words are definitely their own.)

Pirates Invade!

On December 8, our Creative Writing Lab students (AKA the Budding Bloggers) paid a visit to The Pirate Store in Oakland.  This store is a clever disguise for 826 Valencia, a terrific nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting under-resourced students ages six to eighteen with their creative and expository writing skills. They also have a range of programs to help teachers inspire their…

Miles is Coming, by Mercy – 6th Grade

The Pines family bought a new house in a lovely neighborhood. The town was normal but not the house. Tommie, a 9-year-old boy moved into the house with his little sister, 6-year-old Elly and his mom and dad. They had been in the car for seven hours and were exhausted. When they arrived, Tommie got goosebumps going all through his body. They…

Colors of Nature, by Ruth – 5th Grade

Orange fire, dancing in the wind. Blue sky, joy inside. Salty ocean breeze, relaxed and calm. Swaying trees, in peace with the earth. Sparkling geode, loved and valued. Flying birds, freedom and happiness. Running water, playful and cold. Pictures in clouds, imagination runs free and wild. Pale moon, safe place to curl up. Yellow gold sun, warm inside.

Speak Up! By Ruth, 5th Grade

Black. White. Muslim. Latino. Asian. Korean. Haitian. African. Or whatever. We’re all people no matter what. You can look different, act different, but we’re all still people. You’re extraordinary by being yourself. Being yourself is better than not being yourself. When you’re pretending to be someone you’re not, you feel empty, sad, and hollow. When you are yourself you feel joyful inside.…

The Orobom, by Danielle – 3rd Grade

Chapter 1 Olivia was an ordinary girl. She lived with her baby brother, big sister and big brother and Mom and Dad. She had black eyes and black hair and she loved purple. It all began when her friend Genesis’ planet got destroyed and she was sent to Olivia’s planet where it was safe. Genesis…