I feel scared and weird in school. I feel like if I turn on my video, my classmates will laugh or they will make fun of me. It feels bad. I wish I could turn on my video.
One day, I went to 826. I felt scared. Then my dad walked in and said, “Turn on your video.”
I did not want to, but I knew that he was serious. I turned it on. I waited for someone to comment or laugh or make me feel bad, but there was nothing, no laughter or shouting. I waited longer but still, nothing. I wondered if anyone would laugh at me, but class and time kept going on. Minute after minute, but still no one was laughing at me. I was beginning to think that no one was going to laugh at me at all.
All of a sudden a message popped up. It said, “Join Breakout Room 6.” I started to tremble. I was scared. I knew that I would have to talk in a Breakout Room. I was scared, but then I closed my eyes and told myself it would be fine.
So I pressed the “Join” button and it said, “Connecting.” I waited and waited, then I finally saw who I was with: TWO 826 TUTORS. I was furious. I wanted to run and hide, I never wanted to return. But I stood still like a rock. No matter how much I tried to run, I couldn’t. I was trapped!
Then Arel, an 826 tutor, said, “Hello,” and, “Let’s share our names.”
So we did, and when it came to my turn I said in a trembling voice, “My name is Yasmeen.” Then, a few minutes later, we were writing an “I Am” poem. I was starting to not feel so scared and I stopped trembling.
A few minutes later, when the 826 tutors and I were talking, a message popped up. It said, “Breakout Rooms are closing in 56 seconds.”
I waited and waited and then it kicked us out. I yelled, “Noooo!”
Then the teacher, Diana, said, “Who would like to share?”
I raised my hand so quickly, like a lightning bolt. I was so excited to share. After I was done I felt happy and not scared anymore. I felt that I could turn on my video! We all said, “Bye!” and left. I could not wait till next time.
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by 826 National
A flexible, 4-week unit designed for students in grades 3-5 to "write their way" with authentic purpose. Includes a curriculum…
by Keila S.O., 826michigan
An “I Am From” poem about growing up in Detroit.
by Ayelen C., Age 9, 826 Valencia
A student's sweet letter to their grandmother.
by Winta, 826DC
A concise but essential list of survival tips in the event of a sweet disaster.
by Aiden Spence, Grade 3, 826NYC
This poem describes all of the reasons why green is the best color.
by K.M., 826DC
In this piece, a student describes the challenges of being a superhero and reflects on their power to shine.
by Madhav, 826michigan
In this short epic, a pig and a snail pilot a NASA rocket and bring breaking news back to New York City.
by Charlotte Velasquez, age 8, 826 Valencia
A school’s spooky secret comes to light. Does a hair-cutting monster really exist?
by Matthew, Grade 3, 826 Boston
A student describes their mythic, Michael Jackson loving, imaginary friend!
by Mohamed F., 826 MSP
This poem uses descriptive language to leave the reader clues about the animal it is depicting.
by Natalie, 826 Valencia
A recipe for how to create a legendary rapper.
by Felix E., 826 Valencia
A student's fear is conquered after a startling discovery.
by Kayla, 826LA
This author reflects on an act of kindness to someone in need.
by Brooklyn., Grade 3, 826michigan
A student's reflects on all the love in her life in hopes of inspiring others.
by Abdikabir, age 8, 826 MSP
This poem uses the 1st person point-of-view to show what life looks like for a timber rattlesnake.
by Lukas, 826 New Orleans
A student challenges the existence of Confederate monuments in New Orleans and builds the case for a monument to The Houma Nation instead.
Perla Ortega, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poet sweetly appreciates a teacher for her kindness.
Kendall, 826 New Orleans
An ode to an animal friend.
by Faisa, age 9, 826 MSP
This poem writes from the perspective of a Prairie Shooting Star flower, detailing a day in its life.
by Sabir, 826 MSP
In this shape poem, a student walks you through a typical day in her neighborhood.
by Girod, 826 New Orleans
This celebratory poem uses similes to list all of the things the writer loves about themself.
by Jude, 826michigan
A student describes life in the future, complete with 3-D pens and hologram television!
by Alex, 826michigan
Percy Jackson’s story retold—in a single tweet!
Raven, 826 New Orleans
You guessed it—an ode to cookies.
by Sebastian, 826 Valencia
In this story, a student finds a surprise within a Takis bag and makes a wish for a dream school.
by Johny, 826 LA
A riveting interview with Godzilla, Superman, and Dragonbolt—a cast of characters that will try to outdo one another before this TV special is up.
by Charlie, 826michigan
A very scientific retelling of why dinosaurs went extinct.
by Angel Flores Vazquez, 826 Valencia
This poem illustrates the effectiveness of descriptive language.
by Yarely, 826michigan
A poem about grandma. English and Spanish versions included.
by Ehmely, 826CHI
A crucial missive for anyone playing a high-stakes game of "Hide and Seek".
by Sherilyn, 826LA
A story about what to do when one witnesses bullying.
Nasir Farmer, Age 8, 826 Boston
Our protagonist attempts to evade a boogieman invasion.
by Edwin M.V., Age 8, 826 Valencia
A student bravely faces the first day of school.
by Fatima, 826michigan
A list poem about a beautiful room and a beautiful family in both English and Spanish.
by Nana-Wadieh, 826NYC
This student writes about accepting people the way they are and putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.
by Alfredo Enriquez-Aguilar, 826 Valencia
Have you ever wanted to care for a dragon? This poem teaches you how.
by Kevin, 826LA
A letter from the author to the author on appreciating both the unconventional and conventional parts of oneself.
by Zaid Rodriguez, 826 Valencia
This story immerses the reader in sensory details to tell the tale of what lies behind a mysterious door.
by Clara, 826 Valencia
A detailed design for a new school that students would love, complete with outdoor spaces for tennis and ice-skating!
by Alyssa, Kevin, Gustavo, Jocelyn, and Gabriel, 826LA
In science class, Victoria the Manticore makes fun of Carla the Witch for using magic, and a few bystanders step in to take a stand against bullying.
by Alexa, 826michigan
A poem that tastes like pepperoni pizza.
by Jekaya, 826 Boston
A student reflects on what it takes to stand up to bullies and speak up for others.
by Ximena Torres, Age 9, 826 Valencia
A poem about the lessons your family can teach you.
Jade Latiker, Grade 3, 826 New Orleans
A student introduces two ghoulish friends.
by Luis Cornejo, age 9, 826 Valencia
A student recalls the first time they saw a ghost.
by Lina, 826 Valencia
A mischievous recipe calling for 3 tablespoons of candy, 10 gallons of not laughing, and 100 gallons of mother.
by Keila, 826michigan
An "I A From" poem. English and Spanish versions included.
by Zoe Gomez, 826 New Orleans
Through a series of questions, this poem asks what if the world was different.
by Esperanza R., Grade 3, 826 Valencia
A letter asking the next U.S. President to stop climate change and save our home.
by Ciaran, 826NYC
A creative field guide to a Mourning Cloak butterfly who lives in New York City.
Armani, 826 New Orleans
A poem about the magic of bath time.
by Aanya K., Grade 3, 826 LA
In this set of diary entries, a student explores what makes a villain.