CLiF would like to introduce or re-introduce you to Marv Klassen-Landis of Windsor, VT. Marv uses stories, writing, and theater to help kids and adults learn more about themselves. Marv is a co-founder of the Children’s Voices Theater.

Watch a clip of Marv’s presentation from CLiF’s Virtual Author’s Series here.

CLiF created the outline below to help students of all ages think about his books.

Things to think about:

• Marv’s motto is “Explore, Express, Inspire.” What does that mean to you as you think about telling your own story?
• What is the connection between theater and writing?
• How about photography and writing?
• When do you choose to write poems and prose?
• Where do you find inspiration for your own work?

Here are a few ways to get to know Marv’s work better:

• Marv reads his beloved poem The Red Sled
• Listen to Marv and one of his students talk about writing to heal
• Make a mask – think about what it shows and what it hides
• Marv suggests two regular writing prompts: “I feel _______ when ________.” and “I’m thankful for __________.”

CLiF has created literacy activities for students of all ages here. Here are some that would go nicely with Marv’s work:

For younger kids:

• Fridge Magnets – create magnets that let you tell a story about yourself, real or fantasy!
• The Best Part of Me – as you read books and poems, document about the best parts of you

For older kids:

• Book Spine Poetry – use the books or magazines in your home and put them together into a poem about you
• Letters to Book Characters – write a letter to a character you relate to and one you don’t

For families:

• Circle story – write a silly story about your family
• Matchbook Chapter Summaries – create images that summarize a book or a story in your family