Classroom Visits

Title: Facing the Inner Critic
This classroom talk and discussion faces the dreaded inner critic and explores the persistence it takes to reach your goals, whether writing or otherwise. Jamie speaks frankly of her road into the publishing world and how she has conquered writers' block. We will discuss how to build upon strengths rather than spending time trying to fortify weaknesses.
Q & A time.

Title: Elemental Magic and Goal Setting Jamie has lived what cutting edge academics are only now exploring. This classroom talk and discussion focuses on the basic formula of nature in modern magic. We will discuss symbols and their use in goal setting, forging a connection with your core beliefs and desires, right brain thinking, and the benefits of focused attention. Q & A time.

Title: Your Writer's Voice
During this classroom talk and discussion we will concentrate on organizing and outlining theories, creative writing techniques, and the benefits of journaling. We will review different methods to uncovering the unique voice that creates strong writers.
Q & A time.

Breaking Boundaries - Building Bridges
This interactive assembly includes author and inspirational teacher, Jamie
Martinez Wood, and motivational mentor/ percussionist, Melinda Rodriguez and percussionist Rogelio Rodriguez. The first part of this assembly includes a talk on breaking boundaries of culture, religion, race, gender, etc. as the doorway to building bridges of commonality and community. The second part will be an interactive performance using rhythm, music, and movement that involves every participant, which provides an example of community in action.

Finding the Magic and Voice Within
This interactive assembly helps students increase confidence in their individual expression with author and inspirational teacher, Jamie Martinez Wood, and motivational mentor/percussionist, Melinda Rodriguez and percussionist Rogelio Rodriguez. We begin talking about trusting our unique voice and the importance of our distinct perspectives. We invite participants to use their own rhythm, music, and movement to discover their individuality through the magic of sound. Finding your voice helps students become better writers, which directly translates into strong explanatory essays.

Panel of Latina Authors
Authors discuss Latino characters, themes and trends in modern literature.

Rogelia’s House of Magic is available for workshop adaptation by drama students.

Reading Guide for Rogelia’s House of Magic is available

Recommendations

"It is a rare opportunity for high school students to work with a published author. Jamie Martinez Wood originally contacted the theatre department at Newport Harbor High School for the purpose of casting an actress for her on-line Rogelia's House of Magic book trailer. During the audition process, it was obvious that our students were intrigued by the novel and eager to be involved in any way possible with the process. The idea of providing a "workshop" experience where our high school students could participate in creating a script and theatrical version of Rogelia's House of Magic was born. Over the course of three months, students in beginning drama were able to participate in meaningful dialogue with Jamie Martinez Wood which allowed them to write, direct and act out a segment of the novel. The process of moving from page to stage was especially meaningful because our students had access to the "soul" of the novel--it's delightful author. By virtue of allowing young artists to add their voices to her work, Jamie encouraged the beginning drama students at Newport Harbor High School to see the connection between art and life. Her generous spirit opened avenues of communication and encouraged collaboration in our classroom setting. While she could easily have "told" the students what to include in the performance, Jamie opened her heart and mind to the ideas of high school teens--allowing them to grow as writers, actors and artists. I believe that the students involved will never forget this incredible learning experience."

Gail Brower-Nedler
Theatre Educator
Newport Harbor High School

Success in School
Success in the Classroom

Learning is most relevant when students are allowed to become co-creators in the process. Gail Brower-Nedler, the drama teacher at Newport Harbor High School in Newport Beach, California, and I found a way to engage the students in a lesson that taught story development, characterization and plot by adapting a book into a play. The organic nature of this creative process allowed the students to manipulate dialog and scenes, while maintaining adherence to the core of the story. The students learned to assume responsibility, problem solve, think critically and take risks.

We worked with my young adult novel, Rogelia's House of Magic, a coming of age book about three Latina teens learning about friendship and magic under the guidance of a curandera (spiritual healer). I edited the book into the play format and brought to class two to four scenes at a time. As the students read the script, the actors and audience collectively decided what needed to be cut, reworded or added. At first the kids were tentative about making changes to the script, but became increasingly empowered as we encouraged their suggestions and ownership. As the author, I maintained final editing vote, depending on what needed to stay as an essential part of the plot.

Hilary, a junior, stepped up to be the student director and cast the kids into their roles. Whereas this story features four Latina main characters, this school mainly has a population of Caucasian students, with a growing number of Hispanic students. One girl, a new transfer student who hadn't volunteered for any roles, asked to be in this play. She was Latina and felt this story really spoke to her and so overcame her shyness to step into a strong character that celebrated her heritage.

Over the next several weeks, I visited the class and watched their progress with the play, which took longer than we all thought. With the flexibility established from the beginning, we altered our course and created what would be Act One, approximately eight chapters.

Students filmed the final project. One of my favorite parts was when the four students who dressed in the colors that coincided with each direction. Hilary had written a prologue that set the tone of the play, in which the four directions introduced themselves, their corresponding element (air, fire, water, earth) and colors, and their powers. One girl, who at first didn't really seem to be into the play at all, insisted she was standing in the wrong direction. She was right and so we made sure everyone moved into their proper positions.

When the editing is complete, we'll have Act One on film. My intention is to work with other classes to create Act Two and Three and someday have an entire play from start to finish, created by the students for the students. For me this experience went beyond my expectations, in the organic, empowering way it awakened creativity, tolerance, and pride of ownership for all who were involved.

BIO

Jamie Martinez Wood's writing career began in Ms. Kneedler's second grade class in Glen L. Martin Elementary School in Santa Ana, California. Early works include The Floating Bed and The Runaway Hamburger. At the age of eleven she started the lifelong habit of keeping a diary. Journals became trusted companions, particularly helpful throughout the turbulent teen years.

Jamie’s first book was The Wicca Cookbook followed by the Hispanic Baby Name Book. Based on the devoted readership of these two books, Jamie was asked to write for the teen market. Thankfully she had her journals as a reference point.

Reading her teen journal entries when she felt disempowered and victimized, motivated Jamie to create visualizations and affirmations to move into a place of power. These new perspectives comprise the "spells" of The Teen Spell Book. Building on the success of her books and teachings at workshops and retreats, she wrote The Wicca Herbal, The Enchanted Diary, Latino Writers and Journalists, and her debut novel, Rogelia's House of Magic.

Contact: jamie@jamiewood.com