In between all the busyness, I got hit with an unusually random idea for Susanna Hill’s Annual Holiday Writing Contest yesterday morning. I’m really not sure where this idea came from. I promise I was trying to write something else. Something poignant and timely. But, um, no.
Anyway, this probably has something to do with me building math curriculum off and on for K12.com for a lot longer than I ever studied it in school. SOMEBODY “up there” has a sense of humor. Math was ever my worst subject but I have learned to love it.
The illustrative collage up top isn’t original art. I don’t have time to make something from scratch today, so a quick collage will have to do for now.
The rules: Write a children’s holiday story (children here defined as age 12 and under) about A Holiday Hero not to exceed 250 words
Here’s my entry:
Square is tired of being just the side of a gift box.
He’s meant for greater things.
Like big green Cone, the Christmas tree.
Or operatic pentagram, always shining at Cone’s apex.
Square is unsure. He’s always been part of a team.
Maybe he can lead the rectangles and circles in building a train?
The annulus around Cone’s base broadcasts big news!
Pentagram is missing! No geometric has seen her anywhere.
There can’t be a Christmas tree without a star!
This is square’s chance.
He will be the star atop the christmas tree!
Square begins to climb, weaving his careful way between colorful spheres and ellipses.
This is difficult.
Square slips and slides down the angle back to Cone’s base.
A rectangle calls to him, “Hey, we need a sixth over here for this prism! Lend us a corner?”
Tempted by the familiar task, square tells himself he can only form a diamond anyway, not a star.
“NO! I will do this!”
Square begins his climb once more.
Half-way up, he slips again but a vertex reaches from somewhere and catches his corner.
It’s another square.
“I wanted to be the star too,” she says, “But I don’t think we can do this solo. Can we go together?”
The squares near the apex but only one will fit.
Square has an idea. He rotates 45 degrees.
“Align your centerpoint with mine!”
With one last leap, they make it!
Together, they are an octagram.
And an octagram can be a star.
12/6/2018 @ 4:37 pm
This is so original! YOU did a great job. One of the bestsellers ti’ve read all day. Good luck.
12/6/2018 @ 5:51 pm
A very unique Christmas story! Math was not my favorite either, but you sure made it fun! Good luck!
12/6/2018 @ 8:43 pm
This is awesome! What a great idea. Love it.
12/6/2018 @ 8:57 pm
Thank goodness this is about geometry and not math! Because math and me – we just aren’t besties. I love how square solves the problem.
12/7/2018 @ 7:51 am
What a unique concept! Rearranging shapes to create new designs is not always easy for kids and this is a fun way to demonstrate it.
12/7/2018 @ 7:53 am
What a unique concept! Love all the shapes and the ‘complicated’ names. Also love manipulating shapes to create new designs. A fun way to demonstrate a not so easy skill.
12/7/2018 @ 3:55 pm
Well done. Good luck!
12/8/2018 @ 12:15 am
WOW…Millie…this is such a fabulous unique POV…of geometric shapes…and persevering…and working together for the greater good and to follow one’s dream. I totally love it!!
12/8/2018 @ 7:51 am
It is about time Square made a shape for himself other than the side of a box! You definitely have created a STEM Christmas story and I can easily picture the illustrations! Good luck with the contest!
12/8/2018 @ 8:30 am
So clever. Glad square stepped out of the box.
12/8/2018 @ 10:27 am
Oh my gosh, what a fun holiday and STEM story!
12/9/2018 @ 6:45 am
Wow! I think this is a winner. Well done.
12/9/2018 @ 8:40 am
Very clever idea I like it ! Way to go ! Good luck !
12/9/2018 @ 9:46 am
Mishka, this story is FABULOUS and I hope to see it as a picture book one day. I’m not a fan of math usually but you made this geometry festive and shiny. And I love the fact that the idea came unbidden. Those usually make the best stories.
12/9/2018 @ 4:28 pm
You just made me like math! Original, educational, but most of all FUN TO READ! I think you should develop this into a STEM book. 🙂 Wonderful story Mishka!
12/9/2018 @ 6:28 pm
What a clever, fun & unique story, and I even learned something about geometric shapes, too (never my strong suit). I agree with others who commented – this will be a great picture book!
12/11/2018 @ 12:48 am
I’ll never see a Christmas tree the same way again! Cool!
12/11/2018 @ 9:12 pm
This is so original and clever Mishka! Heroic Square created a star in a pinch through teamwork, and your story is such a fun way to teach kids about shapes! This creative story with it’s multiple hooks has potential as a picture book! Thanks for joining in the Holiday fun!
12/13/2018 @ 8:58 am
Unique, educational, and a fun hero’s journey. Great work!