I started writing stories in the second grade. My teacher distributed construction paper shapes (apples, stars, pencils, etc.) which we stapled together with blank sheets inside to form small books. Then we created our story with a word or two she provided for inspiration. Each week we created a new shaped book and wrote our story inside. Imagine it. Every week, we explored a word or two by creating something magical with it. You really had to think about the word and find a way to share it so that others would understand your vision. No wonder I have such a love of English.
Every time I hear someone say they don't like to write, I think, "You should have had my second-grade teacher!"
