Mastering the Monkey Mind for ‘M’ day at Salem

SALEM — Monday, May 9 author Denise McCormick brought many M’s to Salem Elementary’s M day with McCormick reading Never Mind the Monkey Mind.

Monkeys moseyed around on McCormick’s dress and one maintained a firm grip around her wrist as she addressed the classes.

While reading to the first grade and kindergarten classes McCormick engaged the children in physical movements, songs, and questions and answers.

With the assistance of her book published in December 2021 McCormick taught students about the larger concepts of the fixed and observant mindsets.

McCormick labels the fixed mind set as the Monkey Mind and encourages students to take their thoughts captive in order to keep the monkey mind from taking charge.

“What you say to your mind, your mind then says to you,” McCormick said to the children.

She encouraged the students to join her in creating “I Am” affirmations.

Carter Diaz patiently waited with his hand raised to contribute.

“I am going to do everything,” Diaz said.

“I am listening to my parents,” Roselea Butts said when she was called upon.

“I am colorful,” Lola Boecker said.

Boecker has seen McCormick read Never Mind the Monkey Mind once before and created her own “I Am” self-portrait.

In front of all the first grade and kindergarten students McCormick honored Boecker with a copy of Never Mind the Monkey Mind for her classroom due to her work on her “I Am” portrait.

McCormick has also recently participated with The Education Division of Iowa Wesleyan University’s Pajama Party and Reading Night in April.

Additionally, McCormick also took part in an event at the Union Block with Doctor and author Angela Sadler Williamson.

"My Life with Rosie: A Bond Between Cousins" was written by Sadler from the perspective of being Rosa Parks cousin.

“I want to help women with their voices,” McCormick said of her motivation for teaming up with authors like Sadler.

McCormick is always working on her next book.

The children audibly gave an “aw” as she told them about her intent to write Paulie the Talking Collie and even gave the students a preview of the song for this new book.

To hear the song most will just have to wait for the book to come out or attend one of the many events where McCormick reads and hope she shares the preview with those audiences too.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com