Writing is a major component of our tutorial classes, and I can be a bit of the academic writing nazi, driving them as they work to improve their essay writing skills. My students work incredibly hard and have a lot to show for their labors, but I do know that in all that work, they long for greater writing freedom and creativity.
We are currently right in the midst of a wonderful story writing project, and there is no doubt that all of my students’ previous hard work is paying off now. Their enthusiastic and fearless approach to writing is quite a sight to behold! It is music in a teacher’s ears to be repeatedly asked if a student can turn in an assignment early, or if they can have a little more time to edit and revise (not because they haven’t already completed the expected work, but because more class discussion leads to more refinement.)
I love giving students permission to re-write, and revise their blood, sweat and writing tears. Mind you, I am not assigning more editing and writing and hearing moans, groans and seeing the eyes roll. They ask to edit. They want to write one more page or one more chapter and totally revamp a character. Peer review is marked by meaningful comments and thoughtful reception of these comments. They want to hear my critiques and criticisms, and they follow them.
This my friends, is the unique joy in teaching.
I teach Art at CFT and yesterday’s class was like something out of the Twilight Zone. While the students were keeping their hands busy with a Roman Mosaic project, their minds and mouths were busy discussing story writing. This group is primarily boys who vary in age from 13 to 16, and they have no concept of the fact that they are not supposed to like writing. The entire group was discussing ideas about what makes a story interesting. They were truly encouraging each other in their efforts. Real praise and critique was taking place. Each made eager promises to read the others story to discover the ending. As Leah said, this was pure delight. At CFT we talk about our goal of directing the students to the good and beautiful with purpose. Yesterday was one of those red letter days!! God has been so good to our school, in giving Leah the opportunity to study under Andrew Kern and to learn the Lost Tools of Writing curriculum. I only wish Andrew Kern could have been in our art class yesterday, he would have been blessed!
Correction
Those boys in Art class range in age from 13 to 18, I dont want to bend any noses. Still Twilight Zone material.
sandi
hey!! are you talking about us? ahh you shouldn’t have!