A writer is not someone who just simply put words on paper. Writing is an art. Like the art pieces at an art gallery that provokes oos and aaahhhs when viewed. When writing a piece, your aim should be to get your audience at the edge of their seats. Most times we forget that and deprive readers of the excitement that is supposed to be received from reading our pieces of writing. Today, in class I felt as though writing brought out the artistic side of me. All thanks to my lecturer. Not only did she model writing, but she encouraged my classmates and I to write and develop a love for writing. I can’t say that this was an easy task, but I am certain that I am much closer to becoming a super writer.
Throughout the past few classes we have been focusing on narrative writing. The lecturer taught us the elements of narrative writing, the writing process, had us develop a story map together and in pairs and we also wrote a class piece together. These topics were done with much clarity and excitement as we wore our grade 3 thinking caps and went into character really well. Pretending to be grade 3 students helped us highlight some difficulties that students may have when writing narrative pieces and ways in which we can guide them which includes teaching them acronyms such as FAST and STEAL that they can use when writing. In addition to that it helped build on our confidence in writing our own pieces that we can use in the classroom during instruction in various subjects or when modelling narrative writing.
The highlight of class was hearing the stories that my classmates and I prepared and shared. I liked the sharing exercises because it was interesting hearing my peer’s stories and it helped with receiving feedback which is good for improvement. My group wrote a story entitled “When Johnny broke my heart”. The title not only had my classmates anticipating the plot of the story but also my lecturer. This increased my eagerness to share. They assumed that the story would be about love. The twist in the story, having nothing to do with love or relationship brought laughter and applause. Although it was in the drafting stage it felt like a job well done. And like I was a good writer I was able to get my listeners at the edge of their seats.
Hope you enjoy !
Written By : Tench, Abby & Nasha
I must say that this story that you produced, although not the finished product was very humorous and creative. From the topic until the very end was exhilarating. I must commend our lecturer for taking us through the process of narrative writing, modeling and providing us with the opportunity to collaborate with our peers to produce wonderful stories. I hope she continues to model as we delve into the other genres of writing.
ReplyDeleteI recall the moment that you shared this story with us and the outburst of laughter which it resulted in. Excellent job thus far and we cant wait to hear the finished product. It is always a pleasure to watch our course instructor model some of the same techniques that she wants us to utilize in our classrooms. We now feel more confident to go to our respective classrooms to teach narrative writing.
ReplyDeleteThis story had me on the edge of my seat, falling to the floor sometimes because of the humor it was packed with. It is a product of good modelling from our lecturer as well as your own flavor and personality. I know that this type of lecturing will enable us to be the best teachers of writing. I was a bit fearful at not knowing exactly how I should teach students how to write as I always thought it's either you have it or you don't but I was proven wrong. It is a skill that can be developed over time. Look out 2020 and beyond, here we come! Passionate teachers of writing producing passionate students of writing.
ReplyDeleteOh how I like this final line: "passionate teachers of writing producing passionate students of writing".
ReplyDeleteYes! One of your goals as a teacher of writing is to motivate students and develop in them an itch to write.
Well said!
Ms Polius
I enjoyed this piece of writing it was very humorous and informative . I must commend your team for composing it and also our course lecturer for modelling the skills that we as teachers need in our classroom to become excellent teachers of writing and to motivate our students to produce outstanding pieces. Beverley Martie
ReplyDeleteBecause the modelling done by the course lecturer was so effective, it helped you produce a story which maintained its purpose and that was to entertain your audience. When this was read in the classroom everyone's ears were fixed, listening to this story which captured everyone's attention. In addition, doing this in the classroom will also initiate the same reactions from the students because of the way you projected your voice and read with expression.
ReplyDeleteThis was an excellent piece! Keep posting!
Written by: Michaela Canchion
this piece was an interesting one, I was able to relate to it. i think the studets will enjoy this one.
ReplyDeleteIf one was not too sure about the effectiveness of the lecturers teaching of the elements and development of a narrative piece in the initial phase of this lesson, then your final piece surely brought displayed it. This piece is an exemplary sample of what narrative writing can be: fun, catchy, entertaining and humourous while telling a story.
ReplyDeleteMoving forward as a teacher of writing, I plan on emulating this quality of teaching when delivering writing instruction. More often than not, we tend to rush the delivery of writing instruction. However, this lesson should just how we can slow down the process and allow students to see the benefit of each part of a narrative piece and how to infused all to form a masterpiece. I am definitely with you when you say that this session "brought out my artistic side."
A job well done by you and the lecturer.
Shaquille Aldonza
Oh my! This post took me back to the day's session and I must admit, I truly felt like I was sitting in LIT102 all over again as I read your entry. The insertion of your narrative piece was the icing on the cake. Your vivid description on how the session unfolded made me close my eyes in recollection of a comical session as I remembered the pieces shared by our colleagues. Through the presentation of skills and strategies and the modelling of how they may be used, our lecturer did a wonderful job of preparing us for the task ahead when we return our classrooms. Writing is truly an art and like you, I aim to always get my audience at the edge of their seats in anticipation of what comes next.
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