Creative Writing, SYP Style
A report from teachers Brenda C. and Katie L.
For SYP this week, our teaching team decided to incorporate more creative writing into our English class. After reviewing the definitions of plot, character, setting and theme, we wanted to see how our students might use these important components to formulate their own narratives. Even though we were crunched for time (class was only 35 minutes, due to an extended Advisory), the students managed to create wonderfully polished pieces of work. We were so excited when one of our students wanted to keep on writing, even though it meant he’d miss part of snack time. It’s a remarkable thing to see a student who wants to work on a class assignment even after class is over.
Later, while preparing for the next SYP, our teaching team decided to review the student stories we’d collected. They blew us away. Not only were the students able to meet the goals we’d set for them, but they also applied creativity and heart to the structures we’d taught them. After reading the stories, we were curious if the characters our students wrote about were a reflection of themselves and their own feelings. We were so excited by the success of the assignment that we wanted to share the stories with Max. He was equally impressed. As teachers, it’s rewarding to be able to hold the results of our planning and class work in our hands. We can’t wait to teach this lesson again; we’re hoping for the same great results!
