I have been forbidden from using my SUPERPOWERS to teach writing, and that makes the task much more difficult. I have been forced into the trenches along with all the other teachers who find it difficult.
If I could use my superpowers, I would begin by zapping all of my students with a dose of encouragement. They would all have a piece of my desire to write, and I would find it hard to stop them from writing. The principal, walking through the hall, would hear me constantly scolding the class for writing when they should be doing something else.
Shortly after the first zap, I would mentally infuse my students with the impulse to improve their writing. They would suddenly pay attention to characterization, setting, plot, and theme. They would spend time choosing just the right words and phrases. They would constantly work on carefully leading their readers through a story, making them see the scenes without telling them everything outright.
Finally, I would fill my students' writing utility belts with the tools described in the infographic at right (which emerges from the creative minds at Pixar). Students would be instantly trained in the best writing strategies. They would become writing ninjas, ready to conquer writing challenges as they inevitably arise in the universe.
But alas, my superpowers have been squelched, and I am, once again, merely a mortal teacher, reduced to using the normal tools of the trade.
If I could use my superpowers, I would begin by zapping all of my students with a dose of encouragement. They would all have a piece of my desire to write, and I would find it hard to stop them from writing. The principal, walking through the hall, would hear me constantly scolding the class for writing when they should be doing something else.
Shortly after the first zap, I would mentally infuse my students with the impulse to improve their writing. They would suddenly pay attention to characterization, setting, plot, and theme. They would spend time choosing just the right words and phrases. They would constantly work on carefully leading their readers through a story, making them see the scenes without telling them everything outright.
Finally, I would fill my students' writing utility belts with the tools described in the infographic at right (which emerges from the creative minds at Pixar). Students would be instantly trained in the best writing strategies. They would become writing ninjas, ready to conquer writing challenges as they inevitably arise in the universe.
But alas, my superpowers have been squelched, and I am, once again, merely a mortal teacher, reduced to using the normal tools of the trade.
Incidentally, the poster in the picture above is available for purchase.
Wouldn't a framed copy be a great addition to any writing classroom?
Just click on the picture to find shipping information.
Wouldn't a framed copy be a great addition to any writing classroom?
Just click on the picture to find shipping information.
