Modeling as a way to Encourage Creative Writing in

Students.
March 27th

As discussed in some TA feedback last week, modeling, especially in

demonstrating the creative writing process is vital. I was challenged to use
my own creative writing as a way to motivate and direct students during this
creative writing process. I found a great way to incorporate this tactic during
this weeks work period; while students were writing in the lab I got my own
laptop out and began writing a short story with the students. Half way
through the period I got the class back together for a brain break where I
talked about the importance of descriptive writing. Descriptive writing was
the focus of this talk as it had become apparent that many of the students
were lacking in this area of their own stories. I read them the intro that I had
created, being explicit about the fact that I had been working on this with
them during the period. After I read the excerpt, I asked the class to discuss
what worked well in my example? Was it descriptive and how did it
communicate those details?

I think this exercise was very successful! Students were engaged by

the fact that I was participating in the work that they also had to do. They
enjoyed my perspective, and also were able to more clearly understand what
I expected of them in description. I think it is important to put yourself in the
students place every once in a while. It was intimidating, even for me, to
share my work with the class. It also helps me to better understand the
constraints of creative writing in the classroom. Time and environment can
truly impact the creative ability of students, writing myself in this same
environment helped me to see this.

I would definitely do this again, and plan to do more student work with
students.