The really, really enjoyed the article "Hungry Minds." You always read about all of the different programs done to help out the homeless, but none really seem worth any while to me except the physical fitness ones, where men or women have started running clubs for the homeless. And now, this one, as well. There are so many options for those who are seeking an education. They could go to the library, where all the knowledge they could ever desire is at their hands for free, to educate themselves. Learning to write well, and having an avenue to share that writing and gain insight and praise for it, cannot be found from books. A writing workshop seems like such a fantastic way to help these people out by improving their writing skills, improving their moods, and creating a network of support.
My absolute favorite quote from this article was on the final page:
"The alchemy of writing gives everybody who’s been in the workshop an extra dimension: along with possessing a name and a face, each is also the particular person who wrote whatever. Somehow, writing even a few lines makes the person who does it more substantial and real. In geometric terms, it’s like the difference between being a point and being a plane."
They share this writing at the end with all the parishioners or people from other writing group, and hearing these homeless men and women must have such a profound effect on them. It turns a person who we usually see as a statistic or a stereotype into a real person with stories and hopes and grief and loss.
I'm going to hold onto this article. It seems like it could even possibly be a good way to inspire future students to write by making them see what a great way it is to share your story.
Katie,
ReplyDeleteI agree that sharing this article with students could be a very good way to lead into teaching narratives. I think that a writing workshop is a great way to get your voice heard. It would be especially nice for people who need to talk; maybe people who have hard lives or are who are homeless. I think writing is a positive thing and, for me, it is sometimes therapeutic.
I agree with your comment, Amanda. Writing is so useful to us. We can learn so much about our students and I believe they can also learn about themselves. Writing workshops can be tricky, because we have to make sure students are totally comfortable sharing their work, but it can also help students deal with their daily struggles.
ReplyDeleteI think that no matter who you are, you are struggling with something. Though it may seem like some students don't have as much to worry about as others, their struggles are huge to them. Writing can be extremely helpful and therapeutic for me, too. So, I am sure that students can use writing as a way to confront their issues and be heard.
If students have the opportunities to share their struggles through writing workshops, I feel students will be able to make more of a connection with one another. Like Jordan said, everyone is struggling with something.
ReplyDeleteWhen students realize this, I believe some will go out of their way to help each other. It may even reduce bullying because students will learn about each other.