Best Advice Writing Activity

Bloom where you are planted. I'm not sure who exactly gave me this advice.  I've recently realized that I have missed out on many opportunities because I have NOT bloomed where I was planted in my life. 

A few weeks ago, I had to go to Logan for the day for some orientation meetings.  I have not been to Logan or USU for a long time (probably since Lindsey was married).   I was shocked when I drove into town and didn't recognize the place.  Logan has boomed!  Even the road I drove daily, to and from school, was unrecognizable.

After my meetings, I set out to try to find my old apartment.  I found the one I lived in for 3 years, but I couldn't decide between two different buildings for my last apartment.

 I lived in the bottom apartment in this duplex for several years on 1100 N.  And as I drove down the road and looked around, I realized that I didn't recognize anything but my apartment.  I do believe that this road (since it's not a main road) has remained for the most part untouched since I lived there - but still, I didn't recognize anything.  Had I been so near-sighted while at USU that I couldn't see past my own front door?

It's sad.  Now.  To think of that.  At the time, I hated Logan, and spent most of my time away from there.  But what memories do I really have of that place?  I mean, I lived there for 4 years!


So...I'm trying to do better.  To see the beauty and joy around me.  To live in the present, not in the past.  To become familiar with my environment.  It is great to bloom!






P.S.  I have used this experience as a writing activity in my English class...what is the best advice you've ever been given and why?

Creative Writing Journals

Our school district dictates the majority of what we are allowed to teach in a year.  But this year, I have decided that my students will complete a Creative Writing Journal along with the mandated work.  I used a few ideas to get this going.

First,  I bought a book called


http://www.amazon.com/Wreck-This-Journal-Keri-Smith/dp/039953346X

This book is great for promoting random, creative acts.  Then, I purchased a composition notebook for each student (this year I was able to get them through the district warehouse).  The first assignment my students had was to decorate the cover any way they wished.  The only requirement was that their name was on the cover.  I used this idea for how to glue it all together.  My students went wild!

I have been incorporating at least one activity a week using their journals.  We have scribbled, journaled about 9/11, drawn a picture only using nature, and done some pre-writing activities.  My students are excited about something in English!  It makes me happy.


Try it in your classroom, and let me know.  I feel that high school students get pulled out of their creative minds and need to be reintroduced to them.  They need to find some joy in learning. 

How can it improve your classroom?