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Tuesday, August 4, 2015

Considering An Audience of One

          Slicing with the Two Writing Teachers community is a pleasure every week.  Thanks to Stacey, Tara, Dana, Betsy, Beth and Anna! 
         In one of her handouts, Penny Kittle says that the teacher knows "the futility of writing for no other purpose than to turn in an assignment--what that does to craft and joy and desire--and knows that voice comes from having something to say."  
           I guess I'll always be a teacher.  I enter nearly every part (slice) of my life as one, and an experience this summer again makes me want to have a group so I can try something new. For several years, in the Poetry Friday community, there is a group that signs up to take part is what is called the Summer Swap. (There is also a winter one!) Tabatha Yeatts at The Opposite of Indifference created the idea, and manages us, sending the names in secret, setting dates, and we then anticipate wonderful poems arriving every few weeks in our mailboxes. It's wonderful to have someone write a poem personally meant for me. And it's even better to write for someone! 
           And that's where my idea is based. What if everyone in a class was assigned a person to write something for? It could be here at the beginning of the year when the community of learners forms. It doesn't have to be a poem, but that could happen later in the midst of a poetry group, too. Think how writing for a particular audience--a specific magazine, a younger buddy class, a group that specializes in one's favorite sport or hobby--motivates. So, wouldn't writing for a person that one knows, but perhaps will learn even more about, too, inspire? 
           Just another teacher thought!

20 comments:

  1. I love this idea! I might steal it for my library. My best ideas have come from thief! Lol

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  2. This is a great idea. You are right, once a teacher always a teacher. How can we not look at a situation and see the teaching merit and applications in it? May we never stop.

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    1. One thing I am trying hard to stop is saving all those little things that might be helpful in the classroom. Teachers save everything! Thanks!

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  3. Yes, I loved spending a year writing letters to my friend Eileen who had died. Many others read them and felt the power of writing to someone even if there was a universal message... So important to move writing away from the "assignment"

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    1. I remember, Bonnie. It was a wonderful thing you did. Yes, knowing to whom one is writing helps spark one's creativity and thoughtfulness.

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  4. Audience matters so very much! I love this idea. Blogging is a great way to connect but an actual piece of paper, a hand-crafted piece of you, has extra meaning. So many ways this could go. Thank you Linda. I'm grateful. Great teachers don't retire, they can't help sharing and caring.

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    1. And thank you, Julieanne. As written, I will not be able to stop!

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  5. Love this idea! My preschoolers get a big kick out of writing (drawing) for one another - fun to think of being more intentional about it. Keep sharing your fabulous ideas!!!

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    1. Of course it would work. Both my granddaughters love giving gifts, so making a drawing for someone would be wonderful.Thanks for adding this in too, Maureen.

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  6. Linda, I'll sign up. I love our poem swap, even though I'm rather last minute about it. When you start a group for teachers, count me in.

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    1. Hm-m, I didn't think about a teacher group, too, Margaret, was just thinking about beginning the year with a class. Maybe some day? Thanks!

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  7. What a beautiful idea!!! Hmmm, now my mind is buzzing with how to achieve this! I always love your ideas, Linda!! So creative and so generous to share!

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    1. Thanks, Michelle. Maybe just put it in your 'hat' & a possibility will appear sometime.

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  8. I had to chuckle with your lament that you almost wish you had a class again. Be careful what you wish for :-). Perhaps you can put this bug into Imogene's teacher's ear?

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    1. Oh no, I am very careful about wishing, Elsie. Yes, I can share with others for sure. Thanks!

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  9. Well, I for one am ever so grateful that these ideas continue to percolate - because this idea is a winner! I'll let you know how it turns out, my friend.

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    1. Thank you, Tara. I like sharing and perhaps it will fit certain classes and teachers.

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  10. This is an idea to think about. I would think the writing partners would form a very unique bond.

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    1. Another good point, too, Lisa. It is also about building community. Thanks!

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