Earlier this week, I shared a photo of a reflective journal that one of our Studio writers designed last summer. Although we don’t see each other as often as I’d like to, whenever we come together as a group, I try to provide them ample time and prompts that inspire reflection. I find that asking them to revisit their responses enables them to define their needs and set goals with greater ease. I’ve used parts…
Some of the conversations that I have with young writers are inspired by the work of Christopher Johns, whose framework for reflective practice enables them to identify their needs, advocate for themselves, and use what they’ve come to understand to be of service to others. Sounds heavy, but it really isn’t. Consider this: Inspiring those you know to do the same can happen when you invite them to think about, discuss, and craft responses to…
Today’s post is the fourth in a quick series relating what I’m learning through my work with the WNY Young Writers’ Studio, how this is informing my perspectives about change in the field of education, and where my efforts might be best placed as someone who hopes to inspire it. My discoveries are taking me down a path that wasn’t necessarily intended: toward kids, their needs, and the potential to help them advocate for themselves…
This week, I’ve been telling some of the stories that are emerging from my work with the WNY Young Writers’ Studio. Specifically, I’m telling stories that suggest that children might be the best force for change within the field of education because in my experience, teachers tend to listen when kids make respectful requests of them. I’m also finding that empowering kids to advocate for themselves in this way begins with reflection, so I’ve spent…
Yesterday, I shared some preliminary findings from my work within the WNY Young Writers’ Studio, what I’ve learned, and how this is beginning to influence my next steps. I’m compelled by the idea of helping young people identify their needs (particularly as writers) and develop strategies and approaches that enable them to meet them. I’ve spent the last three years watching what can happen when kids take themselves, their work, and the dilemmas they…