Just Being in a Different Space....

There is something about simply being in a different space that will help spark something new in us.  No matter whether that is on a vacation, or  through changing the furniture design in our living rooms, or taking a class to a new and different space, we are bound to have a new experience just by occupying different space.  So was the case when this semester's students ventured to see La La Land at our local theatre, The Catlow (www.thecatlow.com).

After all, it's far more fun to watch a film on the BIG screen rather than on our little big screen in the classroom.  And there's just something about being in that space that brings the best out of some students.  Being in this larger space, out of school hours, allowed us to mix and blend our classes.

Here's what I loved most about this experience:

1.  There are 3 different film teachers at our high school, so I loved collaborating with them--and best of all, our students got to mingle with students from the other classes.

2.  We film teachers don't all use the exact same films in our courses, so it was fun to see them discuss the films they were watching, make recommendations, complain about Citizen Kane still being considered "The Greatest Film of All Time," etc.

3.  Students who don't always participate in class came out of their shells and shared great ideas about La La Land.  There's just something about being in a new space that can be so refreshing and rewarding.


My first shot, sans flash:
   

The second one--that blinded them.  Oops.

Coaching Our Writers with Student Samples

Upon returning essays, I always take time to discuss with my students overall what they did well and what we can improve upon.  After we review those successes and areas for improvement, I will read aloud an essay that was particularly good.  I want them to hear good writing--writing that seems as though it was meant to be read out loud.  And then, we will discuss what stood out to them about the essay.  Typically, I read one entire essay.  However, sometimes I choose excerpts from multiple essays.  When I do that, I try to provide visuals for them (as the image below) that include my comments.  I'll explain my comments and what I thought the writer had done well.  I also always try to give students the opportunity to share what they thought was good.   It is also important to me to stress to my students that the writing need not be perfect.  We just focus on our specific goals (writing with fluidity, supporting a central claim, using precise language, etc) and discuss how the writer is working to achieve that goal.  The excerpt below is from a student essay in our Critical Studies in Literature and Film class.  The essay was produced in class, and it focuses on developing an argument that addresses whether or not Citizen Kane should be considered the Greatest Film of All Time.


About my notes above:

1.  I wrote the smiley face because I liked that the student was addressing a dual idea: 1) that scene draws a viewer in; 2) a tacit implication that he was wishing for more
2.  I LOVE the phrase "visual summary."  It is so precise and to the point--and addresses exactly that moment in the film.
3.  I also marked "to churn the fire" because I thought it was a slight nod to the surprise ending of the film.

I use these notes to discuss with the students what I loved about their writing.  I think the more positive things I have to say and the more excitement I show about their writing--the more likely they are to be energized to keep developing & growing themselves as writers.