Every moment felt good. Every word was worthwhile. Every thought well placed. Every activity seemed meaningful. Just when I thought I had achieved the purpose, I was somewhat wrong.

I am spending much needed time with my neighbour in helping her achieve her academic success. The moments spent so far have been informative and interesting. So far, we have focused on the types of writing. Samora has been introduced briefly introduced  to the 4 types of writing. At this stage in Grade 6, she should have known more of each type, but I have now come to realize that she lacks much knowledge, application and understanding of them. Her main weaknesses have gathering descriptive ideas, extensive knowledge of various topics, structuring of sentences, planning writing: all of which have been first noted in descriptive writing. I have decided to focus on her weaknesses because these are what I need to help her improve and to help myself improve as an educator. You may ask: Why you? Are you not the driver behind the wheel? 

As I have started my first one-on-one class in LIT102 this semester, it was there that I understood the path which I was taking was not the right one. I learnt about what good writers do, my role as a writer in the classroom, the difficulties encountered by students in writing and so on. We looked at each stage of the writing process in brief. In addition, I was taught by my lecturer that good writers think about their writing. They jot down their ideas. Good writers spend time reading. They think about the purpose and audience. All these and more, help students to gain ideas and more extensive knowledge on various techniques. My lecturer and I also discussed the challenges faced by students and by the teacher in the writing classroom. As I reflected, it was then that I knew that I was not teaching Samora every component of descriptive writing or  the basics of writing in itself.

Some of the difficulties mentioned were very important and interesting. Some of these were that students do not know how to express ideas in writing. Students do not get more appealing and familiar topics to write about. They have little to no knowledge on a topic. They engage in no class discussions to support writing. Students do not get to engage in collaborative writing, nor read each other's work. Most of all, teachers do not model writing to support students' writing. I can definitely say that some of these do apply to me. I have not supported Samora that much by modelling. As teachers, we overlook many things on our part which we do not think can damage the students' creative abilities. The students themselves also have difficulties, but we need to play an even greater part in helping them move from nothing to endless possibilities in writing. 

I have duly noted some tips for the writing classroom. There are so much more which have to be explored, but these can make a big difference. Some of these include: engage students in class discussions about various topics. By so doing, they are able to generate ideas when writing. The teacher can have students close their eyes and visualize, talk, sense. Secondly, use background information/personal experiences to familiarize them with various topics. Source different articles/mentor texts for classroom discussions. Moreover, teachers are to write themselves. Modelling outlines the do's and dont's for writing. Modelling demonstrates to students the paths which teachers take to create a great, captivating story. All these and more, are effective ways of broadening the scope of student writing. All the skills which they need will come slowly but surely.

This session has made me hunger for more knowledge and understanding of the writing classroom. Not only with my neighbour, but I plan to incorporate every lesson learnt to every child who has a writing need. Applying little by little every day and in every moment encountered with the student, aims for progress after progress for academic success. 

Therefore, all has not been lost. There is hope. A silver lining beyond every dark cloud. Things can be better. Success will be achieved. Not only for the now, but for the future of these young minds.

Quote: "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."