Living Life Twice

Learning to be observant is a valuable life skill. When one has a writer’s notebook it is such an advantage if the owner possesses keen observational abilities. The writer begins to  notice things in the world around them, more acutely. They consciously include sensory observations knowing they complement their writing efforts. The art of observation serves the writer well. A window is always available through which to capture a little magic. To assist inexperienced student writers develop a greater awareness of the value of including such sensory observations, requires mindful action in the classroom:  Share text examples where the writer includes sensory details. Details that enable the reader to visualize the scene. Where writers employ show, don't tell, the reader is more likely to visualize the events and actions described. The words are decidedly reader friendly.                         ...

The Most Dangerous Part of The Lesson ‘We have reached the most dangerous part of our lesson young writers’ I announce to the group of students seated before me. I lower my voice and lean towards them. ‘ We must be careful going back to our seats to start our writing. There is a danger of being ambushed and directed away from your important mission. Do not let anyone distract you from commencing the writing mission you have just discussed with your writing partner.  You might meet someone on the way back to your seat who may try to strike up a conversation which may lead you off course. Beware of bandits... Who can make it back to their writer’s notebook safely without being drawn away from their mission? Stay alert to the danger. It's all around you.' They all smile knowingly. It’s all a bit of a game, but the truth is I am aiming to narrow the distance between the young writer’s  intentions and actions. I want every writer in the room to have the best possible ch...