Writing can be a difficult process for some, and if you mention a poetry or creative writing unit in school be prepared for a loud groan to rise up from the masses. That being said there are many different ways to inspire kids in ways they may have never thought of before. The follow three ideas are my favourite ways to help inspire students creative writing process.
1. Memory Box- Have students bring in a box and fill it with pictures, items, books, or materials that they have a connection with. If a student gets stuck they can look in their box and it may help them gain the inspiration they need.
2. Quote or Lyrics Journal- Have students keep a quote or lyrics journal which they can keep with them and bring to class. Any time they hear or read something that they feel passionate about have them write it down. This can be a great springboard for all types of inspirational ideas.
3. Starters- You can help students start off their stories, poetry, or writing processes by giving them general starting idea and seeing where their imaginations lead them. Three examples of this would be:
You give a modern twist to the beginning of the classic story "Three Little Pigs" and see what they come up with.
You ask your students to write one sentence endings to the start "I am" (give a 5 minute time limit) to inspire a self reflecting poem.
You put up a picture on the board and ask students to write about that picture.
In Crash, a simple car accident forms an unyielding foundation for the complex exploration of race and prejudice. This incredibly thought provoking movie succeeds in bringing to the forefront the behaviour's that many people hold. This movie makes its audience consider these attitudes and puts racism front and centre.
Dead Poet Society- 1989
An idealistic teacher stirs up the conformed roles of a 1959 prep school, inspiring his students to break free and find their own identity.
Schindler's List- 1993
A profoundly shocking, unsparing, fact-based, look at the Holocaust done in black and white.
The bucket List- 2007
Two men who meet in a cancer ward and go through a list of things they want to do before they die.
Gladiator- 2000
When a Roman general is betrayed and his family murdered by an emperor's corrupt son, he comes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge.
I am a advocate of travelling and experiencing other cultures. I think it is a necessary part of understanding our own significance as well as our own insignificance. It allows us to see humanity, issues, and the world from different perspectives and invokes empathy, understanding, and action. I have had the privilege of travelling to many amazing places in the world with so many more places I wish to go. The top 5 places I have travelled are:
5. Yukon and Alaska- There is something memorable to me about nature. It sooths my soul and makes me feel at home. I love the Majesty of mountains and coming from Northern Alberta I find trees to be a comfort. We went on a trip here years ago with my family and it left a lasting impression. My husband and I plan to travel there together in the next couple of years as it is something he has not got to do yet.
4. Victoria BC- There is something appealing about Victoria for me. With its warm climate, funky shops, and culture, it is a great place to go. I personally love BC, it has always been one of my favourite places to go though I must say I would love to do a trip out East.
3. New York- I love people watching and what better place to do so than NY! I honestly loved everything from the hustle and bustle to the noise, from the people and places to the museums (oh and I cannot forget the food... oh my the food was amazing!). There is something gritty and real about NY, and by that I mean that you see people in all walks of life all occupying the same space. Some are not afraid to approach you because they have such a small window of opportunity to do so, and others fold within themselves not wanting to be bothered the outside world.
2. Taiwan- My gosh what an amazing experience it was to go to Taipei. The only thing that made this trip hard was the fact that I was 4 months pregnant when we went (something that does not go well with 40 degree Celsius weather and 100% humidity). That being said I love history and buildings, something Taiwan has in spades. If I have one thing to say about Taiwan it is that the people there were so friendly. When we first arrived off the plane I will admit I was more than a little overwhelmed. It is amazing to see so many people living in such a small place. I was proud of how self reliant I became while we were there, I even became the subway planner for the day. Funny fact though, as much as I wanted to try much of the food I mostly lived off of 7-11 Pringles and water (pregnancy was not nice to me- morning sickness for 9 months!) while I was there. My husband was a lot more adventurous and tried a variety of local favourites.
1. France/Cannes- This will be my favourite forever because it was the first time I travelled out of Canada and I was 18. The first time you do anything big in life I think it is almost overwhelming to adjust to at first. I was very much a country girl out of my league when I went to France that first time. It did not take me long to fall in love with it though. Like NY, Paris has a grittiness to it, though maybe I feel its a bit more whimsical at the same time. You cannot help but feel romantic in both France and Nice. I loved visiting the old castles and also the perfume Fields. We got to go for a brief day trip into Monte Carlo and Italy as well. I would love to go back to Europe and travel around for a few months. I have family in Germany that I would like to meet and have always wanted to go to Prague.
Ok so those are some of the places I have been. As wonderful as it is to travel I seriously feel there is no place like home. I was born and raised in Alberta, and I still live here to this day. There are different types of beauty you can see from the plains, to the forests, to the mountains. My husband came across a touching video about Alberta and I thought I would share it with you. Hope you enjoy my home.
