Presented By: Amanda Bunker

 Try and think back to the time when you first wrote something that was completely for yourself.  Why was this piece of writing so important to you? “With unassigned, original, and personal writing come surprises.” -Vicki Spandel

 Having the opportunity to think for yourselves.  Good way to release pent up emotions.  The chance to surprise both the teacher and the writer.  Ability to teach real thinking. “We exploded like confetti from a canister.” -Vicki Spandel

 Define the different forms of writing and talk about each of their purposes. (Ex. Story, essay, memoir, research paper, position paper, etc…)  Sharing excerpts of each of the different examples clarifies the specific differences.  Hearing samples inspires and reminds us of details that might be lost.  Ex: “I can smell the scent of the freshly cut tree mingling with the aroma of baked cookies…I hear the scraping of branches, my uncle’s muffled curses, the thunk of the heavy tree trunk announcing each landing, and the click of Aunt Elva’s three inch high heels on the linoleum floor as she came to open the door and ask Gus what in God’s name had taken him so long.”

 There is a need to focus on the students themselves.  Bringing about a change in thinking that school, writing in particular, is not just about grades. “As writing coaches, we have to help students—not by choosing for them, but by helping them learn to choose for themselves.” -Vicki Spandel

 Talk honestly about where ideas come from.  Gather, store, and save.  Observation is key when is comes to generating ideas.  Topics that hit close to home are most effective.  Sometimes topics seem to find us. “What we know best is ourselves, our families, the most vivid memories, places, times, smells, and sounds of our childhood.” –Donald Murray

 Knowing a topic well is the foundation of voice.  We trust a writer with a strong voice to be telling the truth.  Inconsistency can also be called originality, individuality, variance, new perspective, and risk within writing. All of these classifications lead to voice. “Two things any writer needs: curiosity and a talent for choosing the right detail.” -Vicki Spandel

 As a teacher, be determined, don’t give in to the students’ frustration.  Remain approachable and interested in your students and their progress, but not only their progress.  Stop seeking out the inspiration and let the constant stream of ideas instill inspiration.