Submitted by Laura (not verified) on March 20, 2008 - 07:55.
I enjoyed reading about your thoughts on stories. It made me think that I should focus more on stories with my middle level Learning Support students. My students already find school difficult, don't feel understood or appreciated. I wonder if focusing on the stories that they have to tell, might allow them to feel more open and understood. A few years back my students wrote about a significant time in their lives. Some were about first loves, a trip to the mall or graduating from preschool. I also had students writing of abuse in foster care, and drunken, violent fathers. I know that I gained a much higher level of understanding and compassion for my students, as did the others who were allowed to read the writings.
Your idea planted a seed in my mind of attempting to make the story theme a part of the school year for next year. Thank you!
The power of storytelling to engage students
Submitted by Laura (not verified) on March 20, 2008 - 07:55.
I enjoyed reading about your thoughts on stories. It made me think that I should focus more on stories with my middle level Learning Support students. My students already find school difficult, don't feel understood or appreciated. I wonder if focusing on the stories that they have to tell, might allow them to feel more open and understood. A few years back my students wrote about a significant time in their lives. Some were about first loves, a trip to the mall or graduating from preschool. I also had students writing of abuse in foster care, and drunken, violent fathers. I know that I gained a much higher level of understanding and compassion for my students, as did the others who were allowed to read the writings.
Your idea planted a seed in my mind of attempting to make the story theme a part of the school year for next year. Thank you!