Today my 7th-grade ELA inspired me. We are in the middle of standardized testing with today being an off day, so I wanted to have the class engage in a lighter activity yet still work on curriculum. Our grammar work is focused on independent and dependent clauses and how they can make your writing stronger, and of course we always have an vocabulary unit in motion. Today’s assignment was to work independently, with a partner, or in a group of three and write a story and try to incorporate some of the vocab words and grammar skills.

Some story writers were more successful than others in incorporating the skills, but that didn’t really matter because the were all writing; I mean really working together and creating. A few of the groups shared their stories with the class. There was an NBA player with a lucky coin in his shoe, a friend who anticipates her best friend’s homecoming from summer camp only to realize there is a new “best friend” in the picture, and an adventure in leprechaun catching. The kids really enjoyed themselves which was so heart-warming to see.

There are various types of writing required of 7th-graders, but none gets them excited the way creating stories does. It was so inspiring to watch them collaborate (while social distancing of course), laugh, get excited to add details to the story, and to just be kids.

Soon these 7th-graders will be 8th-graders and then flying off to high school. I want them to fly on the wings of imagination and confident voices. I want them to imagine all the possibilities the world holds for them and be confident in being a voice for change in the world. What they have to say matters.

I am participating in the Slice of Life Story Challenge for the month of March. I will be posting every day this month. It is sponsored by twowritingteachers.org. #SOL21