The Power of Personal Writing--Do You Make Time for it In Your Classroom?



                   *(I'll share below why I included this quote.)
     I wanted to take just a moment to write about the power of personal writing.  I don't see enough time for this type of writing being put aside in our classrooms K-12.  Yet, giving students this time to explore and figure out the power that personal writing might have in their lives can be truly life-changing.
     All good teachers think a lot about the life-changing experiences we share with our students.  We know the power of reading for both personal and academic reasons.  We know the power of academic writing and writing in general as students make their way into the world.  But, do we realize the power of personal writing and how impactful it can be?  Do we take "time out" of the traditional curriculum to allow students to explore their thoughts and feelings on paper?  I know, I know, we are all in a massive time crunch every day.  But, if we don't help students with their social and emotional growth; if they don't grow up to be successful adults in that realm, beyond the academic, what good has all of our teaching been? 
     We have an epidemic of anxiety and depression among our young people.  We have students taking their own lives.  I believe we ARE giving more time to mental health and to mindfulness in educational settings.  I wish we would include personal writing as a kind of meditation, as well. 
     I've been divorced multiple times.  I've had a lot of trauma that isn't fun to talk about.  I continue to struggle with my past, my present, the way the world is, hearing some of the sad stories of my students' lives, and even talking about any of this because there is so much more trauma, so much more disaster and ruin in the world.  I often think, what right do I have to share my struggle when others are struggling so much more?
     In the end, though, my struggle has led me to know the power of personal writing.  It was a junior high school teacher who really started me along the path.  She had us do what would be considered nowadays 'frivolous writing,' like writing down the lyrics to a song that was meaningful to us, composing stories just for fun and exploring free verse poetry.  We kept a portfolio of our work.  She responded so positively to what I'd shared--she responded to my content, to my thoughts and feelings.  I treasured that construction paper piece folded in half; that tattered  'writing portfolio.'  I treasured her comments.  I don't believe any of it was shared at parent conferences and yes, it may have been used for a grade--I simply don't remember.  I DO remember how she made me feel--like my thoughts and feelings mattered and that I was a writer with some skill.  I don't remember writing anything personal after that--I believe that occurred in 7th grade.  I DO remember writing essays and more essays.  All the essay writing certainly improved my ability to communicate and to write and to make my mark in the academic world.  However, it's the personal writing that has saved me all these years. 
     I think I mentioned in my last post that I've been writing poetry since my early 20s.  This all started due to a fledgling and quickly failing marriage.  I found if I sat down with a notebook, pencil in hand, and just waited quietly, my feelings would start to flood the page.  The feelings took the form of poetry.  After writing, I was tired, but satisfied.  My feelings were out--right there on the paper--concrete.  I could see them, touch them, revisit them, re-examine them, if I chose to do so.  My mind felt relief.  My spirit calmed down. 
     In times of severe trouble, I stopped writing.  Couldn't bring myself to get the notebook out and stare down at the empty page.  Yet, research shows that simple journal writing can help people who are feeling depressed or who have other mental health or emotional issues.  I knew this fact then.  Sometimes the place is too dark and the lights turn off on the writing, as well. 
     Funny I'm writing this because due to my last two years of chronic pain from a car accident (described in my last post,) I hadn't been writing much until recently.  Same story, different trauma.  So much pain, I turned away from the writing.  Suddenly, though, it all comes back to me every time, like a close friend who's been out of the country on extended leave.  I realize I'm doing myself (and my family) a disservice by NOT writing, and I pick up the pen again.  And, I'm always happy when I do.
     One of my school missions this year is to engage students in more informal writing across the curriculum.  That is, writing that is thinking on paper.  Just like engineers work out problems with pencil in hand, just like inventors do, scientists do, mathematicians do.  These thoughts conjure up images from the films 'Hidden Figures,' 'Apollo 13' and 'Good Will Hunting.'  These are the kinds of writings I'm referring to: when one struggles to find answers by puzzling things through on the page (or, in these cases, on the chalkboard).  Research shows our brains hyper-focus when we write.  This allows for the generative process to happen.  One thought leads to another, then another.  More questions and clarifications surface as we work ideas on paper.  There is HUGE power in this. When I engage in this form of writing, I always discover things I didn't know were there or answers to problems I'm struggling with.  This is another type of writing that is truly impactful.
Photo attribution: https://www.greensboro.com/blogs/allen-johnson-more-hidden-figures-connections-to-greensboro-revealed/article_1c705a4e-758b-5e8f-b576-f07e38f3a7e5.html  (Taraji P. Henson as Katherine Johnson in the movie Hidden Figures)




Photo attribution:  https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2017/01/hidden-figures-and-the-appeal-of-math-in-an-age-of-inequality/513434/   Hidden Figures, Twentieth Century Fox


Photo Attribution: https://infowetrust.com/hollywood-dataviz/  Movie:  Apollo 13


Photo attribution: HuffPost UK  Movie: Good Will Hunting

   

      But, I digress from my main focus here--personal writing--leaving the curriculum behind, honoring time for students to address their personal needs on paper.  I'm sure personal writing doesn't appeal to everyone, but in our classrooms, if we devote time to it then allow students time to share with us and/or their peers, if they choose, we will discover many students will find the process helpful and, indeed, therapeutic.  I have no doubt of that. 
     I had a second grade student way back near the beginning of my career that had a baby sister who was dying of cancer.  I gave my students time to write personal stories and poems and this little girl found huge relief in writing about her sister, the family trips to the hospital, the confusion, the not knowing.  She even wrote and published a non-fiction book she titled: "My Baby Sister Has Cancer." Though the baby received treatment, she died during that school year.  I will never forget how this child's parents came to me at the end of the year to thank me.  They said, "Chandra** is dealing better with this tragedy than anyone else in the family (they had five other children ranging in ages).  We know it's because of all the writing she's been doing.  We owe that to you."  That hit me hard, and it has stayed with me since, affecting how I've fashioned my classroom schedule in my thirty years of teaching.  The experience spoke to me on another personal level, because I was already struggling in my marriage and writing up a storm to find some relief. 
     I wish more writers, regular everyday people, would come forward with their personal stories of how writing has helped them cope throughout their lives.  I wish, too, more teachers would explore this use of time, for what could be more important than imparting skills to students to help them successfully navigate this tumultuous world?
   I'll end with a personal poem (this one is about 16 years old--I looked for something current, but I simply can't bring myself to post one of those here--still too hard--this type of vulnerability on my blog or in public anywhere is new to me).   Thanks for reading. 

*The Einstein quote--though this is not a true application of the quote, when I read it this morning, it reminded me of how I sit in silence with my notebook and all the thoughts come.  It's like taking that simple silent pause from our busy world to meditate--to come to new understandings and to find some peace.  Personal writing, silent, in my room--has the same affect.
**This is a pseudonym, of course.
------------------------------------------------
Your smile
carries me, cradles me
Your laugh
slays me
lays me flat.
I laugh beside you
like we used to.
Remembering,
I long for now.
You are in a better place,
so am I.
What holds you back?
Us, under the sparkling sky
with the moon just right?
What holds you back
from this raw
this rare
this bond we share?
What ties your lips,
your tongue,
your hands?
I want to understand.
Instead, you go numb
silence your tongue
get in your car
and drive away.
I’m withered,
weathered
and left with questions
I won’t voice.
Throat lumps.
Heart thumps.
You’re gone again.







83 comments

  1. Inspiring thoughts, Janiel, my strong, brave friend. I became a better teacher, many years ago, because of knowing you and your passion for teaching, your passion for children. Can’t believe you’ve been at it for thirty years now!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you dearly. I don't feel strong or brave today. It's been a tough one and a tough, tough start to the school year. My heart is heavy for our students. I hope this post helps someone. Much love to you, Barb!

      Delete
  2. Oh my goodness! You are an inspiration! I have a second grader this year that I was told is defiant. He just soaks up hugs. My retired teacher friend came to help out yesterday and said he seems so sad. New perspective. I weep for him, not knowing what he goes home to endure. I pray that God will protect him, give him peace to make it to adulthood. Because it is your birthday and I requested your friendship on Facebook years back after having bought Phonics that Work at a conference where you spoke, I checked out what's going on there. It lead me here. Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  3. When you use a genuine service, you will be able to provide instructions, share materials and choose the formatting style. musculação asa sul

    ReplyDelete
  4. Efficiently written information. It will be profitable to anybody who utilizes it, counting me. Keep up the good work. For certain I will review out more posts day in and day out. compact tractor attachments

    ReplyDelete
  5. You have outdone yourself this time. It is probably the best, most short step by step guide that I have ever seen. taxi brielle

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  7. i am always looking for some free stuffs over the internet. there are also some companies which gives free samples. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. click here

    ReplyDelete
  9. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck. 토토커뮤니티

    ReplyDelete
  10. Excellent to be visiting your blog again, it has been months for me. Rightly, this article that I've been served for therefore long. I want this article to finish my assignment within the faculty, and it has the same topic together with your article. Thanks for the ton of valuable help, nice share. music site

    ReplyDelete
  11. I seriously love your website.. Excellent colors & theme.
    Did you create this amazing site yourself? Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my own site
    and want to know where you got this from or just what the theme is named.
    Cheers!

    Review my webpage - 부산오피

    ReplyDelete
  12. Cool stuff you have got and you keep update all of us. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  13. No doubt this is an excellent post I got a lot of knowledge after reading good luck. Theme of blog is excellent there is almost everything to read, Brilliant post. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  14. Cool stuff you have got and you keep update all of us. buy real youtube views

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nice post. I was checking constantly this blog and I’m impressed! Extremely useful info specially the last part I care for such information a lot. I was seeking this certain info for a long time. Thank you and good luck. 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank you for helping people get the information they need. Great stuff as usual. Keep up the great work!!! Jeannie Gaffigan

    ReplyDelete
  17. This article is an appealing wealth of useful informative that is interesting and well-written. I commend your hard work on this and thank you for this information. I know it very well that if anyone visits your blog, then he/she will surely revisit it again. 파워볼사이트

    ReplyDelete
  18. Pretty good post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Any way I'll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you post again soon. Big thanks for the useful info. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  19. Great Information sharing .. I am very happy to read this article .. thanks for giving us go through info.Fantastic nice. I appreciate this post. 대전마사지

    ReplyDelete
  20. No matter how guarded the flaunting person turns into the advisor should remember that the more protective the flaunting person becomes about their entitlement to brag the more unreliable the person. Márcio Miranda Maia

    ReplyDelete
  21. I really impressed after read this because of some quality work and informative thoughts . I just wanna say thanks for the writer and wish you all the best for coming!. 바둑이게임

    ReplyDelete
  22. I was looking at some of your posts on this website and I conceive this web site is really instructive! Keep putting up.. https://abercrombieand-fitch.com.co/

    ReplyDelete
  23. I have read your blog it is very helpful for me. I want to say thanks to you. I have bookmark your site for future updates. https://seoservicesindelhi.in/

    ReplyDelete
  24. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. I am hoping the same best work from you in the future as well. Thanks... https://shuttlesky.in/small-capsule-lift-home-price-india

    ReplyDelete
  25. Good website! I truly love how it is easy on my eyes it is. I am wondering how I might be notified whenever a new post has been made. I have subscribed to your RSS which may do the trick? Have a great day! https://dynamichealthstaff.com/nursing-jobs-in-germany

    ReplyDelete
  26. Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer!.. https://www.goshlife.com/powertresses-hair-serum.html

    ReplyDelete
  27. i really like this article please keep it up. 먹튀폴리스

    ReplyDelete
  28. This is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post. I will visit your blog regularly for Some latest post. more info

    ReplyDelete
  29. I have been checking out a few of your stories and i can state pretty good stuff. I will definitely bookmark your blog 토토사이트 인디벳

    ReplyDelete
  30. This is really a nice and informative, containing all information and also has a great impact on the new technology. Thanks for sharing it, umrah packages

    ReplyDelete
  31. Great post, you have pointed out some fantastic points , I likewise think this s a very wonderful website. website

    ReplyDelete
  32. I must say, as a lot as I enjoyed reading what you had to say, I couldnt help but lose interest after a while. Its as if you had a good grasp to the subject matter, but you forgot to include your readers. Perhaps you should think about this from far more than one angle. Or maybe you shouldnt generalise so considerably. Its better if you think about what others may have to say instead of just heading for a gut reaction to the subject. Think about adjusting your own thought process and giving others who may read this the benefit of the doubt. 바카라사이트

    ReplyDelete
  33. When I originally commented I clicked the -Notify me when new surveys are added- checkbox now whenever a comment is added I get four emails with the same comment. Could there be however you may get rid of me from that service? Thanks! 꽁머니

    ReplyDelete
  34. Great content material and great layout. Your website deserves all of the positive feedback it’s been getting. how to start a credit card processing company

    ReplyDelete
  35. Wow, cool post. I’d like to write like this too – taking time and real hard work to make a great article… but I put things off too much and never seem to get started. Thanks though. North American Bancard Agent Program

    ReplyDelete
  36. “”Its always good to learn tips like you share for blog posting. As I just started posting comments for blog and facing problem of lots of rejections. I think your suggestion would be helpful for me. I will let you know if its work for me too.” 안전놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  37. Really satisfied with all the information I have found in this article. It gives immense knowledge on physical education, it is very helpful and quite generous to spread a good message. The author has done a brilliant job on summing all the points here. You just made a new fan with your writing skills. Cheers! homestay melaka with swimming pool

    ReplyDelete
  38. buy twitch followers My experience with both card and board games has changed as I've aged. As a child, I played Gin Rummy, 500 Rummy and Monopoly. In college, I learned to play Bridge which was a lot more challenging. When my children were small, I played Old Maid and simple board games. As a senior citizen, I play them all, but always with different friends or family members. And each game at each age has been different but (almost) always enjoyable.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hello I am so delighted I located your blog, I really located you by mistake, while I was watching on google for something else, Anyways I am here now and could just like to say thank for a tremendous post and a all round entertaining website. Please do keep up the great work. best time to buy crypto during the day

    ReplyDelete
  40. Interesting and interesting information can be found on this topic here profile worth to see it. 몰디브바둑이

    ReplyDelete
  41. and value for money - all design members come from a production based background, bodybuilders gifts

    ReplyDelete
  42. Mmm.. estimable to be here in your report or notify, whatever, I repute I should moreover process strong for my have website want I play some salubrious further updated busy in your location. 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  43. https://www.visualaidscentre.com/service/eyes-specialist-delhi/ The world of Mobile Phone games is filled with mediocrity. I thought that it was impossible to find a game that could compete with a full console or PC game, but then I tried "Game Dev Story"...

    ReplyDelete
  44. You completed a few fine points there. I did a search on the subject and found nearly all persons will go along with with your blog. Muama Ryoko device

    ReplyDelete
  45. Yes i am totally agreed with this article and i just want say that this article is very nice and very informative article.I will make sure to be reading your blog more. You made a good point but I can't help but wonder, what about the other side? !!!!!!Thanks Dentitox pro review

    ReplyDelete
  46. https://www.buyyoutubesubscribers.in/2021/11/20/how-to-earn-money-from-youtube-views/ When it comes to video marketing, YouTube is without a doubt the undisputed king. It gets millions of visitors to its site everyday, and you can capitalize big time on it if you know what you're doing. This is something that you will want to consider doing in your internet business today.

    ReplyDelete
  47. Superior post, keep up with this exceptional work. It's nice to know that this topic is being also covered on this web site so cheers for taking the time to discuss this! Thanks again and again! สล็อตฟรีเครดิต

    ReplyDelete
  48. Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.Thanks blog comment

    ReplyDelete
  49. I would recommend my profile is important to me, I invite you to discuss this topic. 릴게임사이트

    ReplyDelete
  50. This article was written by a real thinking writer without a doubt. I agree many of the with the solid points made by the writer. I’ll be back day in and day for further new updates. บรา

    ReplyDelete
  51. https://dynamichealthstaff.com/jobs-in-dubai-for-nurses Search engine optimization is an important part of getting traffic to any website. You can get search engine optimization training which is important to succeed online by driving traffic to your site and getting sales. When effective SEO techniques are applied your site can achieve high rankings in various search engines like Google, Yahoo, Bing etc. When people search for information online on the subject related to your site they can find your site easily and this would improve your chances of getting high quality targeted traffic from various search engines. SEO is vital for success of any website by getting traffic and improving sales.

    ReplyDelete
  52. On this page you can read my interests, write something special. 900 seconds into minutes

    ReplyDelete
  53. Within this webpage, you'll see the page, you need to understand this data. 토토커뮤니티

    ReplyDelete
  54. Nice information, valuable and excellent design, as share good stuff with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information and inspiration, both of which I need, thanks to offer such a helpful information here. 토토커뮤니티

    ReplyDelete
  55. I like to recommend exclusively fine plus efficient information and facts, hence notice it: 토토커뮤니티

    ReplyDelete
  56. https://hostinglelo.in To some people, YouTube is a simple, yet the largest, video sharing website, which serves as an entertainment platform for them as well as gives them a chance to learn new things by watching informative "How To" videos. Others see it as a social channel translated into 43 languages and working with more than 15,000 advertising partners the world over, which can very well be applied for the promotion of a business. All you have to do is upload a couple of videos directly or directly related to your business and find ways to increase your profits from your YouTube viewership.

    ReplyDelete
  57. Oh my goodness! an incredible article dude. Thank you Nevertheless I am experiencing difficulty with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting equivalent rss drawback? Anybody who knows kindly respond. Thnkx 토토커뮤니티

    ReplyDelete
  58. I felt very happy while reading this site. This was really very informative site for me. I really liked it. This was really a cordial post. Thanks a lot!. detective españa

    ReplyDelete
  59. I simply want to tell you that I am new to weblog and definitely liked this blog site. Very likely I’m going to bookmark your blog . You absolutely have wonderful stories. Cheers for sharing with us your blog. 꽁머니

    ReplyDelete
  60. I like to recommend exclusively fine plus efficient information and facts, hence notice it: 먹튀검증사이트

    ReplyDelete
  61. During this website, you will see this shape, i highly recommend you learn this review. 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  62. I wanted to thank you for this excellent read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked your site to check out the new stuff you post. Golden Revive Plus Reviews

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hi, I find reading this article a joy. It is extremely helpful and interesting and very much looking forward to reading more of your work.. spbo terlengkap

    ReplyDelete
  64. Actually I read it yesterday but I had some thoughts about it and today I wanted to read it again because it is very well written. 토토커뮤니티

    ReplyDelete
  65. I like to recommend exclusively fine plus efficient information and facts, hence notice it: 꽁머니사이트

    ReplyDelete
  66. Can nicely write on similar topics! Welcome to here you'll find out how it should look. 스포츠티비

    ReplyDelete
  67. Admiring the time and effort you put into your blog and detailed information you offer! 메이저놀이터

    ReplyDelete
  68. I was looking at some of your posts on this website and I conceive this web site is really instructive! Keep putting up.. 먹튀폴리스

    ReplyDelete
  69. You possess lifted an essential offspring..Blesss for using..I would want to study better latest transactions from this blog..preserve posting.. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  70. Very informative post! There is a lot of information here that can help any business get started with a successful social networking campaign. https://www.5g999.co/slot

    ReplyDelete
  71. I just found this blog and have high hopes for it to continue. Keep up the great work, its hard to find good ones. I have added to my favorites. Thank You. INDIAN VISA ONLINE

    ReplyDelete
  72. You should mainly superior together with well-performing material, which means that see it: research paper writing service

    ReplyDelete
  73. Can I just say what a reduction to find somebody who really is aware of what theyre speaking about on the internet. You definitely know the right way to carry a difficulty to mild and make it important. More people must learn this and perceive this facet of the story. I cant imagine youre no more in style since you definitely have the gift. 꽁머니사이트

    ReplyDelete
  74. After study several of the blogs with your website now, i truly much like your strategy for blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark web site list and will be checking back soon. Pls look at my internet site at the same time and make me aware if you agree.안전토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  75. Nice one! Thank you for sharing this post. Your blog posts are more interesting and impressive. 토토사이트

    ReplyDelete
  76. Regards for all your efforts that you have put in this. Very interesting info. 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete
  77. I've been troubled for several days with this topic. casinocommunity, But by chance looking at your post solved my problem! I will leave my blog, so when would you like to visit it?

    ReplyDelete
  78. I have bookmarked it and I am looking forward to reading new articles. Keep it up doing good work
    Health

    ReplyDelete
  79. เกมคาสิโน ออนไลน์ด้วยกัน betflik เครดิตฟรี ล่าสุด จัดโปรโมชั่น betflik เครดิตฟรี 100 ล่าสุด เพื่อเอาใจ เหล่าสาวก ของค่าย เบทฟิก ให้จุใจ

    ReplyDelete
  80. autobet เว็บเดิมพันที่ครบวงจร หากใครที่กำลังมองหาเว็บเพื่อการเดิมพันที่น่าสนใจ หรือใครที่กำลังมองหาช่องทางการทำเงินแบบง่ายๆ ทางลัดที่ autobet

    ReplyDelete
  81. สำหรับผู้ที่ชื่นชอบภาพยนตร์ และผู้ชมทุกท่าน ที่ชื่นชอบ หนังออนไลน์ ซีรีย์ที่ชื่นชอบในการรับชมภาพยนตร์ ซีรีย์ ดูซีรีย์ออนไลน์ อัพเดทใหม่ตลอดทั้งเดือน

    ReplyDelete
  82. This website really has all the info I wanted concerning this subject and didn't know who to ask. 먹튀검증

    ReplyDelete

Back to Top