“How many paragraphs?”

This was the most-asked question yesterday as kids set out to write their personal essays.

“I don’t know.”

Not sure that’s what they expected or wanted to hear. I offered more.

“For now, I’d like you to worry about establishing Focus/Purpose with your introduction, our “Feedback Focus” for this draft. In our next draft, we will worry about Organization. But until then, with this draft, just write and place paragraphs for clarity and effect. The worst that can happen is that we make it better. Just write, kiddo.”

On one hand, I am pleased that they recognize the need for paragraphs in an essay, but on the other hand when the writing veers away from the formula and they are at a loss, I am concerned that have too long engaged in “school writing” and are not prepared for other writing situations.

In their “My Writing, My Process” tASKs, where they provided a detailed outline of their own writing processes, most presented the five-paragraph essay built around the three-point thesis. I expected this. But I also expected the question, “How many paragraphs?” with this particular writing situation, for it doesn’t necessarily fit the formula, and when it’s forced to fit, it becomes stilted and contrived. It becomes “schooly.”

It reminds me of a conversation with my doctor a decade ago. He was remarking that his son who attended a prestigious private school could writer a literary analysis and other academic pieces with ease, but when he began to apply for college and had to write personal essays, he was struck and stuck by something as seemingly simple as writing about himself in a compelling way. To be fair, it is not easy to tell one’s story. It’s especially not easy when one tries to force it into an academic frame. And so, when kids approach this inevitable situation, many of them struggle. Expectedly.

So, I am addressing that “expectation” now when they are sophomores. I am trying to send them down a path where at the end they have added some skills as they explore the craft of writing so they may be better prepared when they encounter writing situations in and out of school.

How can I create better writing experiences for my students?

That’s the better I am chasing.

Happy Wednesday, all.

Do. Reflect. Do Better.