Summer Writing Camp, Pt. 2, and other misc.

Summer Writing Camp, Pt. II; misc.

The second half of our week found my middle school group mostly focused on their writing and quite interested in my brief lessons on things like context, plotlines, epiphanies, and improving a “finished” piece. The students had generally already spent (or were about to spend) most of the 3.5 hour day listening to guest speakers/musicians brought in for inspiration, so they generally expressed a real hunger to spend most of our small group time either writing or getting feedback from their peers or me, so I was happy to oblige. A lesson isn’t much good if a student doesn’t have a chance to implement ideas and then get opinions on his/her attempts to use them. Of course, I would have loved to spend lots of time working with each student individually, but that’s also indicative of my personality and teaching style, and also not really feasible for a one week half-day writing camp. Still, I saw students developing their writing and learning how to play with tools and skills, which is quite rewarding. I’m really looking forward to the second writing camp later this summer.

Speaking of writing instruction, I started the community college summer quarter this week. My classes (one developmental, one English Composition) have proven full and diverse. Should be a lot of fun.

The packing for our move (late July, early to mid-August) has begun. We’re also looking to unload quite a bit of stuff, and may put out a list of items on Craigslist one of these days. If anyone reading this in Omaha has any interest in a “vintage” big orange couch, stay tuned. We’ll need it for about another month, but it’s definitely going up for sale. Feel free to ask about other stuff you might need…who knows, we might have something we’re getting rid of and can sell to you for a decent price.