SAMPLES FROM LESSON THREE
Spontaneous Writing: When you write in this section of your journal, you will try and write as quickly as your ideas come to you. If you write something you are pleased with, you can edit and rewrite it at a later time. Spontaneous writing may give you writing ideas. Remember, if you take part two of this course, you will write some stories; it's never too early to think of ideas . . .
ASSIGNMENT THREE: Take a specific word and write what comes to mind. Your teacher may have a grab bag with words written on tiny papers. When you've decided upon a word, use the word as a starting point and write for at least three minutes; stop as little as possible. The word may lead you to other subjects. You may even begin writing a story. When you are finished this assignment, place it in your journal behind the divider labelled Spontaneous Writing . . .
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One of my students, when given the word cave, wrote a paragraph about a spiritual journey. He rewrote it, and then together we combined both versions . . .
The Cave of Difficulty
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One day when I was fifteen, I decided to go through the Cave of Difficulty. I heard that the City of Paradise was on the other side. So Off I went. I brought my lantern to light my way. It was very rough because of all the rocks and ups and downs. When I got to the end there was a pit. It was as black as a black diamond. I knew that if I went down, I could not come back. But I went on. It was so dark I could not find my lantern. I kept going. I had to dodge the rocks that fell from the roof of the cave. I was hit by a few and my legs began to fail me, but soon I could see a light. It was as bright as all the stars in the universe. I forgot about my scars because it had all been worth it, for everything was beautiful, and I knew I would live forever. (Isaac Barnard, age 11, Copyright © 2000) |