In one case study, I had a student declaring that they were unable to write anything. I set the timer @ 10 minutes and walked away. There were plenty of shrieks of “I can’t”; this student was re-directed to write whatever came to mind, even if it was “I can’t” over and over. Sure enough “I can’t” was written over and over. Now, I am not one to easily give up, so we were off to the races. On the next day, 10 minutes was placed on the timer; and almost immediately, the “I can’ts” erupted from the same student. I gently reminded the class of the assignment at hand, letting them know that they could join in the fun or write ‘I can’t’ over and over again, and walked to the other side of the room. There was lots more banter, and I’m sure some teachers or administrators might think my tactics bizarre, but trust me, I am an expert in behaviors, and there is a method to my “madness.”
After the timer sounded, students began to share what they wrote; the “I can’t” student looked at their paper and began to grow anxious. It was their turn to share, and after a verbal eruption, I calmly and quietly stated only to this student, “Hold your journal up to your chest, so no one else can see. Now tell us what you wish to write.” This student could verbalize what they wanted to write, and everyone cheered at their incredible story.
The next day, the timer was set and missing were the “I can’ts”; instead there were words on a page. I bent down to my student’s desk and cheered them on, reminding them that the point of the exercise is for the writers to use their imagination, and to be creative. I then said, “remember how excited everyone was for your story; write those words and it will flow, I promise.”
Months and several journals later, my originally apprehensive “I can’t” student writes in the most incredible manner. Each draft is more and more magnificent. The “I can’ts” a mere memory of old. Why? Because, once the metacognition of the trigger and pattern broke there was no more need for resistance and the most beautiful words flowed from this student’s heart and soul. This transferred to all subjects and this individual was well on their way. As a junior in high school, this student entered college with the most amazing writing skills, impressing professors. When asked who taught them so well, the reply was “Ms. Botkin, my best and most loving teacher ever!!”.
Even though this example involves an adolescent, it can be true for anyone. Over the years, I have taught and helped people begin to identify their heart’s tune and ability to write from their heart. Age does not matter as my method transcends age and time.
What about an individual who is just not able to locate the words? Draw, doodle, or make your own comic strip. As I say, “Roll up your sleeves and let’s get messy.” Enjoy creating your most magnificent masterpiece.
[Enjoy Part II in the March issue.]