Slice of Life- 17 of 31: I thought I was clever, but wasn't at all!

  It's March! That means that I am participating in the Slice of Life Story Challenge. I am happy to co-host this event with the team at Two Writing Teachers. Everyone is welcome!

I was so impressed with A's response to my survey questions! I had asked this group of writers to share what helps them as writers, as well as what doesn't. By providing them with a google form to fill out before class, I learned about whether they appreciated seeing final products, mentor texts, short lessons, and other things. A. had written that she sometimes subconsciously emulates what others have done if she reads a piece that's like hers ahead of time. (Or that's what I thought she meant.) I had 13 surveys to skim as I worked my way through breakout rooms, so I was just getting some big ideas, but they were some really helpful big ideas. 

When I stopped into A.'s breakout room, I was so proud of myself that I had an article right there and ready to go on my Padlet that was right there in line with A's topic. 

"If you look at the first column," I said, "there's a piece that you can read that is so much like yours. It might really help."

I watched her and couldn't figure out why she wasn't immediately engaged. She usually seemed to relate to and react to any tidbit of instruction or tip I offered. Tonight, she seemed to be almost intentionally NOT looking at what I was showing her. 

I don't like to overstay my welcome when I'm working with enthusiastic writers. I give quick brushstrokes-- nudges and little ideas to move them forward, and then I'm out of there so they can practice and keep working on their writing. A. was sharing a breakout room with another writer, and they both were giving me the indication that they were ready for me to move on and let. them. write.  So I did!

Later, when I had time and class was over, I went through the responses to the survey more carefully, thinking about grouping writers with an eye on their processes and preferences for learning. Looking down the column of "What does not help you as a writer?", I stopped in my tracks. 

OH NO. 

A. had NOT written that seeing a piece like hers helped her. She had written that it DID NOT help her. That it got in her way and made her feel like she was copying. OH NO!

I sent a quick email to both her and her teacher apologizing. Isn't data wonderful? Yes! As long as it's read and interpreted correctly!! In my defense, the spreadsheets that get populated when you use checklists on google forms get a little crowded and need careful reading as you scroll down the columns. That being said, I'm still shaking my head and chuckling a little at how clever I thought I was but wasn't at all! 

Happy Slicing!