Zoom with MSCA
A Narrative Writing learning event was had on Zoom yesterday evening with thirty-two participants. Thanks to Alice from MSCA for organising everything. My intention in presenting some Narrative Writing ideas was to give some basics about writing craft and show how to implement strategies for generating stories, elaboration and dialogue into lessons and routines in the classroom. I hope that I succeeded in some way. It’s always hard to determine how much content is perfect for an evening on Zoom, when most likely teachers are tired after a long day at school; however, the hour and a bit went by fast. I worked hard during the week preparing to get just the right amount of information in there, but I may have done what I usually do and planned to do too much. It’s also easier now that I have more time, to spend more time!
From my perspective much of the focus on some basic writing craft was covered and will no doubt enliven the classrooms some place in Australia and New Zealand in the next little while. In the book there is so much more explanation for both personal narrative and fiction writing to assist understanding of the writing processes and many more ideas of ways to give variety to those 6-12 year-old beings in Montessori Classrooms, and hopefully elsewhere too.
After all these years I’m still so in love with the Montessori approach which allows time for the child to develop through their learning in a collaborative and supportive environment. The multi age group classrooms are key to much of the way a child is able to learn with no negative competition stifling their confidence, and thats not to say they cant be competitive, but support and admiration for each other’s difference in a supportive environment is awesome to be amidst. Of course like all classrooms there has to be the right balance and include consequences for unwanted and cruel behaviours. There are many factors which need to be aligned to have the ideal Montessori classroom - alive, motivated children with a love of learning, who are able to navigate freedom responsibly and make choices not just for themselves, but which are beneficial to the whole community.