So far, being in a writing workshop has been an incredible experience. I am in an Amherst Writers and Artists workshop. The group meets online every Thursday evening for three hours. At the beginning, our facilitator gives us a writing prompt and then we are given about 30 minutes to write. We are allowed to ignore the prompt or follow it, depending on what works best for us. We are free to write anything we want. After 30 minutes of writing, each of the eight writers shares what they wrote. Even though sharing is optional, all usually share. In this part of the workshop, only positive feedback is given. We are meant to comment on “what works” and “what stays with us.” After the share there is time for one more block of writing and sharing.

Each week, I am impressed with the quality of writing that each writer shares. These writers have extraordinary talent and have been writing for years. It’s wonderful to hear people read their own work in their own voices and to see their faces on the screen. I also love hearing the feedback after each piece because when listening to people comment on each other’s work, I learn new ways of seeing, processing, and critiquing writing. At first the feedback I gave to other writers tended toward something like “I love everything about that piece!” but with more experience I now focus on specific effective strategies and nuances. This has enhanced my own writing and has allowed me to develop new techniques. Also, the positive, supportive environment has helped me take new risks in my writing. I have practiced different styles of writing and in this context sharing always feels safe. This is the type of environment I want to be sure to establish and maintain for my students. I want students to feel comfortable trying new strategies and taking risks. I want them to feel that no matter what they do, they will receive supportive and encouraging responses. There is creativity in everyone; it’s just a matter of bringing it to the surface. Creativity and imagination can only thrive in a context in which people feel safe. This experience helps me deeply understand how positive feedback can impact student experience. What would the classroom look like if everyone felt fully supported and encouraged? I can only imagine the risk-taking that would ensue.

In the remaining weeks of school, I plan to continue to offer writing workshops each Friday modeled after the Amherst Writers and Artists method. I currently do something like this, but this time I will follow it more formally. I will give a writing prompt and will allow ample time for writing. During the sharing portion, I will invite students to share their work. I will ask other students to respond to “what works?” and “what stays with you?” and “what did you like about this piece?” I hope that students will take more risks in their writing and in their willingness to share their work. I hope that others will readily volunteer to share their positive reflections. I look forward to increased creativity, inspiration, and participation. My hope is that students will grow in their confidence and skill.