Today I did my micro-teach session on the PTLLS course (Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Learning Sector) and I’m pleased to say that I passed!
I had a thirty minute session to fill, which at first sounded daunting but in reality, it is a very short time to teach anyone anything, especially when faced with a class of non-writers (i.e. my PTLLS classmates, none of whom are ‘into’ creative writing). I chose Haiku as my topic because it’s a simple, short form of poetry which can be ‘learned’ quite quickly.
Working in three small groups, my learners brainstormed a list of words from pictorial prompts which I provided and then they fitted the words together to create a 17 syllable, 3 line (5, 7, 5) Haiku. We heard them all read out and they were very good.
I’ve now got to write-up the experience for my PTLLS portfolio and am going through the peer review forms I received after the session. One lady (for whom English is not her first language) wrote, “I am now thinking of joining a Creative Writing class” and another, “It made me realise I actually could write a Haiku, which I didn’t believe at all when you first introduced the subject.”
So I’m chuffed to think that I may have inspired two non-writers to have confidence in their creative ability!
Finally I pointed the class in the direction of the PoemPigeon website, where anyone can post poetry and/or leave comments. The site also runs occasional competitions.
Sally Jenkins 
#1 by crimewritingsolutions on February 10, 2015 - 8:32 pm
Congratulations. As you discovered – what once would have seemed daunting because you wondered how on earth you could fill 30 minutes, becomes, what on earth can I leave out.
Good choice of subject matter and audience.
Soon be time to get ready for your next one.
#2 by Sally Jenkins on February 10, 2015 - 8:35 pm
Thanks for your kind words, crimewritingsolutions!
#3 by blogaboutwriting on February 10, 2015 - 9:09 pm
Well done, Sally! Sounds like you prepared it really well and got some great feedback too!
#4 by charliebritten on February 10, 2015 - 9:59 pm
Ah, the micro-teach. I remember that. I did mine on how to change margins in Word 5, which was quite epic in those days. Well done, Sally. 30 minutes, as you found out, is no time at all. Try and get in some proper teaching practice, as soon you can, with a real teacher in a real class. I don’t know where you live, but, if you were anywhere near me, you’d be very welcome to come into some of my classes.
#5 by Sally Jenkins on February 11, 2015 - 6:23 pm
I think getting some real experience is going to be the problem, Charlie. Not sure what direction I’ll go in when the course ends a few weeks. Will be giving it some thought.
#6 by Tracy Fells on February 11, 2015 - 8:13 am
Congratulations, Sally! It takes skill to teach any subject & particularly to interest somebody in a topic they’ve never tried before – great testament to your talents.
#7 by Lee J Dawson on February 11, 2015 - 9:43 am
Congratulations Sally, I’m so pleased for you!
#8 by Liz Young on February 11, 2015 - 10:16 am
Well done! Sounds like this will lead to a whole lot more enjoyment.
#9 by Sharon boothroyd on February 11, 2015 - 10:51 am
Many congrats Sally.I think this is a fantastic area for your career!
#10 by susanjanejones on February 11, 2015 - 12:16 pm
Well done, Sally, and now you can teach poetry, creative writing, etc. Good luck.
#11 by juliathorley on February 11, 2015 - 5:13 pm
Well done. I remember my first assessed micro-session when I was training to be a yoga teacher. I was supposed to do 30 minutes on the Triangle posture, but all the way through there was a man watching through the window – he had booked the hall for a children’s party and was anxious for us to finish so he could move in and put up balloons. Most distracting!
#12 by Sally Jenkins on February 11, 2015 - 6:26 pm
Don’t think I’d like that, Julia. You must have thought you had a peeping Tom!
#13 by Linda on February 11, 2015 - 5:25 pm
Well done, Sally. Teaching something to people who aren’t interested in your subject is a great achievement. Just think how easy it will be when you have a group of students who are all eager to learn from you!
#14 by Sally Jenkins on February 11, 2015 - 6:26 pm
So long as they don’t know more than me, Linda!
#15 by Linda on February 11, 2015 - 6:23 pm
Well done Sally, I sounds like you really inspired your students – what a gift.
#16 by blogaboutwriting on February 14, 2015 - 5:10 pm
Sally, you’re more than welcome to come and teach something to my class, if you want some practice…!! If you don’t mind the trek all the way over to TMON (The Middle Of Nowhere). Hmm, I think I might have just got a title for my future novel!
#17 by Sally Jenkins on February 14, 2015 - 7:13 pm
Thanks, Helen, I might take you up on that (now why do I suddenly feel nervous?!) – if I can prise my car back from my daughter.
#18 by Carolb on February 15, 2015 - 4:07 pm
Congratulations.
I’ve nominated you for a very inspiring blogger award. If you wish to accept then pop over to my blog for the full details. 🙂
#19 by Sally Jenkins on February 15, 2015 - 5:14 pm
Thank you, Carol. I feel quite honoured!
#20 by Rena George on February 16, 2015 - 7:22 am
Hi Sally, I’ve just found your interesting blog and I’ve enjoyed browsing through it.,You must feel so proud that you have inspired those two students to try their hand at writing. Congratulations.
#21 by Sally Jenkins on February 16, 2015 - 8:26 pm
Thanks for the kind words, Rena and I hope you continue to enjoy my blog. Best wishes.