I Am

This is a most rewarding yet simple exercise. It has three stages, but depending on time and what you are trying to achieve, you may choose to implement just the first stage (or the first two). However, the more stages you use, the greater your students may discover how a simple sentence (or word) can grow into longer pieces that can have significant meaning and power. Even the simplest of words or thoughts can spark precious revelations and descriptions.

Stage One

Ask your student/s to write down ten simple sentences that help describe themselves. Encourage them to go beyond physical descriptions. Ask them to think about experiences they have had. Here’s an example:

• I am Gunnedah, the place of white stone.
• I am the sound of rain falling on a tin roof.
• I am hitting cricket balls and running in dusty paddocks.
• I am sensitive.
• I am listening.
• I am trying my best for Clare and Iggy.
• I am loving animals and nature in all its beauty.
• I am travelling to far flung places.
• I am scattered and impetuous.
• I am ‘The Hat’, but don’t put me in a suit and tie.
• I am learning, forever learning.
• I am lucky.
• I am impatient.
• I am looking at the worn-out soles of my shoes.

Stage Two

Ask your students to develop one idea from Stage One into something a little stronger. In the Stage One example ‘I am sensitive’ has been highlighted. In isolation, ‘sensitive’ does not mean much. So, let’s find an example to give it greater meaning. It may help if your students keep their original sentence. For example.

I am sensitive.  I am crying when I see a donkey by itself standing in a storm in Dharamshala.

Stage Three

Again, ask your students to develop the previous stage into something stronger. Can they tell a little story about it in a paragraph, or maybe a few? Please give them room to explore. Here’s the sensitive example developed further.

Many years ago my wife, Clare, and I were travelling by bus and car through northern India. One stormy afternoon we arrived in a town called Dharamsala. It was at the foothills of the Himalayas whose snow-capped mountains reached for the stars. They were breath-taking.

After walking through some markets smelling of spices, we rushed to a café when rain suddenly hammered down. Everyone in the streets ran for cover. However, there was a lonely grey donkey that had nowhere to go. It stood with its back to the rain, and it pulled back its ears with its head hung low. It looked so sad that it made me cry. I wanted to go out and pat it or wrap my arms around its neck. But I stayed in the dry warmth of the café. I felt so guilty.

By the time the rain stopped, the donkey had wandered out of my sight. I went outside, bought a loaf of bread and searched for the donkey. Luckily, I found it.  So, I fed and patted it. It made me feel better. And I hope the donkey felt better too. I wish I could have packed the donkey and taken it home with me.

Summary

Our students often say ‘I have nothing to write about.’  This exercise (I Am) can open their eyes and minds to what is possible. You never know where a simple thought may lead.