27/1/25 - Ink and Melody
Activities and Insights:
Today, I incorporated the theme of "Ink and Melody" into my lesson. The students responded really well to the combination of written expression and music. We explored how poetry can be intertwined with melodies to enhance emotional depth. I was surprised by the creativity of the students as they, [an activity or outcome, e.g., composed their own songs or wrote poems].
What I Learned:
I realized how powerful music can be in a classroom setting. It helped students access emotions and bring their writing to life. I also discovered that some students felt more comfortable expressing themselves through music rather than traditional writing.
Looking Forward:
I plan to continue blending creative arts into my lessons. I’m thinking of trying a different genre of music next time to see how it influences their writing even more.
28/1/25 - Ink and Melody
Activities and Insights:
I returned to "Ink and Melody" today but changed the focus to include more collaborative work. Students worked in pairs to write lyrics inspired by a short story. The energy in the classroom was great, and it was exciting to see students feed off each other's ideas. However, there were some challenges with time management, as some groups needed more time to refine their work.
What I Learned:
The experience taught me the importance of pacing and ensuring that all students have enough time to feel confident in their creative process. It was a reminder that while collaboration fosters creativity, it can sometimes lead to a slower pace.
Looking Forward:
In the future, I will allocate more time for group activities and provide clearer expectations on time management.
29/1/25 - Ink and Melody
Activities and Insights:
Today's "Ink and Melody" session felt more focused. Students were tasked with turning their poems into short, musical compositions. They had to perform their pieces in front of the class, which was a nerve-wracking but rewarding experience. I noticed some students were hesitant at first, but by the end, they seemed more confident and proud of their work.
What I Learned:
I learned that giving students a platform to perform their work, even if it's intimidating at first, builds their confidence and reinforces the connection between creativity and performance. I was impressed by how quickly they got past their nerves and engaged with the material.
Looking Forward:
Next time, I’ll consider starting with a more comfortable activity to build confidence before moving into performance-based tasks.
30/1/25 - Let It Go
Activities and Insights:
Today, I decided to shift the tone and tried the theme "Let It Go." This lesson was about letting go of creative blocks and self-doubt. I asked students to write freely for 10 minutes without worrying about mistakes or perfection. It was a liberating experience for everyone. Some students found it difficult at first, but once they got going, they really embraced the exercise.
What I Learned:
I realized how important it is to create a space where students feel like they can fail, learn, and grow without judgment. The freedom to write without expectations allowed them to tap into their creativity more fully. I also observed that many students struggle with perfectionism, which affects their writing process.
Looking Forward:
In the future, I’ll include more activities focused on freedom and play in writing. I plan to integrate exercises that encourage creative risk-taking.
31/1/25
Activities and Insights:
Today, I reflected on the week as a whole. It was a busy but fulfilling week. I feel that both "Ink and Melody" and "Let It Go" helped my students explore their creativity in different ways. The combination of structure and freedom in the lessons allowed for a balance of challenge and enjoyment. I’m proud of how the students grew and pushed past their comfort zones.
What I Learned:
This week taught me the importance of mixing structured creativity with freedom. I've seen how creativity can be harnessed both through discipline (like structured poetry writing) and through play (like free writing).
Looking Forward:
In the coming weeks, I want to continue blending these elements in my teaching and find even more ways to let students express themselves freely while also challenging them to improve their skills.
