Original Creative Writing, First Attempt

Throughout this quarter, students have been creating and sharing original creative work with their peers.  The topic and genre guidelines are open; students can write in any way, shape, or form they choose.  For some, the lack of structure is initially frustrating, but today, a student told the class that he went from being completely uninspired to full of ideas.  I believe this shift is largely due to students sharing their writing with each other, rather than simply sharing it with little old me, the dear old teacher. Often, there doesn't seem to be time or interest for reading original writing aloud in class, but I am beginning to think it is essential.  Students are motivated to impress their audience and share something unique and true to themselves.  Further, as listeners, students are eager to hear their classmates' creative voices.  Like children listening to our mother read us a story or fans pushing against the stage of a favorite band, we are carried along as the writer draws us in.  In most academic spaces, formal, argumentative essay writing is valued and practiced.  However, as another student commented today, "We are stretching new muscles."  It's true.  I am fascinated with this process, and I am looking forward to finding meaningful ways to integrate and share creative work.