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Bringing Writing to Life

Weekending 7th November, 2025

By: Polly M. Jeremiah

 

After years of teaching writing, this is the first time I have paid attention to the fact that two genres can be combined, to create a richer piece of literature. This course continues to remind me of my need to stop thinking that every topic covered makes me an accomplished writing teacher, and to sit back relax and allow the lecturer to take me through this amazing journey of learning and refining. Just when I begin to think I am adequate and ready for the classroom, another week of learning humbles me.

Both my students and I have regularly used this writing combination. However, it was not until this week’s session, that have I realized this, not to the extent and in the manner in which it should be used. With the practical experience and explicit instructions, it was a lightbulb moment for me, in regards to personal practice and the teaching of writing.

These sessions reminded me of the powerful tool descriptive writing can be in bringing a narrative piece to life. I remembered how it can give a reader the feeling of looking at an interesting movie, while reading. Without descriptive tools, a narrative piece will most likely be boring. In one of the sessions this week, I was reminding that there is a difference between telling and showing, and how the appropriate use of descriptive words, can make that difference; they can encourage a reader to want to read more of the piece, by activating their sensory imaginative powers.

Therefore, here am I once more, armed with additional knowledge, necessary for the effective teaching of writing, where my students’ growth in literary proficiency is guaranteed.

 

Comments

  1. Cami GeorgeNovember 15, 2025 at 6:14 PM

    Polly, I really relate to your reflection. I also did not fully realize how powerful combining descriptive and narrative writing can be until this week. I love how you described “showing versus telling” . It really makes a story come alive. Your point about making the reader feel like they are watching a movie really resonated with me. I wonder, how do you plan to help your students use descriptive writing without overwhelming their stories?

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