ATEQ - The Association of Teachers of English of Quebec

E-Notes

Articles

Norman Nawrocki - Author

You're a Writer, too!

Thanks to a grant from Culture in Schools Program and subsidy from ATEQ, students were able to meet an author and share a learning experience in a different setting.

In February 2006, over 150 students at Heritage Regional High School (Riverside School Board) were delighted to meet Norman Nawrocki, a Montreal author and musician.

The goal of the workshop was to allow and encourage students to discover the potential stories and writers inside each of them. Mr. Nawrocki and students shared stories about who they are, where they live, where they come from, what they enjoy about their neighborhood, school, friends, pets, hobbies and dreams.

They pieced together the characteristics of those in their lives, both known and unknown, discussed common and uncommon adventures, real and imagined, that have occurred in fact, and in their imaginations.

Students wrote down the basics, the facts of their lives, and those of others who play a role in their lives (ages,hair colour, food and clothing preferences, habits, recognizable traits, etc.), to begin developing characters. At each step of the process, students wrote a few more lines towards their stories - description, actions, thoughts and dreams. Students considered how they could tell stories about these people, how they could bring them to life for others, on paper.

Based on Mr. Nawrocki's experience as a writer, students were encouraged to share their writings, as it is through feedback and confidence that a young writer can go further in his writing.

Norman Nawrocki gave students a glimpse into the type of writing and musical work he does. He challenged students to think outside the box, look into their own experiences for writing material, experiment with the written word and explore other forms of expression, such as music and oral readings to music. His eclectic repertoire and dynamic presentation inspired students.

Though some were shy at first, they easily ventured to write their own stories, and in a matter of minutes each student had the beginnings of a narrative, complete with conflict and suspense.

It was impressive to note that students who are reticent writers during the year, eagerly embraced the process when Norman helped them find their voice and of course, confidence. In discussion, the students discovered that, rather than the writer commanding the events, sometimes stories take on a life of their own and the characters write themselves.

Knowing that they were only the vehicles for their stories was all the motivation some students needed to keep writing.

As one youngster exclaimed under breath, "Whew, I'm not making the story up; it has a life of its own".

As teachers we hope to read an all-Canadian masterpiece. Yet, the real tour de force occurs when an unmotivated student finds his voice.

Mary Eva- Heritage Regional High School

Return to E-Notes Articles