NaNoWriMo here we go!

     For the past few years I've struggled with how to authentically encourage students to write their own stories. Storytelling in general is a "big idea" in the year's plan, as we explore personal and Canadian identity and work on developing our own voice. Most often we work with the idea of threading together and/or untangling the threads of our own stories (genealogy, personal histories, interviews, visual creations) and uncovering how our own threads are part of the wider fabric of Canada (hearkening back to the idea of the cultural mosaic, but instead of tiles, we operate with a tapestry idea). Typically, we've focused on spooky stories with the goal of building suspense and applying the elements of fiction after reviewing aspects of character, plot, point of view and conflict. We also have reflective journals and blogs, where students share their writing and visualizations of their learning through meta cognition.
     This year, a colleague suggested and shared resources for the Young Writer's Program's version of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Having participated in NaNoWriMo in the past myself, I was intrigued and had contemplated how to introduce the idea to students. Informal hallway conversations cannot be discounted (serendipity, really), because from a brief (less than four minutes) chat during class change, as well as some timely sharing through Google, the seed was firmly planted in my mind that this was the year to bring NaNoWriMo to fruition.

     Thankfully, we had already worked through the bulk of the elements of fiction and we were able to gauge our daily word count to help us set our writing goals. The two most intriguing parts of introducing NaNoWriMo so far, have been:
(1) the complete and utter engagement of students as they typed to determine their word count (concentration + competition). The simultaneous clicking of chrome book keys on nearly 30 devices at once was an interesting aural experience.
(2) the joy in students' eyes as they were invited to choose their own characters, conflicts and genres, coupled with the cross-pollination of ideas between students. In one class, three friends are collaborating on a single plot, but each writer is focusing on his character's perspective. As the students were sharing their character descriptions and brainstorming plot ideas, another student overheard and ultimately decided to join in on the collaboration.

    Overall, I am hoping to continue to foster the excitement we felt on Friday when the idea was introduced. I anticipate focusing on aspects of growth mindset that will propel us forward. We are building a writing culture, therefore we are all writers, we are all capable, mistakes will be made but the frustrations we feel are our brains making new connections.  Given that we are also trying to foster a reading culture where everyone is invited to read, a la Donalyn Miller, this year is shaping up to be an adventure. Wish us luck on our journey!