First Class

It was challenging on Friday. I was nervous rather than excited. I think it is normal for first-timer teachers. I had not had a good night of sleep the day before Friday. So I was not alert. Though I was prepared, my lesson plan was out of order; introducing ourselves came at the end of the class. Also, I went over the syllabus in less than half a minute instead ten, then told the class to take a look at it at home. Quickly I gave them a writing prompt about voices. Afterward the discussion did not last long—because most of them were uncomfortable talking in class; it was the first meeting—until after I gave them five writing samples about voices. The first half of the class was bumpy, the other half went smoothly. It was supposed to be a 1.5-hour class. But we went over half an hour more.

Before the class ended, we introduced ourselves, as someone in the class reminded me. How forgetful I was, for being nervous. All of my twelve participants were women. Ages ranged from early twenties to late fifties. I thought I was going to teach ESL learners. I asked them why they were interested in taking the class. One of them just wants to learn how to speak proper English, rather than writing. Three—one in a wheelchair—want to learn how to write well. Four who have stopped writing for a while want to get back to writing; they are still shopping around to see if this class motivates them. The rest—three historians, one young musician, all of whom have never been exposed to creative writing-are curious about how this class offers them the right tools to help enrich their own writing.

I don’t know whether they liked the class or not and I don’t know how it is going to turn out for our next workshop. I asked the class to send me their piece two days before our next workshop, so that I have enough time to prepare.

So far three participants have emailed me their assignments. I am sure I will get the hang of it. As you know, everything takes time. More to come this week.