‘THE BEST IMAGINATIONS AROUND…’

Today was such a wonderful day. As always in the Shortridge classroom, the children flooded in and munched on their PBJ sandwiches, whilst discussing the latest school gossip, which is always enlightening. Today’s prompt about windows was a super exciting, especially with the snow covered trees and buildings outside.

What do you see, feel, think when you look outside? Who do you see? This was a really successful day as these students have the best imaginations around—they can turn a view out of a window into some kind of winter Wonderland, while still getting a One Direction mention in there. After not experiencing much of the Open Mic last semester, it has been great to witness all the inspirational poems. These students can really express any kind of emotion and thought through their words, and their confidence to get up and read is building each week. It is really teaching all us mentors a thing or two—not forgetting the fact their work often brings me to tears. The enthusiasm and happiness in the classroom today as always is one of a kind. It truly is so wonderful to see everyone encouraging and supporting each other. There are some extremely talented students within us, and this great group of students just brings the best out in them all.

Laura Riches is a graduate student in the MA English program from Manchester, England.