Chapter 5: Writing Process

I rather liked this section because it was geared towards individual reflection, which seems like something I might more likely incorporate into my current position.

An overview of exercises with my thoughts:

1. Solo What's Up? - As in the pairs of chapter 4, give students an allotment of time 2-3 minutes to write down their current state of mind. Variations could include ranking their day on a 1-10 scale, or drawing a picture. I don't think I noted before, but in the pairs set-up there is a discussion period that follows where each partner states what they learned of their companion. The solo what's up does not seem to involve such a reflective period and is more personal.

2. FortunatelyUnfortunately - Write a paragraph where each sentence alternates starting with these words. "Unfortunately, I didn't get my house clean yesterday. Fortunately, the kitchen is sparkling. Unfortunately, there is still work to do in the bathroom. Fortunately, the bathroom is small and takes less time to clean..." The idea is to bring balance and perspective to issues the student might be facing.

3. Projection City - Write a paragraph from the perspective of an object in the room. From my plant on the windowsill - "The flag outside shows that it is breezy and cool, but it still looks pleasant. Too bad that guy at the desk isn't looking up to even notice the view..."

4. A Matter of Choice - Write five sentences that start with "I can't." And then another that start with "I don't"  this is another exercise that seems to promote more reflection - many of the "I can't" statements may be more a choice than an inability (unless it's the physically impossible - "I can't walk through walls." It's an exercise that is meant to be about choice-making and responsibility.

5. Truth Letter - I won't go too specific with this as it is long, but I will say this was the most interesting and potentially rewarding exercise. It is basically writing a truth letter that addresses the six stages of an upset," or negative experience, such as an argument.  The stages - anger, hurt, fear, remorse, want, and compassion - are prompted by phrases - "I'm sorry that..." for remorse, for example. The letter is six paragraphs addressing each stage.

Mendes cites a study where this process was useful with recently laid-off employees. Those who wrote truth letters found jobs quicker than those who didn't. The idea is that processing and understand the emotions in a negative experiences also allows an emotional and healthy release.

I found on a personal level the truth letter to be something most applicable to myself,, more for processing my own emotions. I'm trying to determine how this might be applied in an academic setting, however, as it is so deeply personal. Of these exercise, #4 seems to have some applicability to technical training in that I occasionally have clients who are hesitant about change or a new process - it might be something that could be adapted to those fears.