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Writers Retreat > Student Talk > Course Lessons > Assignment 5 > Assignment 5
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Theresa
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« on: January 09, 2010, 05:14:20 PM »
I have been putting this assignment off and am past - past due. Ouch !! the comments listed here are helpful, thanks. Was concerned about observing a child, one I don't know, and it also being interesting. I see you made comment about the grocery store. Hey, I can do that..  I have to remind myself, this is about learning tools, and not being a creative story. Right?
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mariah
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« Reply #1 on: January 09, 2010, 05:33:32 PM »
You're right. It's doesn't have to be a story. It's a tool to help build realistic characters. You want to write in detail, so that your instructor will be able to see the child as you did. I actually did really well on this assignment. If you want, I can send it to you to read.

Mariah
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mmmgood
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« Reply #2 on: January 09, 2010, 05:39:49 PM »
Theresa, feel free to call an elementary school near you, explain what you are doing, and ask to speak to the principal about visiting the school.  Perhaps you could sit in on a class, or the cafeteria, or the playground at recess.  If you talk to the principal ahead of time, they will probably be perfectly willing to accommodate you.  (Or chuch, or youth group, etc.)
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Marie Elena Smiley
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« Reply #3 on: January 09, 2010, 07:45:46 PM »
Mariah and Marie are right.....But it really doesn't have to be that complicated as contacting a school, if I may say so Smiley. Like Marie said, or use church or a youth group etc. The grocery store IS a good bet (wish I'd thought of that :Smiley). NO plot is involved--NONE--it's just focusing on detail of actions and behavior.

I had a lot of trouble with this assignment. Embarrassed There aren't many kids (people!) around here...but I ended up observing a teenage girl in the local soccer leauge for a few moments and got a very good character out of it.

GOOD LUCK! Smiley
I know it's sooo nervewracking to be past due!
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« Reply #4 on: January 09, 2010, 08:31:46 PM »
I guess I just would feel sort of creepy observing a child without people knowing why I'm focusing my attention on this kid.  It's too easy to get yourself in trouble these days.  People jump to conclusions.  Sad

I bet you did a great job with this, Kate.  Smiley
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Marie Elena Smiley
"And I'll be the poet who sings your glory - and live what I sing every day."  ~ Psalm 61:8.
mariah
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« Reply #5 on: January 09, 2010, 09:08:30 PM »
I agree, Marie. I felt really creepy about it. When I first read the section for this assignment, I was not looking forward to it! I think talking to the parents, or school is a good way to go. That way you don't find yourself in trouble. If you don't feel comfortable contacting anyone, I would say go to a school function. You could attend a basketball game, or something like that. Then it wouldn't be so obvious. Everyone will be watching the kids play.

Mariah
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ColoradoKate
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« Reply #6 on: January 10, 2010, 12:02:25 AM »
Quote from: mmmgood on January 09, 2010, 08:31:46 PM
I guess I just would feel sort of creepy observing a child without people knowing why I'm focusing my attention on this kid.  It's too easy to get yourself in trouble these days.  People jump to conclusions.  Sad

I bet you did a great job with this, Kate.  Smiley

I love your segue from feeling creepy and attracting conclusion-jumping to... me.  Grin  Kiss

I did my observation in the Austin airport. It was snowing in Denver, and my flight was delayed. I had spent ten long days sitting with my mom as she passed away, and another miserable week cleaning and closing up her house; I was exhausted and numb, and watching a patient teenaged boy help entertain an antsy toddler was a marvelous distraction. I tried to watch them as if staring into space, and to take notes as if I were making a list for myself. I think it worked; the TSA didn't come to take me away!

My instructor said I turned it into too much of a story, though. Oops. She did say I nailed the teen voice in part "B," anyhow!
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« Reply #7 on: January 10, 2010, 07:17:03 AM »

Oh now see, you obviously are much more discreet than I. I'd have gotten myself in mucho big trouble ... the TSA; the FBI; the APA ...  Wink 

 
I'm so sorry about your mom, Kate.   I can't even imagine.  My parents are just two doors down from us.  I watch them age, and it's scary to me.  I try to soak in every moment.
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Marie Elena Smiley
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« Reply #8 on: January 10, 2010, 10:54:24 AM »
Thanks, Marie Marie... yeah, enjoy them, as I'm sure you do.

The airport gate area was actually a great place for observing, because we were all bored and restless, and there were quite a few people watching the kids and being mildly entertained by them.

So there's an idea, maybe, for observing: find a situation where you won't be the only one watching. And where you have a legitimate reason to be. And where it won't look funny for you to be writing something.... Hmm. Well, that's pretty limiting, isn't it?  Grin Tongue Oh, well!
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Theresa
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« Reply #9 on: January 10, 2010, 03:09:08 PM »

Thanks for all the advise. Was watching a child in church this morning, it was fun, he was making faces when his mother's eyes were closed. then when he caught me looking, he started playing with his gloves. Guess, I need to be careful, as my eyes should of been closed too. LOL
Mariah, would love to read your assignment. please send.
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mariah
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« Reply #10 on: January 10, 2010, 07:48:24 PM »
I sent it. I did both parts of the assignment as an attachment. If that doesn't work for you let me know.

Mariah
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Beth Consugar
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« Reply #11 on: January 10, 2010, 09:08:27 PM »
Quote from: mariah on January 09, 2010, 09:08:30 PM
I agree, Marie. I felt really creepy about it. When I first read the section for this assignment, I was not looking forward to it! I think talking to the parents, or school is a good way to go. That way you don't find yourself in trouble. If you don't feel comfortable contacting anyone, I would say go to a school function. You could attend a basketball game, or something like that. Then it wouldn't be so obvious. Everyone will be watching the kids play.

Mariah

Jan had some good suggestions when I had some questions.  She said that you really shouldn't stare a lot, just glance up once in a while.  If you are sitting close enough, you can hear what the child is saying.  If you are looking around (just scanning the scene), you should be able to catch enough detail to get what you need.  I did my observation at the food court at the mall.  There are TV's at the food court, and a lot of action (especially just before Christmas!), so it was easy to scan the scene and look at the child enough to get the detail I needed.  And really, in 10 minutes, you get a TON of details, so you wouldn't need to spend a lot of time doing your observation. 

Good luck!

Beth
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« Reply #12 on: December 25, 2010, 02:00:17 PM »
I am a substitute teacher. I am doing mostly the grades that contain students of the appropriiate age group for this assignment. I did my observation about 4 weeks ago and began to write it in word almost right away. Then I let it sit and practiced my observation skills while I was too busy with other things. I read it last night and there is too much of me in it. I also don't know if there is to much background in it. It is due shortly after the holidays.
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jfields
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« Reply #13 on: December 25, 2010, 02:24:32 PM »
Try to include ONLY things you would observe...so if you know background on the kids like "Joel is usually first in line but today he lags behind." You would put that he is lagging behind but not the "preknowledge" that he is usually first in line. It really doesn't have to be very long. Some details of place or other children are fine too, just be sure to stick to observation. And try to keep yourself out...so you wouldn't say "I sat down and watch a long line of children walk down the hall. I saw that Joel was lagging behind." Instead you would say "A long line of children walked down the hall from the gym. Joel was lagging behind, with his head down and the toes of his blue sneakers dragging the ground with each step."
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