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Writers Retreat > Student Talk > Course Lessons > Assignment 5 > Assignment 5
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Truth_about4ever
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« on: July 15, 2009, 10:20:59 PM »
Sorry--I seem to be asking for help on every assignment now from 2 down.

It's more of advice, although not on what to write. Uhmmm....I know in the assignment, they told you you should tell a parent why you are watching their child if they are nearby while you are taking the notes to observe him/her. But I'm not too comfortable with this. Is there a way I can observe at a distance still close enough to get some detail?

Kind of an odd question, I realize. But I'm not the type of person who's very sociable. I don't want to seem predatory or have my intentions taken the wrong way, no matter if I verbally communicate. People just always misunderstand me. Maybe it's what I say?
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jfields
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« Reply #1 on: July 16, 2009, 08:47:37 AM »
When I use a real kid in a quick sketch (taking a couple notes of details to remember) I never need to ask permission because my observation is so quick.

First, I'm taking quick notes on a pad and mostly my eye is on the pad.

I sweep the area and let my eyes spend the same amount of time on the kid as on everything else.
I note the big things that stood out in my sweep. What are the first details you noticed?

I look close to the kid for a moment but not at the kid...and I listen. Is there any sound coming from the child? The mom? Am I getting hints about relationship from the sounds. I often take note of mom/kid or dad/kid or other adult/kid interactions because they are so revealling of how the adult feels about the child and vice versa. The adult might not say: You're annoying me. But if they're talking, you can record the exact words and every reader will know...that kid is annoying her.

If the kid makes a loud noise or a sudden action, I look. Everyone looks in those circumstances and no one pays attention. I don't stare and stare but I look because everyone looks. And action is what I'm trying to record. I want to record details in action.

If the mom glances up at me, I smile at her for a clear moment and then look away to my "list". I don't suddenly drop my eyes  -- nothing says "weirdo" quicker than nervously dropping your eyes from the mom and the kid. Lots of people look at my kid. She talks ALL the time and sometimes about the most extraordinary things. So I exchange eye contact with a lot of people who are looking at my kid. I don't think a thing about it. But if I looked up and they jerked their eyes away, I would notice that...and then I would be leary of the person.

So just keep it brief...and try to be natural. If you're not twitchy or just staring, most moms really won't notice. But you can always carry one of your ICL books or instructor letter or something JUST in case a mom comes and asks you about it. But in all the time I've ever taken notes on an interesting child, I've never had a mom ask. I guess since I'm not worried about it, I put out a "no worries" vibe.
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Truth_about4ever
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« Reply #2 on: July 16, 2009, 08:26:33 PM »
Okay, thanks, Jan! You helped a lot. I actually just got the assignment done today, unexpectedly. I was depositing a bank check and across the street, the playground was busy so I got a good scene in. At least, I hope so. I tried. Check it out in "Secret Stuff" if you're curious enough.  Smiley
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"I never saw a moor,
I never saw the sea;
Yet know I how the heather looks,
And what a wave must be.
"I never spoke with God,
Nor visited in heaven;
Yet certain am I of the spot
As if the chart were given."
-emily dickinson-
Okami
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« Reply #3 on: July 27, 2009, 07:02:31 PM »
Hi Truth,

I just got assignment 4 back today and I'm about to start assignment 5. I know just how you feel. I'm almost shamefully shy about situations like this, especially when it involves people I don't know. It's so easy for misunderstandings to ensue, especially when kids are involved.

This almost paralyzes me as much as assignment 4 did, but in a different way.

That said--I'm not going to take any more leave of absences, unless it's a true family emergency or I move in the next ten months or so.

I have to admit I've practiced the casual observing a bit these last few months when I go out. I'll definitely have to go out to do my assignment 5 observation as most of the kids in my neighborhood are too young (Ages 3-5 on average) to do both parts of assignment 5,

Jan, your tips will help me as well. I'll be sure to bring a copy of my instructor letter, just in case someone asks, but yeah, take care not to stare.
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readnwrite
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« Reply #4 on: July 28, 2009, 12:00:12 AM »
Jan-your tips are always spot on! So glad you're there for us!

Truth-Good for you for asking questions! I almost quit at lesson 3 because I wasn't asking questions. I also didn't look into the Writer's Retreat until around Lesson 5. Kudos to you!! Keep up the good work!

I went to my local library to observe for my lesson. I took my entire Lesson manual along with instructor's letter. I was sitting at a table and took in a scene between two sisters. Most of the time, I was making notes, not "staring" at them the entire time. (It's amazing how you can multi-task and not realize you're doing it!). The point is, you can do it! Have faith in yourself.

Okami-You can do it! If there's a library you can go to, or a park, just for 30 minutes, you'll be able to come away with some good material. Listen to the kids and how they converse with one another; watch how they interact with one another too. Allow yourself to look at the world through their eyes. You'll spend most of your time writing, so no one's going to question your intentions. Jan's advice is right on target. Be patient with yourself. The more you write, the better you'll become. One day, something is going to 'click' inside of you. That's your "A-ha!" moment! We're all in this together!

Keep at it, everyone!  Kim
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« Reply #5 on: September 02, 2009, 08:30:43 PM »
I am on assignment 5a right now as well, and this really helped me! I am still stressing about it more than I did most of my other assignments, but I think hearing how other students are writing on it now, and still others have been through it, reassures me and gives me the confidence to go on. Smiley
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Jamie
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« Reply #6 on: September 03, 2009, 11:12:04 AM »
Jan, that is some great advice! A lot of students call in with the same problem on this lesson. Now I have a place to refer them to!
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