WriterCoach Connection

Ever wonder what the real value of writing support is to a student?

Albany Middle School site co-coordinator Nancy Whitney forwards this expression of thanks from a student in Mr. Pressnall's class to a WCC volunteer. I don't know if there's a better statement of validation for the efforts of our writer coaches.

"I remember how much help I got with the Mandala essay. You taught me how to rearrange the paragraphs to flow better and how to make a reader be 'hooked' into the story. I appreciate how thoughtful and patient you were and how you always had new suggestions. I remember all the encouragement I got with the I-Search, and how that encouragement gave me that extra push to help me finish. It was nice to go to someone who won't judge you for what you write, only help you improve."

Bob Menzimer

Writer coaching opens doors for not only secondary students

Writer Coach Lindsay Mazurek has landed a job, thanks to her WriterCoach Connection experience, with Elite Education as an Asst. Director.  She helps high schoolers with SAT preparation and works with middle and high schoolers on their book clubs! (AND, she continues to volunteer with WCC and attend UC).

Jeanine Brown
WCC Site Coordinator, Willard Middle School

Probing beneath that scowl

 

There was one student I coached who had had a different coach the previous week.  When I picked up the student he scowled at me and I thought, "Oh oh, what am I in for?"  When we sat down I saw he had nothing on his paper and was still scowling.  Somehow it dawned on me to ask him if he would have preferred his regular coach.  He nodded his head in agreement and just then his regular coach came up near us with some folders.  I explained to the student his regular coach could only take three students this time rather than four due to the coach's schedule.  We both assured him he would have his “preferred” coach next session.  Like magic, the student's countenance changed and we finished with a good coaching session.
 
Sometimes I forget students at this age are "metamorphosing" from children into young adults.  Their bodies are changing dramatically. They are like little flower buds with tender petals just beginning to open to the world.

 

---Nancy Whitney, WCC site co-coordinator, Albany Middle School