Creativity is key

This week for my ENG 210 class, we were required to write a ballad. Of course, I hated the idea. What was I supposed to write about? Well, I got to thinking, and I ended up writing about "A Soldier's Life." My brother leaves for Afghanistan in 2 days, so I wanted to write something meaningful and real. With that, I sat down with a pen and paper and just brainstormed ideas. I thought about stories he has told me of previous war experiences of that nature. I eventually arrived at an 8 stanza ballad. I can't say it was good, because I am definitely not a poet. Yet, this poem actually wasn't too bad of an assignment to do. Why? Because I got to be creative! Being creative is probably one of the most fun things you can do on a homework assignment. It definitely beats looking up facts in a book and fillinf them in on a worksheet. I was able to use my own thoughts and emotions and complete an assignment. It forced me to expand my thinking and think outside the box. I was no longer just thinking of science facts or things of that nature. It was something interesting to do, becuase it was different. And it allowed me to be in control and choose what to say.

With that, I would say creativity in the classroom is key. Teachers need to offer opportunitys for kids to be creative in order to keep their attention and let them have fun. It lets children explore their inner selves and use their own emotions. They feel in control of the project and are able to decide how to put it together. With this kids get excited and have more fun. I think it keeps their attention more since htey are not doing the same old boring fact sheets. Yes, there is need for assignments that are straight foreward facts. But that can't be the everyday routine. Teachers need to switch it up. They need to make sure to offer assignments that allow children to explore their imaginations or feelings. Even if it is simplying making a poster about matter. The kids will still be able to use colors and piece it together how they want. I feel if teachers don't allow for any of this the students will find it harder to pay attention. As a future teacher I know I want to offer these sorts of assignments on a weekly manner. It provides for a fun time, while also learning which is key!

Here is my poem, like I said though, it is not the best. It seems rather sad. But it is something that a lot of soldiers go through (my three brothers all fought in the war), so I felt it was a strong subject that should be heard:

He quickly ran when bullets shot.
Trying to save his life
Screaming orders to his men,
A life filled with strife.

A loaded gun he keeps by his side,
Always ready to defend,
Why when fighting for others life’s,
You want your own to end?

It’s a very lonely soldiers life,
Looking to leave this place,
Scared for what tomorrow holds,
You need a familiar face.

Your worst enemy is always near,
Wanting to shoot you down,
Tears always fill your eyes,
You can’t rid your frown.

The days feel the longest there,
They all seem to blend.
Why when fighting for others life’s,
You want your own to end?

It’s a very lonely soldiers life,
Looking to leave this place,
Scared for what tomorrow may hold,
You need a familiar face.

War is no longer just a game,
It now is really your job,
It gets harder to sleep at night,
When all you do is sob.

Counting the days until you return,
Hoping your thoughts will mend
Why when fighting for others life’s,
You want your own to end?