Every June, I ask my students to write a final exam essay in which they reflect on their year as 7th graders — how they’ve grown as readers, writers, and human beings. Every June, the results are priceless. Here’s a sampling of wit and wisdom from this year’s kids.
I’ve learned that reading and writing can change the world.
People who don’t pick good books are missing out on the whole other world that the book makes you a part of.
I’ve become more mature this year. I used to find fart jokes hilarious, but now they are so “two-year-old.”
Life goes on long past when school ends, but do we stop learning? No! Whether it’s learning not to touch the stove, or algebra, or how to balance a three year old on your back without them falling off. To learn is life. And yes, that’s the corniest sentence ever written.
When I write, everything around me just seems to float away.
Francis Bacon said, “Some books are to be tasted, some to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.” It’s pretty funny that he talks all about food and his last name is a food.
This one is from a student who raised her hand during the test to ask a question.
“Mrs. Messner, who’s the audience for this?”
“Me.”
“Just you? Not some state test person?”
“Right.”
“So we should write with real voice and not just worry about getting points?”
“Right.”
Then she wrote this introduction:
Well, I can think up a much more interesting topic to write about instead of my growth in seventh grade. I could write about the proper word for insect poop, frass. I could write about who created this word and why they thought “frass” would be such a lovely word to call insect poop. However, since I don’t want to end seventh grade with a big, fat F, I guess I’ll write about the essay topic now.
I loved this paragraph, even though it might make
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cry…
Linda Urban’s author visit inspired me to write. It’s great the way she can make a story happy, sad, and funny all at once. She is a great speaker and an amazing person. I really love the way she never gives up. If you see her, could you please tell her I said thank you so much for giving us that speech and giving us great advice.
Consider it done.
And finally, two quotes that I will be posting on my own bulletin board – good advice for writers of all ages.
This year, I’ve learned to convert negative energy into positive.
And maybe my favorite – simple but so, so true…
Writing is possible if you practice.
I love these! Thank you for sharing them.
Some touched my heart, and the Francis Bacon one made me burst out laughing.
You are an excellent teacher, Ms. Messner.
What a great idea — thanks for sharing!
I laughed at the Francis Bacon one also — and my last name’s a food Rice
When I taught elementary grades — I had the students write a letter to the new students tha would be arriving in September — telling them what they were in for and giving advice.
I always love reading excerpts from kids. Am looking forward to that side of being an author myself. Thanks for sharing.
You were so right. That student did make me cry.
Hell, that student made me cry!
Loved the Bacon comment! And that’s coming from somneone whose last name is also a food. The famous Eric Luper Sandwich. You’ve heard of it, right? Or did I just imagine the Eric Luper Sandwich…?
I totally wish there was an Eric Luper Sandwich.
I adored the Bacon comment. And I’m glad your other student made Linda cry.