Online Reflection #2: the Hamill Approach w/ Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome
The art of imitation is something that people have learned to do, and learned to do well, throughout much of their lives. From their early childhood years-when they are learning how to eat, walk, and talk, to their adolescent years- when they are learning what trends are in style or how to kiss their significant other without looking like a total novice, and even in their adult lives- when they are learning how to interview, or how to parent their children. Imitation is an effective technique, especially when it is used in the Education World.
In Chapter 4 of Harry Noden's text Image Grammar, a method of imitation known as the Hamill approach is explored. Hamill learned how to write through imitation of the structure of passages of accomplished authors, while completely changing the content of the text. His approach allows students to become better writers by imitating accomplished writers organizational structures- examining how they use imagery, zooming, layering, and their use of the different brush strokes and parallel structures. Below is my example of the Hamill approach in imitation of Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome.
If you know West High School, you know that the student population is very diverse. If you know the diversity of the students, you must have seen that despite this diversity, there is a sense of community and acceptance among the students. They may have their reservations about you, but they still give you a chance to introduce yourself and make a connection with you.
It was here that three years ago I found a home away from home; and the sight of my students makes me feel excited for the day of learning! Their smiles are heart warming and their comments make me laugh so sincerely I feel it in my soul. Even though the school might have a reputation for being problematic or challenging, I find it refreshing and educational. It isn't so much the curriculum that is in place or the programs and extra curriculars that are offered, rather, it is the loyalty of the students and the guidance of the staff that has captured my attention and holds my affection hostage.
In Chapter 4 of Harry Noden's text Image Grammar, a method of imitation known as the Hamill approach is explored. Hamill learned how to write through imitation of the structure of passages of accomplished authors, while completely changing the content of the text. His approach allows students to become better writers by imitating accomplished writers organizational structures- examining how they use imagery, zooming, layering, and their use of the different brush strokes and parallel structures. Below is my example of the Hamill approach in imitation of Edith Wharton's Ethan Frome.
If you know West High School, you know that the student population is very diverse. If you know the diversity of the students, you must have seen that despite this diversity, there is a sense of community and acceptance among the students. They may have their reservations about you, but they still give you a chance to introduce yourself and make a connection with you.
It was here that three years ago I found a home away from home; and the sight of my students makes me feel excited for the day of learning! Their smiles are heart warming and their comments make me laugh so sincerely I feel it in my soul. Even though the school might have a reputation for being problematic or challenging, I find it refreshing and educational. It isn't so much the curriculum that is in place or the programs and extra curriculars that are offered, rather, it is the loyalty of the students and the guidance of the staff that has captured my attention and holds my affection hostage.
Interesting approach for your post! Not only is your imitation done well, but the content of it is just as lovely. I oroginally had my qualms about imitation, but it seems to be a marvelous tool in taking already magnificent work and making it one's own. As teachers, we are well practiced in taking ideas and concepts of others and makjng it into our own creation.
ReplyDeleteWonderful work!
Lorylyn
I really enjoyed this post, Chay, as a different take on just blogs about the wonders and woes of teaching itself. You masterfully gave a rationale as to why imitation is something we should be teaching to our students and then modeled it effectively. This could be a lesson plan if it weren't so interesting! ;)
ReplyDeleteBut truthfully, I enjoyed the content of your imitation piece most of all. My placement is very near yours and had a similar "rep" when I first found out I was going there. But how fortuitous that we were placed where we were, because I know for me at least I learned so much from these students and fell in love with the culture of the school that I would be so disappointed in myself if I had judged it too quickly.
Thank you for your thoughtful post!
Love this imitation, Ms. Johnson! Thank you for crafting such an interesting piece!
ReplyDelete