The Productive Struggle
What’s a key difference between a new sixth grade student and a graduating eighth grader? Here’s how Language Arts teacher Lisa Keith sums it up:
Sixth graders often struggle to write a single page; eighth graders fluidly compose and revise long narratives. Sixth graders aren’t sure they have anything to say. Eighth graders not only feel confident they have an important story to tell; they also have the ability to convey this story vividly and skillfully.
Lisa has a term for the mechanism behind this transformation: “Productive struggle.” Productive, because students are continually learning and practicing their craft. Struggle, because none of this is easy! Lisa, along with Language Arts teacher Cilla Scofield, knows being appropriately challenged is what ultimately grows students’ technique and confidence.
Behind the Scenes
Look inside the Language Arts room on any given day, and you might see soft lighting and murmured discussion; engrossed readers sprawled out in a variety of cozy chairs and comfy corners; an interactive, all-class read-aloud; or small groups enthusiastically collaborating on the revision process.
Where is the struggle?
Look closer, and you’ll see it! Those students are grappling with identifying themes and narrative arc, wrestling with texts outside their comfort zone, challenging themselves to listen carefully and critically, and building skills at meaningful reflection and revision that transcend mere copy editing.
The Art of Storytelling
Students begin sixth grade by reflecting on ten impactful books they’ve read, then dive into a personal narrative unit to explore their own perspectives and strengths. As students progress through sixth and seventh grade, Language Arts studies include explorations of “main character energy,” figurative language, dystopian literature, suspense, short story, nonfiction, and much more.
The throughline: Storytelling as essential to self-expression and foundational to shared culture.
Storytelling is at the heart of Language Arts at Explorer West. Through reading a diverse range of authors, genres, and styles, students learn the importance of perspective and the different ways people interpret shared experiences. Through writing, collaborating, and revising, students develop their unique voice and the confidence to effectively express their ideas.
A Culture of Reading
Exploring a variety of texts and narratives is essential to becoming a strong storyteller. Lisa and Cilla guide students to develop a daily reading habit, knowing this will support them in all subjects throughout middle school and beyond. In Explorer West’s culture of reading, students are active participants – engaging with texts by thinking deeply about the writer’s perspective and intent, noticing their use of language, identifying themes, and evaluating storytelling technique.
The Power of Words
Over three years of writing and revising their own stories, students sharpen their point of view and sense of self. Listening to each other’s work, they discover the value of different perspectives. Ultimately, students recognize the importance of storytelling to the development of shared culture and the power of narrative to drive social change.
As they near the end of eighth grade, students polish their craft through capstone projects. They write travel memoirs upon their return from their trip to Rome, Italy, and write reflective speeches to deliver at Commencement. Both of these projects ask 8th graders to develop an inner dialog around their experiences, reflect thoughtfully on their own growth, and connect meaningfully with their reader and audience.
Moving on with Confidence
Students leave Explorer West as avid readers and artful storytellers. What comes next? Our graduates arrive at high school confident in their abilities as writers and critical thinkers, understanding the process through which structure, voice, and use of language can be evaluated and appreciated. They are prepared to discuss literature, knowing there is no single “right way” to talk about the written word.
The “productive struggle” that shapes them in middle school doesn’t end when they leave Explorer West. Rather, it prepares them to persevere when things are hard, to seek out diverse perspectives, and to harness the power of storytelling to connect, persuade, and inspire.
