Six In Schools Teacher Honing English Literacy in the Classroom
Hannia Dergongan Marohombsar is a First Language English teacher at NationalHigh Jakarta School of Piaget Academy in Jakarta, Indonesia. Her role of teacher in developing creativity among students was made just a little easier by using Six in Schools. Writing Six-Word Memoirs turned out to be a perfect example of a creative thinking activity, and her students produced beautifully illustrated memoirs (many of which can be seen on the SWM website). Six in Schools as a creative task idea had each student bringing forth their personality in the vivid images and thoughtful memoirs.
Three years ago, while in search of creative activities for students in English, Hannia discovered Six-Word Memoirs. The potential for creativity in the classroom became apparent while browsing the website’s illustrated memoirs and backstories. She immediately connected with the format as a potential lesson plan on how to promote creativity in the classroom for her Year 8 and Year 10 students.
For her particular project, Hannia asked her class to incorporate their memoirs into their artwork in a way that the words would harmoniously mesh with the image. “I normally use Six-Word Memoirs as one of my several strategies to jump start my topic on narrative writing,” says Hannia, “and it works every time!”
Hannia’s example of creativity in the classroom turned out to be a highlight of her school’s annual English Week celebration. Her students’ sixes were put on display and were an immensely popular attraction. And Hannia noted that her students are looking forward to participating in the project next year.
Students have consistently uploaded illustrated memoirs to the SWM website, with several students publishing multiple times. Collectively, Hannia’s students have uploaded over a hundred pieces of artwork. She adds, “Six-Word Memoirs is also the perfect site to be ‘published’ whilst being creative.” Her creativity in teaching gives her students a sense of accomplishment when they upload and publish their illustrations to the website. Publishing not only allows for recognition of the students’ imagination and efforts, but shows the importance of creativity for students in education.
Hannia says that Six in Schools and the Six-Words format will remain a regular presence in her future lesson plans. Six in Schools sparks creativity in schools and education, inspiring students to delve into their own personal narratives, and their illustrations convey a visual appreciation of their creativity.
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