Gifted Issues Discussion homepage Forums Twice Exceptional English teacher has been on maternity leave.

No great suggestions, but a lot of sympathy! My ds14 is also someone who struggles most with creative writing (had an IEP for expressive language in middle school). I was happy when he was assigned a 9th grade English teacher known for being very tough, but also producing good results and helping the students learn to write. Then, the teacher's wife was diagnosed with cancer. Obviously, I feel terrible for his family and understand the resulting absences/delays in grading, etc... BUT, it's so hard when it affects my child! And because the teacher misses intermittently, he is replaced with random subs. I completely understand the situation and realize that there isn't much to be done, but I wish the situation were different (not to mention, it's hard when the grading is just as tough, even though there isn't as much teaching/guiding). It much be incredibly frustrating for you, given that you had high hopes for these hand-selected teachers!!

What I tell DS is that the teacher are trying to teach you to write and giving you prompts. You don't have to love the prompt and you don't even have to believe what you write is the correct or best answer. In this situation the ending just needs to logically follow on from the ending, be set in the right time period and be written well. He very much wants what he is writing to be 'correct', the right answer or truthful and that can get in the way. Particularly when teachers give personal prompts. It's why things like science & math where there is usually one correct answer is so much easier for him.

What gets frustrating with new teachers is they don't get how DS writes well when he has something to say. But be completely blocked and write nothing another time. They assume all they need to do is be the 'one' who shows him how to use a graphic organizer and that's all he needs. Or that since he has problems writing he needs help on grammar. DS would not make it as a journalism but would be an excellent editor.