Blog # 4The Zoom In strategy in Writing

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Hey lovelies, 

Let's zoom in!

I am all excited to blog today. Hope you are also. In class we learned a rather interesting writing strategy called 'Zoom in'.  Let me take you on the journey of zooming in.To be prepare we were all asked to walk with our cameras. No one knew what was awaiting us that day in class. Suspense much!

With our cameras in our hands and smiles on our faces due to the fact that we were outside, we ventured on  for a nature walk by the beautiful Botanical Garden.Our task was to capture the whole gardens with one shot using our cameras. What a task it was. I captured some beautiful shots but it was not what the task required,  I can recall seeing everyone trying so desperately to get that shot. We tried to find the perfect location  and placed our camera in various angles in order to be successful in the task given to us. At one point I  said to  Ronelle and Rowann that the objective of the task is impossible to achieve. And indeed it was impossible😓.Mrs. Lazarus used that analogue to show us that when writing stories it is impossible to write about everything however it is better to zoom in and  focus on one particular thing. Great activity Mrs. L it was just the perfect task to show. We were then asked to capture something that pulls our interest.This was a much easier task. I captured a lovely tree that can be decorated as a Christmas tree. 

The 'Zoom In' strategy in writing is a powerful technique where you focus on a specific small detail within a larger context. It involves taking a closer look at an object,  moment or aspect of a story to provide a more deeper and meaningful understanding. It is like using a magnifying glass to capture the small details and its essence.



I like the idea of the 'Zoom In' Strategy cause I think when you focus on one particular thing you are better able to give a vivid,  detailed description of it. It can also help your writing be more organize focusing on one main idea at a time. The 'Zoom In' strategy can be very beneficial for primary school students. It is evident that when students have to write stories they put all their ideas in one paragraph and everything is disorganized. Teaching the 'Zoom In' strategy can  help the students focus on one thing at a time.
  This strategy was rather new to me but it made a lot of sense, I am all excited to utilize it in the classroom.

 This strategy also drew my attention to everyday life. I think sometimes we get so busy and even frustrated especially in this semester in college. This strategy is is showing me that  sometimes we need to slow down  and 'Zoom in'. Pay close attention to our  experiences and enrich our understanding and appreciation for the world, family, friends and life itself. It can allow us to see the beauty and significance in what we think are ordinary aspects of life. That thought empowered me.I do hope it can be useful to you.





    Photo of the Botanical Garden


             
Photo I took after I zoom in and focus on one aspect of the Botanical Garden.


Comments

  1. Rowann LyonsDecember 2, 2023 at 6:24 PM

    Hi Shirdin, I love this! The 'Zoom in' strategy sounds like such a cool approach to writing. Your experience with the photography task beautifully illustrates how focusing on one specific detail amidst a broader scene can create depth and meaning. I totally get how this technique can bring more vividness and organization to writing. It's fantastic how it helps students concentrate on one idea at a time, making storytelling more structured and engaging. Can't wait to hear how it goes when you bring this strategy into the classroom! I will give it a try as well and we can then discuss how it went. Thanks for sharing this insightful approach.

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  2. ShirdinDDecember 7, 2023 at 11:14 PM

    Rowann , thank you and I will definitely update you when I use it in my classroom. There are so many strategies learned in out LIT sessions that I want to introduce in my classroom. I really do hope I can do a great job as MRS. L in capturing each moment and making each session a learning experience. The 'Zoom in' strategy is it like bringing a little closeness in your writing. How was your experience?

    ReplyDelete
  3. KaiCMDecember 8, 2023 at 3:58 AM

    Hi Shirdin. Quick question! Considering the newfound appreciation for 'Zoom In' in both writing and everyday life, what specific aspect or detail would you choose to "zoom in" on and explore more deeply in your own writing or daily experiences?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Lit up with Frances December 8, 2023 at 4:46 PM

    Hey Shirdin, I too did enjoy the activity, I believe I was just excited to be out of the classroom, brings back the child in me. I remember the journey we made to try to get that perfect shot. Emilio, Maurisa, Narlyn and I climbed all the way to the top and still could not get that shot Mrs. Laz wanted us to. This strategy helped in me in writing my pieces because YOU JUST CANNOT ZOOM IN ON ALL ASPECTS, you will be writing from now until tomorrow. This also made me be a bit more lenient with my students, I believe we expect so much from them in their writings that we forget that once they capture the main ideas/points they are on the right track. I am glad you enjoyed learning about this strategy because I did too. What made that day even better was the movie we got to watch after to culminate or tighten her point on the zooming in strategy. That Mrs. Laz is a boss at what she does lol.

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  5. ShirdinDDecember 8, 2023 at 5:05 PM

    Thank you for your comment Frances Mrs. L is certainly a boss. I am elated that you also enjoyed that session. Being outside was the selling point. The session also showed me that sometimes as teachers we need to bring our students outside for classes and also whatever activities we plan to engage the students in , it must be effective in meeting the objectives.

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