Cursive writing and walking with Jesus..

Trying to get myself in the mindset to return to school tomorrow after this glorious Christmas break, I'm spending some time planning my course of action. One of the things that comes to mind is I have to focus on cursive writing. To the average second-grader, cursive writing is a very big deal. They come in the classroom in September asking when they get to learn it and they try to "practice" on their own before you begin teaching it. As I think about how best to proceed, I consider how their skills are now.

I think this is much the same as our "walk with Jesus." First of all, a student's early experience with writing is very important as is our experience with Jesus. Some of us come from a heritage of growing up in church while others know very little of the "things of God" until we are adults. Since students are all different, I make sure I am moving around the room, able to observe every move, and redirecting when needed..Isn't that what the Holy Spirit does for us? I notice in the beginning, all eyes and ears are on me..they hang on every direction..then some venture out on their own..some do fine and some get into trouble quickly..making letters backwards, leaving out letters, etc...

My favorite intervention for students who are struggling with handwriting is to bring a student individually to the smartboard. I have a wall size writing paper and together we practice writing the letters. The student holds the pen and I hold the student's hand. For some, it takes a while for them to let go and let me move their hand. The purpose of this activity is so they can get the feel of making the letter correctly. Sometimes I have to just let go because they can't let go and let me move the pen. Wow, this is just like the Holy Spirit..How many times God has desired to "move the pen" and let me see how good it can be. Most of the time, I have a firm grip on it, however, and I evidentually get my own way..

This New Year, I'm going to try to learn to let go and let God. So, "Lord I want you to write what you will in my life, move into areas you choose, and for my part, I'm gonna try to LET GO OF THE PEN!!!"