Hambrick Middle School’s Program Treats Students to Limo, Lunch

Educator James Hoskins is pictured with Ray Bates, an eighth grade Scholar-Author. Hoskins served as a chaperone on the outing.

Hambrick Middle School’s Scholar-Authors got treated recently to a limo ride and lunch. The Club Excellence of Scholar-Authors produced more than 64 pieces of original writings.

English teacher Dorothy Ingram, club sponsor, developed the program to encourage students to write.

“This is a great way for students to realize and experience how cool it is to read and write,” said Ingram. “Publish their original writings encourages the students to write. At the same time, the process helps them hone their writing skills.”

Each scholar-author wrote and illustrated their work. Students could choose a literary genre to write in. For example, they could choose mythology, expository essays, memoirs, autobiographies, mysteries, and informational texts. Students in the program learn how to craft an idea to write about. They learn the writing process. The students pre-wrote, drafted, revised and edited their work before getting published. Students also created their own illustrations to go with their works.

“The hands-on creative writing program enabled students understand each step,” added Ingram. “This process helped them internalize the techniques they learned. And they have a better understanding of strategies for developing voice and style.”

According to Ingram, publishing the works can change the purpose of writing. Publishing their works makes the students feel important and that what they wrote matters.

“The program makes the writing process fun,” Ingram said. “The format engages the students from beginning to end. It gives them the confidence to express themselves. And at the same time, the program helps improve or enhance their writing skills.”

To celebrate their authorship status, the young writers enjoyed a limo ride and luncheon field trip. They visited several locations in Houston and had their picture taken.

“The students felt like celebrities,” said Ingram. “They got dressed up for the limo ride and luncheon. It was nice to see the students happy. And they were so proud to have a copy of their published book.”

For more information about the program or how businesses can partner with the campus to provide student incentives, contact Hambrick Middle School at (281) 985-6570.