Finding Their Voice

In an English IV Honors course taught by Bill Sullivan, students begin the year with two guiding goals: to appreciate the writing process and strengthen their critical thinking skills. Students discover and write about the ideas, themes, and voices that inspire them most. They are challenged to articulate their passions—whether exploring contemporary authors, reflecting on personal identity, or examining the literary concepts, patterns, and types of writing that fuel their love of reading and analysis.

Inspired by the Latin phrase solvitur ambulando (“it is solved by walking”), Mr. Sullivan recently introduced an exercise designed to help students literally think on their feet. In a “walk & talk” activity, students record their thoughts while walking, then analyze their transcripts to uncover meaningful words and phrases that naturally emerge in conversation. The process allows them to identify the authentic rhythms of their own language and bring that same voice to their writing. As students craft essays on their individual passion topics, this reflective approach encourages them to connect more deeply with the literature they study—developing confidence, clarity, and a genuine appreciation for the art of writing.