The blank page… the requirement of bringing words from within… being creative and innovative with language… it’s not an easy task. Which is why reluctance is the first response from many kids. The reluctant writer is commonly found in schools and homes across the world… there’s something scary about that blank page that requires something from you, and many kids want to avoid it at all costs.
Often it is not really the student’s fault that they don’t want to touch the writing assignment. As teachers, motivators, tutors… do we fully prepare them to address creative writing assignments?
- “Knowledge is easy unto him that understandeth.” Proverbs 14:6 That ancient quote simply means that students must understand before we can expect them to “know” or “know how to do something.” When assigning a writing topic, do we give the student ample idea and instruction on the WHY, HOW, and WHAT? Do we help them understand the WHY? Why is it so important that they write effectively? Have we explained that thinking logically and wording those thoughts help us to become articulate? Which in turn may help us find a good job or do well in college. The WHY might make all the difference when it comes to writing essays!
- Make sure the individual child is not forgotten. It is difficult when you have a classroom full of individuals… but aligning the writing process to the student’s individual learning style accomplishes a whole lot more! Many students are visual and enjoy the use of graphic organizers to help them make sense of their thoughts. Many students benefit from the use of simple outlines. Give room in your writing assignments for students to make use of tools that align with their individual learning style.
- Finally, anyone when confronted with a HUGE looming task will feel overwhelmed. Break the assignment up into daily manageable tasks that students can confidently accomplish.
