How do we motivate students to write with purpose, passion and power? We think aloud as we write. We cross out, edit and demonstrate in real-time so they can witness our struggle. In this way, students see teachers as writers, as they observe modeling that offers a clear understanding of expectations. Yet, where do we start? How do we address writers block? According to Lamott (1994), “Perfectionism is one way our muscles cramp” (p. 30). I say, get over it, get going and get personal. When we share stories, we share a part of our lives with those around us, and our message becomes more powerful. According to Routman (2005), stories are a good place to start. Some starter ideas include: a summer trip, a vacation, a special gift, a favorite family event, a new experience, an embarrassing moment, playing with a friend, random acts of kindness, or a comical experience that gets turned into a comic book. It is easier for students to write when they can choose what to write about. These are the experiences and ideas that they already know. Furthermore, student choice can be married to real purpose.
A Valentines Day message to someone special, a book for the student of the week, or a civic action exercise to affect change in the community are just a few beginning ideas. The list, of course, is endless. The purpose is always plain. In addition, posting writing for public praise is critical for encouraging young writers. What we choose to celebrate can empower students to believe in themselves, to become stronger leaders, and to be full to the brim with self-confidence. Providing think time and partner talk time are two more helpful motivational strategies. Clearly, when teachers lead by example, they give students the opportunity to watch writing and drafting in real time, and to approach their own writing with freedom of choice and with purpose. By prepping the classroom environment in this way, we can encourage productivity and see achievement rise to meet high expectations.
You talked about perfectionism and writers block in your blog and it got me thinking of my writing process. At times, I make the mistake of trying to do everything at once: think of what to say, make no grammatical mistakes, and think about what should follow. While this does work for me sometimes, I try to follow another method. Sometimes, the ideas just flow. This is the best feeling ever when I’m writing! In order not to forget what I want to write, I just type. I leave typos, ignore the need for indentations, and just type. I can always go back and make corrections. This is especially true when we are writing about something personal, or when we’re writing with a purpose. I strongly believe that one of the best ways to motivate kids to write with a purpose and passion is to give them opportunities to choose what to write about. Have them choose one moment in their life or one special thing, and have them stretch and magnify that moment. If kids are wrapped up in the subject matter, the ideas will flow.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you, Mr. Repyak! I have met with students on so many occasions as they are completely stumped and can't seem to find any topic worth writing about. How do we get students motivated to want to write? The answer should be to give them the option to choose, give them the freedom to explore without parameters. I'm sure that I would feel boxed in if I had to write about a certain topic that I was not very interested in. Every person is different, therefore it isn't fair to make every person write about the same thing. Perhaps some of these students simply haven't experienced the subject matter? It's very important to give students positive experiences in writing so that they may continue to love writing.
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