1.
Provide opportunities for kids to express their true feelings,
wants, desires verbally.
2.
Expose kids to high level conversations, concepts and vocabulary
without expectation.
3.
Provide opportunities for kids to combine pictures with words
(comics, graphic novels).
4.
Provide opportunities for kids to express their true feelings,
wants and desires, in writing without correcting their “mistakes."
5.
Don’t focus foremost on grammar or mechanics. Focus first on
expression of thought and self.
6.
Give kids many varied opportunities to write freely without
judgement and criticism.
7.
Explore private journals where kids are free to write their true
thoughts and feelings without an audience. Keep the journals in a locked box
and do not betray trust by reading them.
8.
If private journals are
too scary, explore interactive journals where you model your own love of
writing and write back and forth with your kids.
9.
Gamify writing. Have it
be part of a scavenger hunt or serial story where you make writing part of a
playful and creative game. (See photo of three Walgrove Monarchs engaged in
writing a collection of serial stories.)
10. Teach grammar
and mechanics in small discrete doses -- in mini-lessons -- and at the VERY end
of the writing process, once students have developed confidence and the desire
and/or need to polish their writing. Grammar and mechanics are the packaging
meant to enhance the reader’s understanding. They are not the purpose of
writing.
11. Let kids
follow their own process. Don’t insist they use your methods, including graphic
organizers, etc. Let kids write out of order. Let them be messy. The goal is
getting students to LOVE writing. Avoid making writing laborious, tedious,
and/or a negative chore.
12. Deliver
writing as an opportunity to create and be heard.
13. Publish
student writing in a widely distributed literary journal so their writing is
curated and celebrated which adds layers of meaning, increases motivation and
strengthens community. (Look for Walgrove's literary journal called
"Wings" just before the winter break.)
14. Otherwise
reinforce the purposes of writing, which are self-expression and human
connection.
