What can we do to foster an environment that truly promotes the writing skill of our pupils? Collated below are five ideal answers:
1. Guide them towards managing their time
Pupils who have been displaying potential in writing shouldn’t find it hard to have time to write. When they do, it is often important to introduce to them the concept of time management. Let them study their timetable and target ‘free’ hours for their writing. Additionally, teachers must take the time to explain this writing skill-development to the pupil’s parents. Through this session, parents are given the chance to proffer a hand in the progress of their young pupil’s gift.
2. Encourage them to watch what they read
Our favourite books tend to teach us a thing or two on writing. Let your pupils realise this by having them write about their favourite book. In this exercise, allow them to explore on the most awesome part of the story – perhaps, it’s the conflict, characters, or setting. At the end, encourage them to share their own envisioned story.
3. Open up the window of opportunities
Essay writing competitions, workshops, seminars, even unique writing awards for their homework – these could provide a boost for the young writer’s morale. Be generous of these gifts. Allow your pupils to feel great about their talents; this will help them build a very strong foundation (as writers are notably prone to setbacks).
4. Show them great writers
Every talented pupil looks up at their favourite writer. It could be someone from a remote period (C.S. Lewis, Mark Twain, E.E. Cummings) or from the present (J.K. Rowling, Suzanne Collins).
You could add someone to their list: let them learn about the lives of the greatest writers, be it through research or reading assignments. Perhaps, you can invite the local scribblers for a Q & A session with your pupils.
5. Be prepared to give feedback
When students are apprehensive over their writing, they might actually approach you. Be prepared to answer their most quirky questions. If you fail to find the solution, promise to go back to them sooner (your hand fully armed with answers). Also, you might be able to recommend your pupil to another teacher – one who is actually into writing. In other words, you can serve as a bridge between young aspiring writers and successful ones.
Combine these five methods with patience and you are sure to light your pupils’ way to a lifelong passion of writing. By actively engaging in this phase of discovery, you are able to play that particular teacher-role.
This role has something to do with encouragement: that you are able to support young pupils to work on developing their own gifts. Apart from addressing a role, becoming part of this writer’s journey is essential in forming the pupils’ support network.
As a teacher, becoming part of this network is a treasure. It is that golden chance to create a huge impact in their lives.
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Do you have any tips to add? Let us know in the comments.