People can be confused when discussing “writing” as there can be two different meanings meant by the word. One is the actual nuts-and-bolts term for picking up a pencil or pen and making lines on a surface. The other is more creative, as in writing out stories or reports. Sometimes when asked about writing, you have to answer with a question as to which is referred. Most will assume creative, but it never hurts to ask.

Mingo, a “HOO’ing” mom shared the following:

One thing I'm learning about the mechanics of writing is that speed and legibility are the battles, not necessarily "beautiful penmanship." Yes, the latter is great to strive for, but for some students (like my Dd), we'll take the needed skills first, thank you. Keyboarding for those who have trouble with speed is important.

Also, don't underestimate/short-change student creative writing when it's tied to mechanics, especially if it's a bright student who, in general, seems creative. Some really creative students have enough trouble with writing mechanics that they will "dumb down" their writing, just to make the physical task of writing less daunting. If your gut says they can "do better" - don't be afraid to help them by writing or typing for them, offering the keyboard, or a tape or video option instead. Taping their stories verbally, typing them up, then asking them to edit may be the way to their creative "best product."

And here’s a few other tips on teaching writing:

*Use photos or pictures to inspire—show them a picture and ask them to write a story about what’s going on. Ann (author & freelance reporter, former homeschool mom & tutor), expanded this idea:

I found pictures of their particular interest (and kept a picture file for each child to choose from)... glued in the centre of a plain sheet of paper. Then they brainstormed. (If they got stuck, I asked prompt questions to expand their thinking.) For example, for one of my kids, I had a picture of a cabin in the woods in the winter with a saddle horse and pack horse on a picket line. All around the picture we added words. Anything about the picture:  snow, horse, cabin, wood smoke, pine trees, winter, picket line, cowboy, cow camp. The child would continue adding words:  cold, firewood, resting, cooking supper. She, or we together, would add some "unknowns":  cowboy hiding out, early calving, extreme cold weather, and so forth. Afterwards, we would do some grammar exercises with those words:  circle all the nouns with red; put a green line under the verbs; do you need some adjectives? Add them, highlight with yellow, and so forth. We would then discuss the construction of the story:  Beginning, middle, and end. “SO, what goes first? Then what happens?"

* Have them write sentences and or paragraphs (depending on their age) using their spelling words (if you use a list method for spelling). Crazy storylines allowed! Depending on the spelling words, it could be really strange. And that's OK!

* Use a tape recorder for them to “write” their stories, or you be their secretary, writing their story down.

* Rough Draft, rough draft, rough draft. My son  (3rd grade) writes what he wants, how he wants. Then he goes back, using editing markups and makes grammar and spelling corrections. (Robin, a homeschool mom)

* Have a good first sentence, one that has 2-3 of the 5W's in it. The rest of the paragraph will follow easier. Also, stay on topic. Don't wander or the reader will lose interest. This takes alot of practice for the child and dedication on the parents part. (From Karen, a public school teacher who’s taught middle school English and high school)

* Write about what interests you, if it is an option. (Esther, homeschool mom)

* Keep a journal and write something every day, even if it's only one sentence.  (Esther, homeschool mom )

*Another important thing to remember for creative writing... Show, don't tell. For example:  “Telling = Jenny was hot. It was summer.” and “Showing = Jenny's face was red and sweat dripped into her collar. The sound of laughter came from the creek, but Jenny kept hoeing the potatoes.” (Ann, author & freelance reporter, former homeschool mom & tutor)

What ideas do you have? What ways have you made teaching writing fun and creative? Post a reply and share here!

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