Teacher Forum: Writing From the Heart

This week we're talking about the best ways to inspire students to write.  In her classic "The Art of Teaching Writing," Lucy McCormick Calkins stresses the importance of reaching into a child's own personal well of experiences...

While some kids might do fine with an assignment that gives them the idea, or topic, for a writing task, Calkins suggests opening that task to include anything that has personally touched the student.

Yes, you could say "Write a two-page story about a dog who visits the zoo."  But in order to make writing more personal (and therefore more satisfying), ask each student to spend a few minutes sifting their own memories and experiences.  Allow them to craft the story of their own choosing.

I think you'll find them much more invested in the writing process.  If you'd like to read Calkins book, you can find it on Amazon right here.

Okay, your turn.  Thoughts?  Suggestions?  Ideas?  Remember, this is your site!

Dom Testa
Author of the Galahad series of books
www.DomTesta.com

Leave a Reply

Fields marked with  * are required.

Name *
Email * (will not be published)
Website
Comment