I have always loved to write, from short stories as an elementary child, to love poems as a teenager, and now as a part-time professional. It has started to become second nature, except when I am out of practice!
I never thought I would have to TEACH others how to write, especially children. Have you ever had to turn around and teach something that is second nature to you? It can be challenging. It is like trying to teach someone how to walk, read, ride a bike, or drive. There are so many small steps to these events that you take for granted.
I truly thought math and science would be my most challenging subjects to teach. However, I am learning that because I am weaker in these subjects, I am re-learning them as well. I can SEE the steps. Somehow, this makes these subjects easier to teach. Sounds counter intuitive, doesn't it?
I never really thought about how I would teach this skill since many times, I don't even have a process. I just write. Well, there are many processes, and there are different types of writing. Expository, narrative, and poetry to name a few.
Tomorrow, I will have my first lesson for my 4th graders on how to start a story, a narrative. I didn't really think it would be too difficult, but I have not written too much fiction, so I had to stop and put some thought into it.
As I searched the Internet, I found some really cool websites. Websites that discuss the writing process and many on how to teach the writing process. One on particular, WritingFix, I found especially helpful. The title page, states the site is for teachers, students & writers. Perfect. I consider myself all three.
So, I will now go into the class, feeling more prepared on how to teach writing, an activity I do almost every single day. Has anyone else had to teach writing? I could always use more tips!
