As a teacher, I find it quite challenging to teach young writers the "how to's" when it comes to writing. It is sometimes difficult for children to come up with their own ideas or to develop a voice in their writing. School age children can sometimes have a hard time adding details, developing thoughts, or using a rich vocabulary. Journal prompts and writing exercises can help with this, but it can be overwhelming for them to put it all together in a writing piece.
I have found some great web sites that offer ideas on the pedagogy of writing -- how to teach writing. As a writer, I really did not understand how daunting this task can be, so I have been looking for help on line and in books on "how to teach writing." I have mentioned The Writing Fix in a previous blog post and that site has helped significantly. I also found another resource on Scholastic's website, which offers printables and other resources for young readers.
When I was in school, I do not recall so much emphasis on the writing process. Colorado includes writing on their standardized testing, so there is some time spent on teaching it in school. I did not realize how much goes into the actual writing process until I started studying to be a teacher myself.
Funny how you can take things for granted and not be able to teach the skill you love with others. I equate it to teaching someone how to walk or talk - it is something you do so often without thinking, it is hard to teach! This is the pedagogy, or art of teaching - being able to make someone else understand and learn regardless of the lack of experience that person may have. Quite a skill this is, this teaching thing!
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I do believe that teaching kids to be creative in writing stuffs is a daunting task, but I also believe that they will learn writing if they had the passion, and our job is only to put the flame of passion in their hearts so it is expected that we can't make all of them what we really wanted to happen, but at least show them that writing is something they will need until they grow up.
It not funny if you find it is hard to teach. For me, it is hard to do some writing than to teach others. I love teaching but I feel I'm lacking of writing skill. Everyone has their own gift, that the other don't have and vice versa. What is more important is we have passion to bring goodness with every gifts that Lord already give to us. Have a nice day.
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we really wanted to happen, but at least show them that writing is something they will need until they grow up. Nice post.
Counselor
Writing is somehow amusing for me. Since, by that way I can share all my thought and feeling. However, I know everybody has different method in explore their feelings, some are by music, some are by drawing or paint, but for me it's writing. As long as we enjoy doing it, why not. -Abel-
Some tend to adopt a narrow definition that voice is what makes one’s writing unique and personal; the intangibles that demonstrate an honest commitment to its writing. They would argue that the only clues provided to developing writers should be widespread reading and unencumbered writing practice. After a journey of self-discovery, the squishy concept of voice may emerge some day for some writers.
I take a different view. I define voice a bit more globally, encompassing what old-time Strunkers called style, as well as point of view, tone, and diction (word choice). I think that discovering voice should be the result of a guided journey. It is something that can be taught, as you have demonstrated.
http://penningtonpublishing.com/blog/writing/how-to-develop-voice-in-student-writing/
Content Writer, I do agree we have to ignite that passion and not make it seem like a task. Suresh, It is true that we are all blessed in different ways, and I have learned a lot about teaching writing, it is still more challenging to teach writing than to do it! Counselor, writing is something we will need as an adult for a long time! Abel — I am with you, my creative talent is in writing, and I am horrible in all the other creative outlets like drawing or playing a musical instrument!
Mark, thanks for your thoughtful insight. Voice is a tricky concept to teach, but I think with writing practice, that voice will come out as part of that journey. When I read a really good book (memoir-type), I can really get to know the author by hearing the voice in his or her writing!