Students will respond more positively to writing if the atmosphere/surroundings/environment is conducive to writing. How can you set up an area that makes the young writer feel like thinking and writing?
- Have quiet music playing that goes along with the theme of the writing assignment. Use music with a faster beat for exciting adventure stories. Use soft classical if the story is poignant or sad. Funny stories work well with upbeat fun songs such as “Yellow Submarine”.
- Make sure there is plenty of lighting and have as much natural light as possible.
- Have a comfortable area for thinking. The student should be able to pre-write in this space. A bean bag or soft cushion by a window or the fireplace in the winter and even outside when it is warm enough.
- Once the pre-writing is completed the student either sits at a computer, desk, or table to do the actual writing. Make sure they have all the materials needed for the job. Paper, pencils, pens, eraser, markers, crayons, etc.
- If there are several students or a classroom, encourage quiet discussion and peer editing. Feedback is a very good thing.
- Young brains need nourishment and a healthy snack, readily available, keeps the neurons snapping.
The more comfortable, inviting, and conducive to writing the environment is, the more successful the young writer will be.
Tags: Homeschool Writing, Motivating Writers, Self-Directed Learning, Teaching Writing