How To Grow Young Writers Who Are Decision Makers

 


Each and every time writing conversations are conducted with inexperienced writers the guiding question is commonly framed around –where do I begin?

When a young writer is struggling to find a focus for their writing, teachers frequently seek to help the writer find a suitable topic by reminding them of their interest, or referring to their personal writing history. This approach generally works.

Rather than taking this course of action let’s consider the writer in terms of the  future and what we as teachers can do to support and empower their decision making around writing. We could ask questions such as ‘What strategies do you think other writers use to find out what it is they might write about?’

If the young writers suggests they do not know the teacher could suggest some pre-writing strategies that could be employed to assist a writers to identify a writing focus

Strategies such as:

  • Reading/rereading
  • Researching
  • Listing  clustering and brainstorming
  • Notetaking
  • Talk and discussion
  • Observation
  • Drawing
  • Mapping
  • Thinking/Reflecting
  • Rehearsing words/sentences

Such strategies are not called upon in any preset order. They may be used individually, or in concert depending on the needs of the writer at that time. 

By drawing the young writer’s attention to these various options, the writer has an opportunity to choose the strategy/strategies that best suit their individual  needs. This also serves to empower the writer to be self-initiating in future situations, knowing they have a range of options from which to choose. There are many ways to shine a light on the processes of writing. Drawing the inexperienced writer’s attention to a range of strategies they can easily call upon when there is a need to identify a topic grows independence and self-direction. 

It is important to discourage dependency within the learner. In order to attain independence the young writer requires an armoury of tools they can easily access when needed. Drawing attention to your own process for identifying a focus for your writing is also most helpful. Discuss some of the strategies you call upon to assist you at such times.

I am reminded of the much used adage- ‘Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.’ The origin of this most familiar saying is quite contested, but the message continues to resonate strongly.


Alan j Wright.



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