Children and Writing -Some Recent Revelations
I recently had the pleasure of participating in a UKLA (United Kingdom Literacy Association) Zoom presentation by Ross Young from Writing for Pleasure. Ross shared some of his research findings about how UK children currently feel about writing. Here are some of my take-aways from Ross's inspiring and informative discussion. Ross is a researcher, educator and writer based in the UK. Sadly, children’s sense of autonomy about writing is diminishing. 88 % of young writers interviewed, want more choice. They believe teacher-controlled writing topics make writing harder and less motivating. They possess a passion for their own writing ideas and wish to explore their own funds of knowledge. If they are encouraged in this direction research indicates they are 8 times more likely to pursue writing beyond the classroom requirements. Too many schools in the UK approach writing from a plug and play perspective where the teacher delivers prescribed lessons curated by someone beyond the school ...