This student-authored post is part of a series that highlights student perspectives around learning and executive function in the classroom.
Giving students time to write creatively is a technique many teachers use to encourage students to enjoy writing; however, without structure, many students find free-writing time stressful and unproductive.
I appreciate it when teachers give me time to write whatever I want in class, but some days I can’t think of anything to write so a creative writing activity does not encourage me to enjoy writing. Instead, it feels forced so that doesn’t allow me to be creative.
Teachers should adapt to individual student needs. For instance, when you present this type of activity, allow students to choose whether that is something they want to do; some students may like the idea of creative writing, whereas others may want to do an alternate activity. Also, some students like to write with a prompt while others don’t.
Forcing students to share their work can also discourage a love of writing. Many students’ writing can be personal, and they don’t want to share it with others.
It is essential to remember that you’re trying to encourage students to enjoy writing, so they need to feel like they’re in control. If students feel forced to write, they’re not going to like it.
- C. Solomon, Student Contributor
SMARTS Executive Function Curriculum: smarts-ef.org
Research Institute for Learning and Development: researchild.org
The Institute for Learning and Development: ildlex.org