When a writer is reluctant, she often doesn’t feel safe. The first step in helping a reluctant writer is often to connect with her. Let her know that you understand that writing can be very difficult. You might tell her a story about a time that writing was challenging for you. You might share a book with her such as Ralph Writes a Story by Abby Hanlon in which she will see her own experience mirrored. Let her know by whatever means that you accept her, and you honor her struggle.
Next, try to assess what is going on. Did the writer have a bad experience with writing previously? Is holding the pencil hard for him? Or is it organizing his thoughts? Is there a particular part of the writing process that feels most challenging? When you help a writer to name exactly what feels hard, often the challenge no longer feels as scary or insurmountable. Make sure he knows that others struggle with this part of writing. Change his narrative from “I’m not a good writer” to “I’m a good writer who is working on this thing.” Then, of course, you can offer the writer specific strategies and supports to help him overcome his challenge.
Further, once you know if there is a specific challenge that is leading to the writer’s reluctance, you can alter your expectations for her. You’ll still likely expect that she will engage in each part of the writing process. But you might expect less volume at the start of the year, or for her to cycle through the process a bit more slowly. When the expectations are identical for every writer, whether you communicate your expectations clearly or not, reluctant writers often get a sense they are not meeting them, and then give up. Help reluctant writers to celebrate successes and steps forward, no matter how incremental they are.
This week’s TCRWP Twitter chat will be focused on this important topic. Marie Mounteer and Lizzie Hetzer, staff developers and co-authors of Show and Tell, From Labels to Pattern Books, know a thing or two about engaging young writers. Be sure to join this chat for a wealth of ideas on how you can inspire even the most reluctant.
Each Wednesday night at 7:30pm eastern, The Teacher's College Reading and Writing Project hosts a Twitter chat using the hashtag #TCRWP. Join @mcmounteer & @lizziehetzer to chat about supporting reluctant writers tomorrow evening.
Not on Twitter? Take Heinemann’s free Twitter for Educators course here.
Follow her on Twitter @annagcockerille