Why write? Tips for reluctant writers

Why Write? Tips for reluctant writers

July 28, 2020

Why write when so many forces in the world seem to intercept writing? Writing is back-breaking, mind-breaking work. Kids (boys especially!) might ask: Why bother? Many adults don’t know how to teach writing to their kids or to encourage it at home. Or they might be insecure about their own writing, passing that reluctance onto their children. But writing skills are very important! Here’s why…….

Writing can teach you to think

There’s jumble and unconscious rumble in our minds most of the time. Our kids (and us) live in a stream of information, and most of that stream doesn’t really go anywhere. Use this example with your son: writing can help your son to discipline (or train) his mind the same way that a workout disciplines the body. Writing can help him to reason and to give reasons.

Starting a story takes grit

Boys can verbally tell you a story, often chatting for many minutes. But as soon as paper and pencil are produced……. it becomes a ghost-white page that haunts them. Basically, starting a story can take alot of courage for some kids. Look at writing a story like football – throw yourself into the game, all out, head down and body on the line into the opposition. They need to just start.

Do it every day

Writing for boys can be daunting, scary and harrowing. So, make writing a regular encounter for your son. Get them to fill in information on the family calendar, write lists, write a letter to Grandma, a note of thanks, write jokes on bits of paper. For younger boys, use a shoe box as a letterbox. Sticky notes are terrific to have on hand.

Here are some inspiring ideas for younger boys to get writing:

Make them a Story Box – fill it with action heroes, dinosaurs, cars, pictures of sports/sportspeople, something from nature or anything that is special to them.
Check out this online Sentence Starter This will deliberately help your son to move past their fear of coming up with ideas.
Use Comic Strips (free templates can be downloaded and printed). A comic strip can be useful for planning out your son’s story.

Ideas for older boys (12+ years)

Draw up a contract. Want to see some really creative writing? Ask them to draw up a contract when they want more pocket money, a new phone/computer game or permission to adopt a pet. The child has to be persuasive, spelling out terms and conditions and probably writing multiple drafts before the document is finally acceptable to both parties. Hang the signed version in the kitchen.
Write to a celebrity. As a Year 7 teacher, I once asked my teenagers to write to their favourite celebrities – football players, pop singers, actors and politicians – and request autographs or other belongings. This strategy not only taught them persuasive writing and business-style writing but reinforced politeness and keeping to the specifics – do they want an autographed t-shirt or poster? Why do they admire that person?
Suggest a journal or diary. Journalling is a great way to learn free writing and to deal with feelings. Journals and diaries can be done in a number of ways: school journals, personal journals, sports journals, and holiday journals.
Publish it. Does your son like to read 4WD magazines? Sport mags? Encourage them to write to the editor of their favourite magazine with feedback or to ask a question. The Aussie website Your Secret Sauce encourages kids to write stories with other kids from all over the world – check it out.

The last word…..

Our aim should be to improve our boys’ relationship with writing. If your son is particularly frustrated don’t allow him to give up on the difficult task (unless it really is beyond his ability). You may need to postpone completing the writing activity until he cools down, but teach him to persevere. We need our boys to leap the barrier and start to write.

Extra tip

I know I’m stating the obvious but reading improves your son’s vocabulary and language skills. Reading is a stepping stone to better writing. Subconsciously, he will absorb information on how to structure sentences and how to use words and other language features effectively in his writing and speaking. If he’s a reluctant reader, have a look at our website where the topics are boy-centric and cater to their interests. The topics have been chosen for their high interest, readability and relevance. (Plus they’ve been written by qualified teachers.)