Writing Tip: Emphasize Content Rather Than Mechanics

The empahsis placed on grading a student’s paper directly reflects on how much writing they will do and on the quality of the writing they produce.  If what is being said in the paper becomes more important than the mechanics, the student will be much more willing to write and the key is to get the them to write.  Take the empahsis off of the mechanics and spend more time working on elaboration, and content.  Help by providing a good dictionary and thesaurus and discussing how the student can make their writing more interesting and understandable.  The student will feel more comfortable about writing and want to write more, which translates into a better writer.  Practice really does make a difference.

Writing Environment Is Important

Students will respond more positively to writing if the atmosphere/surroundings/environment is conducive to writing.  How can you set up an area that makes the young writer feel like thinking and writing?

• Have quiet music playing that goes along with the theme of the writing assignment.  Use music with a faster beat for exciting adventure stories.  Use soft classical if the story is poignant or sad.  Funny stories work well with upbeat fun songs such as “Yellow Submarine”.
• Make sure there is plenty of lighting and have as much natural light as possible.
• Have a comfortable area for thinking.  The student should be able to pre-write in this space.  A bean bag or soft cushion by a window or the fireplace in the winter and even outside when it is warm enough.
• Once the pre-writing is completed the student either sits at a computer, desk, or table to do the actual writing.  Make sure they have all the materials needed for the job.  Paper, pencils, pens, eraser, markers, crayons, etc.
• If there are several students or a classroom, encourage quiet discussion and peer editing.  Feedback is a very good thing.
• Young brains need nourishment and a healthy snack, readily available, keeps the neurons snapping.

The more comfortable, inviting, and conducive to writing the environment is, the more successful the young writer will be.