EASY WRITING TIPS

1. Writing is a process, not an event. It's not how much time I write, but how many times I write. Even kindergartners and first graders should get in the habit of working on the same story or picture more than one time.

2. Smaller writing blocks done frequently will produce better detail driven stories. Students who always write until they're bored think writing is boring.

3. Simple ideas are best. The more you know about something the easier it is to write about it. Students often choose to write about things they want to know about instead of things they already know about.

4. Erasers are not needed for rough drafts. Students often want to make the rough draft look like a final draft. Remember, criticizing a rough draft for mechanical errors is like telling someone they can play in the mud and then getting upset when they get dirty.

5. Revising should be a done while writing the rough draft. A student who waits until the rough draft is complete before revising will often feel that it's unnecessary and too much work.  Remember, revising is making the story sound better. Editing is making it look better.

6. Sizes, colors, names and places are my four favorite details. Color words add flavor to a story. The youngest writer can be an expert at putting colors in a story. Size words add pizzazz to a story. Every student has a huge list of size words they know. Don't let them get stuck on "big" and "small." Names make stories seem real. Even though a story is make believe it should still seem like it really happened. Putting places in a story establishes a setting. Students should continually ask, "Where is my character?"

7. Write with your students. Nothing will motivate your students to write more than seeing that you write.

8. My rules for student authors. Authors are thinkers. If I can think it I can write it. When I write it I put in lots of details. I don't have enough details until I revise. I edit so people can read it.

Processing the Traits

Writing Tips for Kids