Hey there, wordsmith-in-the-making! We get it, putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) can be a tad intimidating for young writers. But fear not, because we're about to spill the beans on how to make the whole writing gig a breeze and, dare we say, a tad fun!
1. Say Goodbye to Writing Anxiety with Google Docs Magic:
Picture this: a blank page staring back at you, and your mind draws a blank too. Sound familiar? Enter the superhero of writing – Google Docs! It's like a cozy writing nook where you can express yourself, and share your writing with a teacher, tutor, or parent to edit afterward. Lower the anxiety levels by making the writing process smooth. Google Docs lets young writers dive into their thoughts without the pressure of perfection. Plus, it's a safe space where edits don't feel like red-pen massacres but more like friendly suggestions.
2. Spice Things Up with Interesting Writing Prompts:
Let's face it, not all writing prompts are created equal. Some are the snooze-fest variety, while others are the unicorns of creativity. Bring the latter to the table! Imagine prompts that tickle the imagination, like writing a story from the perspective of a talking cat or crafting a letter to a time-traveling friend. Injecting a bit of excitement into the prompts ensures that writing becomes less of a chore and more of an adventure. Check out this free week of prompts to print or write on directly in Google Slides!Â
3. Feedback – The Friendly Editor's Touch:
Now, let's talk feedback. No one likes feeling like their masterpiece is getting torn apart, right? Start slow, like dipping your toes in a pool before taking the plunge. Use Google Docs to provide feedback side by side, highlighting a couple of grammar hiccups or suggesting snazzier synonyms. Gradually, as trust builds, you can edit more, shaping those struggle bus stories into polished pieces. It's all about making feedback a positive step forward, not a critique that sends budding writers running for the hills. Need some guidance? This video will walk you through how to edit from two screens, and create your own writer’s notebook!Â
So there you have it – the secret sauce to building up young writers.
With Google Docs as the trusty sidekick, exciting prompts as the adventure guide, and feedback as the friendly editor, we're turning the writing journey from daunting to delightful. Happy writing, wordsmiths!Â
Looking for further guidance? Check out these self-paced courses … including an asynchronous writing course!
Melissa Muir, MAT
Melissa is a homeschooling mom of 4 and wife. She hails from the Commonwealth of Virginia, but has lived in Quito, Ecuador for the past 11 years, teaching public & private schools, online, as well as homeschooling her own kiddos!
Melissa Is Teaching shares resources and materials with homeschoolers and educators who are looking to serve learners with excellence while being present at home.