Using the Daily 5 Strategies to Encourage Reluctant Writers
We’ve all been plagued by the dreaded “blank page”.
Falling deeper and deeper into writer’s block as you continually stare at the blank page almost taunting you is frustrating…
And we’ve all been there.
Writing is a complex process.
Not only do you need to be fluent in letter sound recognition and its reciprocal process, but there’s also the physical act of writing letters that has to happen simultaneously.
If that is challenging enough, layer on knowledge of spelling patterns and grammar rules.
Oh, and don’t forget that what you write needs to also make sense AND capture our audience’s attention.
Yeah. It’s A LOT.
The complexity of this seemingly simple task is what makes students reluctant to write.
Whether it be a gap in their learning or a lack of confidence, having strategies to encourage reluctant writers is important to help them not just grow as writers, but to also find success in other areas of their learning.
The Importance of Supporting Reluctant Writers
There are many reasons why students are reluctant to write.
Spelling difficulties…
Lack of handwriting fluency…
Unable to transcribe their ideas…
A lack of confidence…
A fear of doing it “wrong”...
Whatever the challenge may be, it’s important for teachers to find ways to break through this barrier because - whether or not we realize it - writing is everywhere.
We need to approach this work with careful precision because if we push in the wrong way, we might deepen a student’s reluctance. And the way we do that is to include “low-stress” writing opportunities during the day.
These are opportunities for students to write that aren’t tied to instruction. These are opportunities where students can be creative and “play” with the art of writing in a space that is free of grades and (in the students’ minds) judgment. By providing these times during the day - even for the beginning writer - creates a space where reluctant writers feel safe and inspired to write.
Key Strategies for Engaging Reluctant Writers in Daily 5 Work on Writing
When looking for ways to support reluctant writers - no matter the grade level - teachers should look at adopting strategies and practices that make the act of writing seem less intimidating for students.
I know that teachers don’t go out of their way to make writing seem intimidating to students.
But when it’s already a struggle for students - which we know it can be for a variety of reasons - that feeling becomes connected with the physical act of writing, so as skilled teachers, we need to find ways to combat it.
And this is where the Daily 5 comes in.
We know that if reluctant writers feel confident enough to write during Work on Writing time, they are less likely to be a distraction for the students around them. And also, in building their confidence as a writer, you’re arming the student with tools to be successful throughout their academic career and beyond. (Yup, writing is that important!)
Here are some strategies that I’ve found success with to support reluctant writers.
The Role of Choice in Motivating Writers
Remember those standardized tests we took back when we were kids?
I vividly remember getting to the writing section of the test and just staring blankly at the page as the timer ticked down (ugh the stress!)
The reason that I was trapped by dreaded writer’s block wasn’t because I struggled with writing - I loved writing - but it was because I lacked background knowledge of the topic I had to write about.
Now layer that lack of background knowledge with struggling with spelling, handwriting, etc…
To support my students during the Work on Writing center, I provide writing prompts that students can use. Every day, students can choose from one of three writing prompts that they find inspiration from, or they can choose to write about anything they’d like.
By providing choice, students feel motivated to write because the pressure of figuring out what to write is eliminated.
Using Technology to Support Writing
Technology is a great way to make writing more accessible and FUN for reluctant writers - especially for designated free writing time.
Tools such as Google Docs or other alternatives to handwriting can be a great option for students who struggle with handwriting or spelling to be able to get into the flow of storytelling or sharing information.
Also, there are some AMAZING digital storytelling tools and apps to engage students.
These multimedia options provide creative outlets for students to express themselves. Students are able to use images, sounds, and other media to create pieces that extend beyond traditional writing formats.
Creating a Low-Stress, Ungraded Environment
This quote comes to mind when I think of the writing process…
“Comparison is the thief of joy.”
Writing is hard. It takes effort. Not to mention taking your thoughts and ideas and making them visible is intimidating. The constant worry of their work being compared or analyzed can completely suck the creative aspect out of writing.
Yes - as teachers we need to assess writing. But for reluctant or struggling writers, being stuck in analysis paralysis or worrying that they have to hear that their piece - again - doesn’t meet the grade level standards, keeps them stuck.
By keeping Work on Writing work ungraded, students are free to take risks and explore different writing styles. Students can let their inner creativity loose and lean into their own version of self-expression rather than being worried about correcting grammar or mechanics.
I do, however, look at my students’ writing journals weekly. This is NOT for a grade - but rather it’s an accountability measure to make sure students are continuing to follow expectations.
Tools to Motivate Reluctant Writers
I’m not gonna lie, supporting reluctant writers can feel challenging at first.
You see, the thing is, not every reluctant writer is being held back by the same thing. So knowing if it’s a struggle with confidence, grammar/conventions, handwriting fluency, or something else, is vital to breaking that barrier for them.
And eliminating that dreaded not knowing what to write about is one of them.
I know that coming up with writing prompts every day - on top of all the other prepping you need to do - can feel overwhelming. Which is why I want to share with you the writing prompts I use with my own students (and the best part…it’s for the entire year!)
More Strategies for Supporting Writers
Looking for more strategies to support work on writing time?
Check out this this YouTube video!
In it I share exactly how I launch Work on Writing with my students.