Teacher models writing ideas in her/his writing book. During other lessons add something to write about in "my writing ideas" book. Encourage the children to have their book near them at all times.
Find photos, pictures etc that will provide inspiration and motivation. Share ideas. Ask the children to share from their writing book. In this way the children will build up a raft of ideas. No more "I don't know what to write about".
For pre_writing (RTF 99KB) . Use the ideas book to generate writing topics. Model using your book and talk through finding a suitable topic. Brainstorm ideas for writing topics on the white board. Mind map the ideas and then sequence showing a beginning, middle and ending.
Using graphic organisers to help the children think of a topic and develop ideas is a good way to organise their thoughts. Visit the following websites and think how you could use them to explore ideas and motivate the children. Do not over use these organisers, keep them as a fresh and innovative idea.
The teacher plays an important part in writing activities. Motivating the children with examples of other people's writing, setting the scene through role playing, suggesting ideas and sharing your own writing will help develop writers in your class.
Writing descriptions of favourite places using the 5 senses can be an ideal starting point to get children to focus on the description. Ask them to tell you what their place smells like, tastes of, how it feels, looks and what you can hear there. Using the senses allows children to brainstorm different descriptive thoughts and ideas.
Setting the scene can allow for great writing, eg. Ask someone to come into your class and engage your attention. While you hunt for something get them to take your handbag, laptop, favourite pen or something personal. After they leave find the theft and ask the children to brainstorm descriptions.
Published on: 23 May 2009
