SUBSCRIBE FOR ONLY $16.99!

Helping Students Overcome the “But I’m just not a good writer” Mindset

Advertisement

Originally published in TEACH Magazine, September/October 2017 Issue

By Deborah Rooney

As soon as I utter the words “writing assignment,” looks of panic appear on my students’ faces. Their hands shoot up like rockets and the questions immediately start: “How long does it need to be? Does spelling count? When is it due? What happens if I don’t finish on time?” The children don’t even know what they are writing about; however, that’s not what is important to them.

As I begin to enthusiastically explain the assignment, I know my students aren’t listening to a word I’m saying. Instead, they’re plotting how they can complete the assignment as quickly as possible. Children have told me they use many techniques to ease the pain of the writing process: altering margins, changing the line spacing, and using Arial font rather than Times New Roman because it takes up more space.

I recall smiling to myself in amazement when hearing their strategies. I must admit, I wish I’d thought of all of this when I was in high school. But I didn’t have a computer, so I relied on writing large enough to fill the page as quickly as possible!

Knowing how my students feel about writing, I have found a few procedures that allow them to complete their assignments somewhat painlessly, while also allowing me to accomplish my teaching goals.

Subscribe to Keep Reading

🔑 You’re one step away from unlocking premium content.
Subscribe now for just $15.99/year and get full access!
If you’re already subscribed, please .

Deborah Rooney, MEd, is an educational specialist in Massachusetts and has a successful private practice teaching and advocating for children in kindergarten through twelfth grade. In addition, she works for the Belmont Hill School and Buckingham Browne & Nichols School. Deborah recently created a writing program for all grade levels, along with a study and organizational skills program for middle and high schoolers.

Education News

The Secret to Thriving Schools? Parents Who Feel Safe and Heard

To create a culture of safety and help parents feel confident sending their children to school, school leaders must communicate with families about the safety measures that are in place.

New Book from NYC Science Teacher Strives to Reimagine Education in Urban Classrooms

In "Learning Environment," award-winning New York City science teacher Dr. Fox transforms traditional instruction into immersive, justice-driven learning.

Turning Pages, Turning Up: Tackling Absenteeism Through Reading Culture

Across the nation, educators are facing a growing crisis of chronic absenteeism. And while interventions often focus on remediation or outreach, one Title I school in Kentucky tried a different solution: running school-wide reading challenges.

Clothing Insecurity: A Hidden Barrier to Student Success

As kids prepare to step through the school doors and start another year, I’m particularly mindful of the 20 million children in the U.S. experiencing clothing insecurity.

Join Our Newsletter

Join now for a chance to win 1 of 2 $25 Indigo e-gift cards this month!

Deborah Rooney
Deborah Rooney
Deborah Rooney, MEd, is an educational specialist in Massachusetts and has a successful private practice teaching and advocating for children in kindergarten through twelfth grade. In addition, she works for the Belmont Hill School and Buckingham Browne & Nichols School. Deborah recently created a writing program for all grade levels, along with a study and organizational skills program for middle and high schoolers.

Advertisement

Read More

The Secret to Thriving Schools? Parents Who Feel Safe and Heard

To create a culture of safety and help parents feel confident sending their children to school, school leaders must communicate with families about the safety measures that are in place.

New Book from NYC Science Teacher Strives to Reimagine Education in Urban Classrooms

In "Learning Environment," award-winning New York City science teacher Dr. Fox transforms traditional instruction into immersive, justice-driven learning.

Back-to-School Must-Haves: Transform Your Classroom with These Indispensable Items

With the right tools and products at your side, you can turn the chaotic transition from summer break back to school into a smooth ride.

The Secret to a Quiet Lunch Break: Building Student Relationships

The trick to not using all your personal days during the first month of school is to focus on stopping bad behavior before it starts, instead of punishing students after the fact.

Turning Pages, Turning Up: Tackling Absenteeism Through Reading Culture

Across the nation, educators are facing a growing crisis of chronic absenteeism. And while interventions often focus on remediation or outreach, one Title I school in Kentucky tried a different solution: running school-wide reading challenges.

Clothing Insecurity: A Hidden Barrier to Student Success

As kids prepare to step through the school doors and start another year, I’m particularly mindful of the 20 million children in the U.S. experiencing clothing insecurity.
jackpot city casino download | máquinas progresivas | ruleta busqueda del tesoro | hotel casino en las vegas | casino saltillo | casinos in oklahoma | como ganar dinero con un video | mayan palace casino | grand lisboa casino | la caliente mx | ruleta de montecarlo | goldfish casino | 500 casino | numeros neon | ruleta de retos para adolescentes | casino leon | mejores casinos online mexico | como insertar una ruleta en power point | gold coast hotel and casino | netabet casino | ruleta casino mesa | casinos online en mexico | casino hollywood monterrey | arenia casino | como ganar dinero american truck simulator | como ganar dinero en club penguin 2019 | cómo se apuesta en caliente | maquinas tragamonedas gratis | 777 slot machine | bingo zitro online gratis | casino presidencial | gigamatch | casino en linea | danna paola ruleta | cómo se juega la ruleta de casino | yak casino online | casino veracruz | casino codere durango | casino aguacaliente tijuana | casino codere mazatlan | las vegas casinò online |