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

Cradles to Crayons® to Provide 250,000 Free Backpacks with School Supplies

C2C’s “Ready for Learning” initiative prepares children from head to toe, including clothing and backpacks in the Massachusetts, Chicagoland, and Philadelphia Tri-State regions.

Supporting New Pathways Into the Classroom

Flexible online certification programs are helping aspiring educators teach, lead, and make a difference.

PPC Members Inspire the Next Generation Through 2025 TICCIT Program

This year, the Paperboard Packaging Council reached over 7,500 students and planted more than 8,000 saplings across North America.

Introducing a New STEM Resource for Girls: The WISE Girls Toolkit

The toolkit is a practical, research-informed resource designed to foster STEM confidence in girls by blending identity work, mentorship, and hands-on STEM engagement.

Join Our Newsletter

Get 10% off a subscription, monthly giveaways, and the latest updates—straight to your inbox!

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

Breathe, Focus, and Learn: 3 Simple Exercises That Prepare Students for Academic Success

When practiced regularly, breathing techniques can become powerful self-regulation tools that serve students throughout their academic lives and beyond.

Cradles to Crayons® to Provide 250,000 Free Backpacks with School Supplies

C2C’s “Ready for Learning” initiative prepares children from head to toe, including clothing and backpacks in the Massachusetts, Chicagoland, and Philadelphia Tri-State regions.

Supporting New Pathways Into the Classroom

Flexible online certification programs are helping aspiring educators teach, lead, and make a difference.

Stories from the Stage: How Drama Education Shapes Global Citizens

Drama is far more than a performance-based art. It is a dynamic educational tool that improves students’ capacity to understand perspectives far removed from their own.

5 Essentials to Unwind This Summer

From cool beverages to portable must-haves and screen-free entertainment, these practical picks are here to help you relax and return to the classroom feeling refreshed.

PPC Members Inspire the Next Generation Through 2025 TICCIT Program

This year, the Paperboard Packaging Council reached over 7,500 students and planted more than 8,000 saplings across North America.
diễn đàn sex | penny slot machines | augsburg đấu với dortmund | casino mga | dự đoán xổ số bình dương hôm nay | trang chu vltk mobile | starspins slots | airbag slot | kết quả xổ số miền bắc ngày 25 tháng 7 | lê bống lộ 7p clip | web casino | đăng nhập tỷ phú 88 | deur op slot sleutel kwijt | casino solverde online | turnkey online casino business | canon 2900 driver 32 bit | speeder x8 | thong ke 2 so cuoi giai db | gaminator slots | casino live house | đề về 02 | xsmn 21 11 2022 | maquinas de casino trucos | soi cau 4 so vip 247 | tự tạo icon | kqsxmb100ngay | caesars palace casino | xsbd 19 1 | bdhn | slot trong liên quân là gì | cách viết thư upu năm 2023 | keo bongda888-V5 6 1 | top slots | sweet alchemy slot game | dimm slots là gì | casino royale | cau 568 | play together miễn phí không cần tải | bong88viet | soi cau vip 3mien | unibet casino online | slotomania slot | web casino 777 | royal vegas slots | william hill slots | kích thước iphone 11 | crown casino melbourne | dự đoán xổ số an giang | thống kê hai số cuối | thông kê loto | big777 slot | tai game chem hoa qua ve dien thoai | 10bet casino review |