Three Ideas for Energizing Writing

I don’t know if it’s happening in other places, but I’ve been feeling a compression of writing time. A number of factors contribute to this, and I appreciate the importance of them. However, I am also passionate about writing and its importance, so I’ve been promoting ideas outside of direct instructional minutes, that encourage students to write with energy, authenticity, and purpose. Here are a few: 

1. We have a Wall of Awesome in our school. 

Inspired by Neil Pasricha and his website, 1,000 Awesome Things (Be careful: Not all of Neil’s ideas of awesomeness are appropriate for elementary students…), we have a wall of awesome in our hallway. Students have access to Awesome Cards, and they have written really beautiful pieces about things, big and small, that they care about. We have printed the cards on colorful cardstock, students enjoy filling them out, they take pride in the presentation of their writing, and they enjoy reading each other’s cards. 

A couple of samples to get you started:

2. We’ve started a school newspaper this year.

We are only looking to produce two editions this year, but student excitement and energy around their school paper is high! If you decide to try this out, I recommend sharing several copies of papers with students so they can see the options for a school paper. Here are a few I started with:

• The Minipage which serves more as a sample and template
• The Kennedy Chronicle which inspired possibilities
• The Roadrunner Review which was their best exemplar

The newspaper club has attracted writers of all levels and offers them authentic and organic practice across genres of writing. I know that they would love to write even more if I provided the time and guidance!

3. A Bi-Monthly Contest

You’ll have to stay tuned to see how this one goes, and if anyone wants to try this with me, I’d welcome brainstorm buddies. Modeled after Stone Soup’s Monthly Flash Contest, I have initiated an all-district k-6 writing contest. I’ve already had many students talk through ideas, and teachers are excited, as well. Here’s hoping I have to stay up late reading entries!

I love thinking about ways to make writing important for students, and I’m excited to see how these initiatives unfold. If you try any of them, I’d love to hear!