Tips For Helping Reluctant Writers Fall In Love With Writing

Reluctant Writers Can Learn To Love Writing.

Most homeschool parents and teachers have come up against a reluctant writer at one time or another. Reluctant writers can range from students who groan and pout when asked to write a few sentences, to students who break down in tears at the mere mention of an essay. As parents and educators, we naturally want our students to enjoy writing. I firmly believe that every student can learn how to become a strong writer and can find joy in writing. However, if we are to help our reluctant writers transition from fear to excitement, we will need to address the root causes behind their aversion to writing.

There are times when the reasons behind a student's reluctance to write are complex and will require specialized support. However, there are other times when the solution may be pretty straightforward. Here are three common reasons that reluctant writers often give that can be addressed with flexibility and a few simple tweaks.

Reason 1: Too Much Freedom

Some students hit a writing block when they are given too much freedom in their writing. For example, if they are told that they can write on a topic of their choice, or are told to make up a story about anything they like, they can feel overwhelmed by the choices and not know where to begin. This can feel like being given a blank canvas and full access to the arts supply closet, when what they really need is a black-and-white coloring page and some colored pencils. They need guidance and boundaries.

For students who struggle with too much freedom in their writing, it is best to provide them with limited options. Instead of asking them to write an essay on the book they just read, give them two or three essay topics to choose from. Better yet, give them a thesis statement and have them write three paragraphs supporting that thesis. Give them the structure that they need so that they can focus on their writing without being fearful of choosing the wrong topic.

Reason 2: Too Much Structure

On the other hand, there are students who struggle with having too much structure. When they are told what to write about, they freeze up. They feel as if their creativity is being stifled, and they begin to focus on all of the things that they wish they could write about instead. They reluctantly churn out a few sentences on their assigned topic, but they take no joy in it.

For these students, consider giving them the option of choosing their own topics, with teacher approval. They can write about the assigned topic, but if they have an idea that they are more passionate about, have them run it by you. If the topic the prefer is appropriate, give them the freedom to write about what they want. You will find that when these students are given more freedom to choose what they write about, their creativity flows and they are more likely to be excited about writing.

Reason 3: Lack Of Knowledge

Some students are reluctant writers because they do not know how to write. They want to be successful, but they have never been taught how to write complex sentences or how to structure a multiple-paragraph essay. For these students, writing can be a painful and frustrating experience. Because they have not been taught that writing is a skill that everyone can learn and develop, they view writing as a talent that is unachievable for them.

These students can benefit greatly from explicit writing instruction. They need someone to come alongside them and show them how to use subordinating conjunctions to create complex sentences. They need someone to model step-by-step how they craft an argument paragraph. It is not enough to tell them to write a two-page narrative essay. They need clear and explicit instructions. They need to have the writing process demystified for them so that they can find success in writing. 

Check out this blog post to learn more about explicit writing instruction.

Final Thoughts

Reluctant writers do not have to remain reluctant. If your learner struggles with writing, dig a little deeper to find out why. Sometimes, small changes can be all that your learned needs to become excited about their next writing assignment.

If you are looking for quality, explicit writing instruction for your learner, check out my writing courses here!