Many times, students refuse to write. Parents are often at a loss as to how to make creative writing happen because there is such opposition to this activity. There are many reasons why a student would be less than interested in writing activities. I’ve broken down some of the main issues and what you can do about them below.
Low Muscle Tone
Sometimes students do not want to write because they have low muscle tone. This may mean they feel pain or the task of holding a pencil is difficult. You can work on muscle tone using activities such as play dough, using tweezers to move items from one place to another, kneading bread, and other activities. Some students use weighted pencils which seems to help, though others may not feel better using this option. You can also offer the option of typing or parent writing for the student for part of the assignment. Consider having the student use a speech to text app or recorder. The information can always be written later in smaller sections as long as you have the basic information recorded via sound or typed words.
Can’t Sit Still or No Focus
Many times, students do not seem focused on the topic at hand. This may be due to a special need or preoccupation with another interest. Make sure there is a physical activity such as swinging, running, jumping, rolling, pushing a somewhat heavy object such as a laundry basket, etc. beforehand if this helps your student to settle and focus. Use the interests your child has to guide writing. If your student can only focus for 5 minutes, write mini-stories or journal entries. Another option would be to write using a timer which stops after 5 minutes, or even less if needed. You can always work up to a longer writing time per session. I would also suggest sitting together to write. If you model this, or work as a writing team, things may go better. Keep in mind that some students need to move or fidget to think and focus. Your child may not want to need to move while working but needs to all the same so, use fidget toys, allow standing up or sitting in a place other than a desk or table to help facilitate thinking. More information can be found here.
Bored
If your child says they are bored, they may be uninterested, or they may have difficulty in one of the other areas mentioned here but unable to tell you. Maybe your child is nervous you will be mad if they don’t rise to your expectations, so they don’t want to begin. Perhaps they are unsure as to how to explain the issue. If your student is bored, consider using interest-led topics. Students who have a buy-in, or reason to care about a task, are more likely to complete that task. If your child loves planes, then read about planes, talk about planes, write about planes, and draw about planes. Another option is to create a master list if sentence starters (One day a dog was walking…., My mom is silly because…., I love to play….). Don’t be afraid of fun activities like dressing up as your characters, hosting a party for your characters, designing a setting for the characters, or using options such as poetry or drama instead of the typical fiction writing we often see in classrooms.
Can’t Get Started
The writing process uses a lot of executive functioning skills. For more information about executive functioning, click here. Because children do not yet have strong executive functioning skills, we may need to use lists or pictures to assist in the writing process. Use examples and help when a child is stuck and isn’t sure where to begin or how to continue. Writing is hard work for most people whether choosing one’s own topic or writing after being given a prompt. Support any effort given even if small. Use small amounts of time if your child is getting overwhelmed. Map out the characters, plot or problem and solution, and setting before writing. Allow your student to use a speech to text app or to type their story. They can always write by hand later if needed. Use favorite picture books and novels to give examples of writing. Explain that every writer has times when writing is difficult and that’s ok. Remember that your child may need support to work through the steps of the writing process.
If you are concerned about your reluctant writer, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I provide consultations with families every day to assist in their educational programs and decision-making. Put my experience to work for you!