6 Writing Strategies for Students That Actually Help

Struggling to make writing click for your students? You’re not alone. Teachers often find it challenging to navigate the diverse needs of their students in writing. Recent shifts in education have made this problem more difficult. This isn’t just about spelling or grammar; it’s about building confidence and motivation in our young writers. [1]

This article delves into six simple yet powerful strategies. They enhance students’ writing skills. These tactics are more than just rules; they’re stepping stones to success in writing for students at all levels. Stay with us as we unfold these transformative strategies. We designed them to make writing an enjoyable and rewarding experience for your students. Let’s get started!

What are Writing Strategies even?

Writing strategies are methods used to enhance writing skills. They involve various techniques that assist in structuring thoughts, ideas, and narratives. They do so in a coherent and engaging manner. These strategies are essential in transforming raw ideas into well-crafted pieces of writing.

They improve writing by making it clearer, more coherent, and more creative. They also provide a framework that guides writers. This is especially true for young learners. It helps them express their thoughts effectively. By employing these strategies, writers can communicate their ideas more powerfully and persuasively.

Writing strategies include ideation methods like mind mapping. This helps in organizing thoughts visually. Examples also include word choice techniques. These focus on selecting precise and impactful words.

#1 Ideation

Imagine facing the challenge of starting a new story or article. The blank page in front of you can be daunting. This is a common scenario for many writers, including myself. To overcome this, ideation becomes a key strategy. Mind mapping, for instance, is a technique I use to organize thoughts. It’s like drawing a map of your mind. Each idea leads to another, forming a network of interconnected thoughts. This method clarifies my ideas. It also makes the writing process more manageable and less intimidating for me.

I particularly use Canva’s whiteboard for mind-mapping and brainstorming. Though FigJam AI and Notion are great alternatives. 

While writing, children often face similar challenges — a whirlwind of ideas with no clear starting point. By introducing them to mind mapping, you can help them see their thoughts laid out visually. It’s a fun and engaging way to encourage them to organize their ideas. This approach can make writing more approachable for them and less of a chore.J.K.

Rowling’s success with Harry Potter was partly due to her detailed ideation process. She meticulously planned her series with extensive character backgrounds and plot outlines. This example can be inspiring for children.

#2 Word Choice

Choosing the right words to clearly express your message can be challenging. I’ve often struggled to find the perfect words to express my thoughts and emotions. This is where the strategy of word choice plays a crucial role. Each word carries its own weight and color, shaping the narrative and its impact on the reader.

I frequently use ChatGPT and Thesaurus to explore synonyms. They better capture what I’m trying to say. This practice enriches my vocabulary and sharpens my understanding of language nuances.

Children might struggle to find words that truly reflect their ideas or feelings. Encouraging them to use a thesaurus or similar tools can broaden their word choices. It can also help them articulate their thoughts better.

Ernest Hemingway is known for writing with simplicity and precision. It is a great example to share with children. His careful selection of words made his stories powerful yet accessible. Hemingway’s style shows how word choice can greatly impact writing. It demonstrates the power of effective word choice for clarity and impact. [2]

By guiding children to be thoughtful in their word choice, we can help them develop a stronger, more expressive writing style.

#3 Journaling

My habit of journaling ensures I don’t start from scratch, every time I sit to write. It’s a simple yet effective practice. I write down my thoughts, feelings, or experiences daily. This routine is like a conversation on paper. It helps me untangle my thoughts and find clarity in my ideas. It’s a way to explore different writing styles and express creativity.

I often use simple notebook apps like Google Keep or Notion for journaling. These platforms are user-friendly and accessible. They make my habit of journaling easy to maintain.

Children, too, can benefit immensely from journaling. It offers them a personal space to express themselves freely. This is crucial for their emotional and cognitive development. Encouraging children to journal gives them a tool to explore their inner world. It also helps them develop their writing skills in a stress-free environment.

The Diary of Anne Frank is a profound example of the power of journaling. As a young girl, she chronicled her life during a tumultuous historical period. Her diary, a personal outlet, later became a historical document. It offered a unique perspective on the events of World War II. This example can inspire children. It can show them the value of recording their thoughts and experiences.

#4 Collaborative Writing

Writing with others can be really fun and helpful. Collaborative writing is like building a giant puzzle together. Everyone adds their own piece. When I write with others, we share ideas; sometimes, a friend’s idea sparks a new thought in my mind. Seeing how our different ideas mix and create a cool story is exciting.

In school, teachers can set up group writing projects. This is a great way for kids to learn how to work together and share their creative ideas. They can write a story, a report, or even a play as a team. Each kid brings their own special ideas to the table, making the writing richer and more fun.

A great example of collaborative writing is when scientists write a research paper. They work as a team, each adding their knowledge. This teamwork makes their research stronger. [3]

Collaborative writing teaches kids that writing can be a fun journey with friends. It’s full of learning and sharing.

#5 Prompting

Sometimes, starting a story is hard. A great way to help is using prompts, like a starting point for ideas. Prompts can be questions, pictures, or words that get you thinking. When I use prompts, they’re like little sparks that light up my imagination.

For kids, prompts are like starting points for a treasure hunt in writing. They can turn a simple picture or a question into an exciting adventure on paper. It’s like a game where the prompt is the first clue, and their the story is the journey to find the treasure.

A great example of using prompts is in classrooms. Teachers use them to inspire kids’ writing. According to Scholastic, an educational company, prompts help students think creatively. They also help students start writing more easily. Writing then feels like a fun discovery, not just another school task.

#6 Minimizing Negatives

When writing, focusing on what’s wrong is easy. But a better way is to look at what’s good and how to improve it. Minimizing negatives is what this is called. Instead of just saying what’s not working, it’s about finding ways to improve. When I write, I think about what I like in my story and how I can make the rest as good as that part.

For kids, this means giving them positive feedback. Tell them what’s great in their story and suggest how to improve other parts. This approach makes writing feel more like a fun project than correcting errors. It’s about helping them make their story the best it can be.

In schools, teachers use positive feedback to encourage students. The National Council of Teachers of English says focusing on strengths in student writing builds confidence. It also improves writing skills. This method turns writing into a positive and enjoyable experience.

Final Thoughts

Incorporating ideation, word choice, and journaling can revolutionize students’ writing experiences. Collaborative writing, prompting, and minimizing negatives also help. Each writing strategy uniquely fosters clearer, more creative, and more confident writing. Educators and guardians should experiment with various combinations of these methods. They should guide students on an exciting writing journey. With the encouragement for experimentation in different contexts, students can explore and excel in all facets of writing. They can integrate these strategies into their unique creative expression.