Ten Ways to Motivate Reluctant Writers, Part Two

Motivation is the bane of the writing teacher.

Good writing takes practice to learn, and there’s the rub. Kids who don’t like it are only going to practice under great duress, and then only as little as possible with the minimum they can get away with. But sometimes–I’ve seen it happen–an assignment or project will engage their imagination enough to give it some honest effort. All their assignments can’t be fun, but sparking up the usual grind with an imaginative exercise or two can help the medicine go down.

So, last week I started with a list of five potential motivators, but as often happens, ideas beget other ideas. So if the first five lit no fires, consider these:

• Round Robin Stories. This is definitely a group activity, but could be fun for a family if there are enough willing participants (including parents!). Each participant starts with a story prompt, a setting, or an object (or all three). After writing the first paragraph of the story, each participant passes their paper to the next writer, who continues the story with the second paragraph, then passes it on for the third paragraph, and so on. This can be played in a random manner with no guidelines, but could be more fun (and easier on those of us with more pedestrian imaginations) if some direction was included. For example–
  • First paragraph: Place and time, up to three characters (they don’t have to be people).
  • Second paragraph: Something happens! The characters have a problem.
  • Third paragraph: They try to solve the problem; doesn’t work.
  • Fourth paragraph: They try another solution; doesn’t work.
  • Fifth paragraph: Everybody is unhappy.
  • Sixth paragraph: The last solution works and everybody is happy again—or not.
  • This could take place over a few days; no need to finish in one sitting.

At the end, of course, read them out loud. Everybody will want to know what the next person did with their particular contribution.

• Imaginary Interviews. “Interview” your favorite sports hero, historical character, or fictional character. Write a list of questions about topics you’d really like to know, then imagine how the subject would answer.
• POV Switch. Write 2-3 entries in the diary of a family member. Imagine an actual recent event and write it as though someone besides you—sibling, parent, possibly friend—were recording it in a their personal diary. (Talk about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes!)
• Dream Journal. You know how dreams start disappearing almost as soon as we wake up? Try keeping a notebook handy to write as much as you remember of your most vivid dreams. (Share them only if you want to!)
• Game on! Describe your favorite video game as if you were in it as a player. Keep a tight focus and describe only one sequence or one strategic play.

If none of these appeal to you or your students, they may provide a springboard to something else. Ideas beget other ideas, so keep thinking, and don’t be afraid to brainstorm occasionally with the kids.