If your child finds writing difficult, it can be frustrating for both them and you. Writing challenges and anxiety around putting thoughts on paper can hinder their ability to express themselves. But just like Taylor Swift's concerts, where the power of storytelling captivates millions, your child can unlock their own creative voice with the right tools and mindset.
Susan Baum, PhD, an expert educator in supporting bright and quirky kids, shares six transformative strategies that can help your child overcome their writing struggles. These techniques encourage creative expression in a way that takes the pressure off “writing” and instead fosters a love for sharing ideas.
1. Reframe Writing as “Authoring”
One of the first shifts Susan recommends is to reframe the concept of writing. Instead of focusing on “writing,” refer to it as “authoring.” This simple change in terminology can help your child see the process as an act of creativity rather than a rigid task. Additionally, Susan suggests that instead of having a traditional “writer’s corner,” create an authoring space where your child feels free to express their thoughts in any format.
2. Try Alternative Forms of Expression
Not every child thrives by sitting down and writing with pen and paper. Susan encourages parents and teachers to offer alternative forms of creative expression, such as:
- Podcasts: Your child can create a podcast about a topic they love.
- Storyboards: If your child enjoys drawing, use a storyboard to organize their ideas visually before they write.
- Videos: Encourage your child to make a short video or meme to express their ideas creatively.
Susan mentions an example from her own experience with graduate students where she gave them the choice to either write a letter, create a meme, or make a video about a social-emotional learning topic. The result? They were more engaged and excited than if they had been asked to simply write a paper. This approach is just as effective with kids!
3. Use Storyboarding to Organize Ideas
For kids who are artistic or visual learners, storyboarding is a powerful tool. Before your child starts writing, encourage them to sketch out the scenes of their story. This can be especially helpful for children who are visual thinkers or enjoy building things like Lego models. By creating a storyboard, they can organize the plot, setting, and characters before putting words on paper.
For example, Susan worked with a child who sketched out his story using pictures to represent each scene. After mapping out his ideas, he was able to describe each frame in detail, focusing on one part of the story at a time. This method makes the writing process less overwhelming and gives kids a structured way to break down their ideas.
4. Encourage Detailed Visualization
When a child is stuck, having them close their eyes and visualize the setting can be a powerful tool to unlock their imagination. Ask questions like, “What sounds do you hear?” or “What does the air feel like on your skin?” This exercise engages their five senses and helps them create a vivid mental image of the setting, which can later be translated into words.
Susan suggests that children with artistic inclinations can then sketch their vision of the setting before writing it down. This allows them to explore their creativity without worrying about the "correct" way to express it in writing.
5. Use Brainstorming to Jump-Start Creativity
Susan introduces a fun and creative brainstorming method called the morphological matrix. This technique involves breaking down the components of a story (like characters, settings, and conflicts) and mixing and matching different ideas to spark inspiration. For instance, you could ask your child to:
- Brainstorm different types of pizza crusts (as a metaphor for story elements).
- Brainstorm various toppings, sauces, and shapes (representing different characters, plot points, or settings).
By combining these ideas in unexpected ways, kids can get their creative juices flowing and approach their stories from fresh perspectives. This fun, non-judgmental process helps students get past the anxiety of writing by focusing on exploring ideas rather than getting them "perfect."
6. Use Technology to Enhance Creativity
In the modern world, technology can be a great ally in sparking creativity. Susan recommends using tools like Animoto, Gloster, and Vokey to help kids express their ideas without the pressure of writing.
- Animoto allows children to create video reports with music and images.
- Gloster enables students to make electronic posters that incorporate text, video, and images.
- Vokey helps kids create avatars that speak their vocabulary words, turning a writing task into an interactive and creative project.
These tools not only reduce the anxiety associated with traditional writing but also help kids produce professional-looking work they can be proud of.
The Big Takeaway: Creativity and Writing Are Separate
Susan emphasizes that creativity and writing are two distinct processes. Creativity involves letting the imagination run wild and generating ideas, while writing is about structuring and communicating those ideas in a clear way. Kids often struggle with writing because they feel boxed in by rules and structure, but when they are given creative freedom, they can unlock their full potential.
By integrating storytelling and creative expression into the writing process, you allow children to break through their fears and frustrations. As Susan points out, storytelling is at the heart of everything—from fictional narratives to non-fiction accounts. Whether your child is writing about an event in their life or explaining a concept, they are telling a story.
Next Steps for Parents and Teachers
- Reframe writing as authoring: Help your child see themselves as an author instead of a “writer” with a specific task.
- Use alternative formats: Introduce your child to other creative outlets such as podcasting, storyboarding, or video creation.
- Encourage brainstorming: Help your child brainstorm ideas in creative ways, using tools like the morphological matrix.
- Incorporate technology: Leverage apps and tools that help children express their ideas through media and visuals, reducing the anxiety tied to traditional writing.
- Focus on storytelling: Emphasize that all writing is essentially storytelling—whether it’s a report, a journal entry, or a creative piece.
With these strategies, you’ll help your child explore new avenues of self-expression, reducing the anxiety surrounding writing and boosting their confidence as they communicate their amazing ideas.
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