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| Writing - The Only Way?? |
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| Author : Glenys Stanton
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| Created : 03 Aug 2002
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| Last Revision : 03 Aug 2002
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Why is it that so often we measure a child's ability by the written output or quality of the way the letters are formed ??????
I have been saddened over the last two weeks by the number of people who have contacted me, either on the site or by phone,stressed by the fact that their children are failing because they cannot express themselves on paper.In many cases it seems to be boys and their ages vary.
Some of the most gifted children I have been priviledged to work with have had the most atrocious handwriting and have been terribly frustrated by the writing proccess.
Our gifted children struggle with the mechanics of trying to get the words onto paper as fast as they are coming out of their brain.Imagine the senario where in your mind the final curtain of the play has come down and yet on the page you are only at the end of the first act.
It is often important to offer children alternatives to writing in order to foster their creative ability.Focus on what the purpose is. If it is neatness or the way the letters are formed then the content should not be the issue but if the purpose is creativity or story content then look at alternative ways of recording the ideas.
Below are some of the different ways that children can express their ideas:
Use a tape recorder. Find a quiet place where the story or ideas can be expressed verbally and the listened to later and a decision can be made how best to record them.
Paired writing. Here one person has the ideas and another more competent person scribes for them, This can often by an older child or even an adult.
(li)Brainstorming. jot all the things that can be thought about the topic on a piece of paper, blackboard, whiteboard etc. Sometimes it will just be one word. Later these ideas can be published in a more acceptable format. Again this depends on what the goal for the work is.
Graphic organisers. These are fun to use and come in many different formats. Later they can be used for sequencing or focusing in on one particular aspect.
Story Board. Here the child can use pictures and captions or just pictures to express their ideas.
Telling a story to a buddy or group. Here no writing is needed and the child takes the role of the story teller.
Drama and mime. Stories here include action as well.
Computer. If they find this easier.
We need to find ways that encourage children to keep using their minds as creatively as possible. If they seem to be frustrated get them to stop and tell you the next part or write it for them. Help them to believe in themselves.
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