A Creative Approach to Teaching Writing

Book excerpt: Why should children learn to write fluently? What difference will it make to them and the opportunities available to them later on in life? The ability to communicate clearly, accurately and persuasively is a vital life skill. Deficiencies in motivation and thinking skills pervade the challenge of improving children's literacy levels. Get Them Thinking Like Writers! combines practical activities to help children aged 7-11 develop their writing skills, with insights into the attitude that experienced writers apply to their craft. The activities explore different working methods - such as how authors tap into and develop their creativity and how they deal with 'writer's block' - and are supported by strategies for thinking that will develop children's literacy and the way they use language to express their opinions in all subject areas. Steve Bowkett, author, storyteller and education consultant, provides the key concepts and learning benefits of each strategy, along with a series of activities, extension ideas and useful links. Linked resources can be found on the series companion website.