I’m on a mission.
I believe that kids really aren’t going to care about essay structure, or grammar, or spelling, or mechanics, or writer’s craft, if they don’t see a point to writing.
Because I believe that if kids don’t think they have something to say, or that nobody is going to listen, there really isn’t a point to writing.
And I believe that the way to convince kids they have something to say, and that someone is going to listen, is to allow them to WRITE stuff. And READ other kids’ stuff.
And while they’re writing and reading all of that stuff, they may as well have fun doing it.
Enter Choice Writing Time. It’s 15 minutes of time dedicated each week to letting kids write whatever they want, however they want. Our district started this practice last year, and we’re building on it this year with more support for teachers and students. And goodies. LOTS of goodies. Together as a cohort this summer, my colleagues and I developed a supply list for classroom writing kits.
Yes, each classroom teacher now has their own kit, full of supplies like kid-sized journals, fun paper and pens, and folders to store their writing stuff. Will it change the world? Probably not. Will it single-handedly create writers out of all of our students? Hmmm. But will it at some fun and novelty to the writing experience? You betcha.
And don’t we deserve to have fun? Don’t students deserve to feel successful as writers? Don’t teachers deserve to remember what it’s like to experience teaching as an art form? Yes, yes, and YES.
A few photos from the process:
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 
What a great idea and what a fun way to get students into exploring their own writing creativity. Dedicating 15 minutes a week to this activity does not take away from anyone’s teaching time. Students have a lot to say and this gives them the time and opportunity to do it in an engaging manner.
Yes, absolutely! And the teachers who really committed to it last year saw it really pay back. Their kids were demanding more time to write, and some of the most reluctant ones found themselves expressing their thoughts more readily. It was a WIN.
What fun! Thank you for sharing the process!
Thanks! We’re all pretty proud. =)
Lainie, I am so loving these writing kits. I love that the teachers can use them as they see fit, and the items are so valuable that they will be used. Yes! Happy birthday to you. I’m guessing they came on your birthday; that’s the kind of gift I would want to receive. Thanks for hosting today.
Thanks! It wasn’t actually my birthday, but all of the unwrapping and discovery certainly felt like it!
I love this!!!!
Wishing every kid (and quite a few adults I know) could be in your classroom.
Thanks, Stephanie. It means the world. I want every kid to feel like they have something to say and a way to to express it…
I have loved all this since you shared the photos on the group text. Getting a peek into the behind-the-scenes composition of the kits and the why behind them was truly a treat, Lainie.
I love that you’re trying to change how kids view themselves as writers. I have a feeling a district-wide initiative and some writerly swag will absolutely help more children see themselves as writers! No, wait, BECOME writers!
Yes! Thank you, Stacey. I think some writerly swag will definitely go some way towards helping with the fun factor. I still can’t believe that I have the support from the administration that I do – I couldn’t do most of this without them.
And…between you and me? I’m also hoping more teachers will see themselves as teachers of writing, or (fingers crossed) writers THEMSELVES!
Yes, yes, yes!!! And to think I came up with a lot of this on my own when I was teaching. Honestly, though, I did hold 10-15 minutes of everyday Sacred for ‘freestyle writing’ in which the kids could go anywhere in the room and write about any topic (with topic ideas available if needed). Later, in the day a few could share their writing to the class. Most were reluctant, but I noticed by the end of the year…everyone was eager to share their writing. Fun, fun, fun!!!
Yes, absolutely! And whatever we call it – Choice Writing, Freestyle Writing – it’s so important for kids to have the time to imagine, to dream, to sometimes struggle…they deserve ALL of ot. Thank you for being a kindred spirit.
Having admin support means EVERYTHING!