One of the most important questions and answers we can give students when it comes to writing is WHY.
Why do we write?
As adults, we write on a daily basis. We make lists, plans, emails, texts. Some of us write stories, poems, journal entries. We write proposals, lesson plans, briefs. The list of what we write is endless. And we always have a purpose for what we write. That's why we don't sit down with a heavy heart thinking about the list we have to make for the grocery store, or the email we need to send a coworker. We have a purpose, so we sit and write.
It's imperative that we give our children the same purpose.
So what could this look like?
Katie Wood Ray and a variety of other writing gurus hit on this idea that students need to know why they are writing and teachers everywhere are figuring out engaging ways of exploring this idea. In the classroom, providing purpose could be done through an exploration of what is being read. As you read books, talk about why the author chose to write that book.
Teachers can also hold an inquiry discussion at the beginning of a writing unit and have the kids get to the why. Let them share their ideas about why they will be writing in a certain genre or a certain piece.
At home, parents can do the same!
Being transparent about our writing purpose and naming it for kids is easy. When you sit down to make a list or write an email, just say it.
"It's time to make a list for the grocery store! We don't want to forget anything, so we better write it down."
Or
"I need to share these ideas with _________. I'm going to write an email to them so they will know what ideas I have."
And if you are a writer, even better! You can share your writing time with your child and let them be a part of that process. Letting them know you just had a great idea for a story that you know will make people laugh and then sitting down to write in front of them would be so powerful.
In the end, writing is like anything else. If we want to get better, we have to work at it. We have to practice. We have to try new techniques. We have to keep learning about the craft. Don't be scared!
