Students in today's classrooms need to be interested in what they write and how the teacher presents the writing ideas/topics. We all know that most children today simply need to have their way. Well, this is a way to give them the power that so many children need to have. This can be done by giving a student a choice on what they write about. Instead of giving students a specific topic to write about, give them 3 or 4 choices on one specific topic.

If you currently work in an elementary school, there is no doubt that a colleague has said to you, "My students this year are just not good writers." Question those teachers; ask them how they are teaching their students writing and what types of topics they are giving them.

At the very beginning of the year, give students no limitations (except that it must be appropriate). Let them write about whatever they want. Start your year off with a newsletter that the students create. Let the students write about what interests them, then when they are comfortable and excited about reading, try giving students a specific topic to write about.

If using a newsletter in the classroom works, keep it going throughout the year, you and the parents will definitely start to see the progress by the students. To create challenges for upper level students, let them be the editors of the newsletter. Allow them to take the newsletter home over the weekend to correct grammar, spelling, and other mistakes that may be present.

Interest your students; give them the power that so many students in today's classrooms need to have. Giving students a bit of power is not a bad thing; this will help create life-long learners. This is my ultimate goal and am sure it is yours, too. Next time a colleague says her class hates writing; tell them you can help them out.

Learn more about this author, Dan Hong.
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