After teaching reading and writing for over 15 years, I have found the single strongest motivating factor in getting kids exciting about writing: publishing. I'm talking actual attempts at getting published by real editors and real magazines, whether they are in-print or virtual.

For most of our children's schooling, they are expected to write for an audience of one, the teacher. The paper is then returned, often with red ink all over it, and then it finds its way to a desk drawer or trashcan, never to be seen again. However, once you discuss the reasons why mankind even developed writing in the first place, to communicate thoughts and ideas to others, you and start unveil real motivation. Give them an actual voice, a reason for writing, and you will see even the most reluctant writer want to express himself.

What child doesn't want his writing to be read by hundreds, maybe thousands of other people? Once they understand that their paper isn't just for me, their teacher, but for an actual audience of people, you see ripples of excitement throughout the classroom. And as soon as one or two students realize that some writers even get paid for their writing, well this definitely creates an enthusiasm unduplicated by anything else a teacher could offer.

Step 1: Review the Publishing Process
Any writer can tell you how difficult getting published can be. However, it certainly is not impossible, and fortunately there is an actual market for young authors. However, you do have explain the process of querying an editor, what an SASE is, and why not to be frustrated with rejection. I remind students that JK Rowling's first Harry Potter book was rejected several times before an editor would even read it.

Step 2: Create a portfolio
Now comes the actual writing part. Spend some time reading good writing as a model, like short stories by Edgar Allan Poe or O. Henry, poetry by Emily Dickinson or Basho, or any number of strong writers. I like to focus on one genre at a time, doing gothic fiction at Halloween, or the Arthurian Legends when they are studying the Medieval time period in their social studies class.

After reading several examples from a genre, we get down to brainstorming an original story or poem for that genre. I model the brainstorming on the board and then encourage students to work in small groups. If a student has writer's block, the others can help her out with several ideas.

I have found that one key to successful story writing for

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about How to get kids excited about writing?
We want to hear your view. Write now!