5 Ways To Prevent Writing Meltdowns

5 Ways To Prevent Writing Meltdowns Episode 308

Do you need 5 ways to prevent writing meltdown? This podcast provides helpful tips. Your children may not be enthusiastic about writing, but the goal of this podcast is to allow them to appreciate and understand the writing process. Kim explains why so many children don’t like to write—and why the act of writing is the cause of many tears. She also shares five practical ways to prevent writing meltdowns, and offers advice on teaching your kids to write well.

What Causes Writing Meltdowns?

Unclear directions where kids don’t know what the assignment as asking of them or how long their composition has to be
Writer’s block where kids feel “stuck” or can’t think of ideas
Physical act of writing where the ideas in their head can’t make it to the paper because of perfectionism, learning challenges, physical challenges, immaturity, or lack of skills
Trying too do much in one sitting or feeling like they’ll never be finished
Boredom

In this podcast, Kim tells stories and suggests ways to prevent writing meltdowns. You’ll learn how simple things such as: being clear about lesson expectations, tailoring topics to children’s interests, using graphic organizers, and acting as your child’s scribe can help them turn the corner.

Kim explains that writing is a process, not a one-time event. Kids like to think they just have to write something once, and then they’re done. In truth, writing is made up of a bunch of steps. The writing process can be made manageable when broken into writing chunks.

Brainstorming, for example, is one “chunk.” This is the time to come up with ideas, plan, and organize thoughts before writing. The first draft—or as WriteShop calls it—a “sloppy copy” is another chunk. Self-editing is the next step, when students learn to use a checklist to proofread and make simple revisions. Ultimately, each step points to the final draft. Spreading these steps over several days (even several weeks with younger children) makes each day’s assignment doable, not overwhelming.

Today’s meltdowns don’t mean your students will always struggle with writing. You may not be able to see it now, but time is your ally! And in time, your children can become successful writers.