The Beginning

What should I write? Where do I start? For many writers, the beginning can be the hardest part.

Here are some strategies I use with young writers to help them get started:

1. Set aside some time to BRAINSTORM. Students can write words, draw pictures…anything to get some ideas on the page without the pressure of crafting perfect sentences.

2. TALK out loud about the writing assignment or project. An adult can jot down ideas so that at the end of the conversation, the student has a page of brainstorming to work from.

3. Use a GRAPHIC ORGANIZER to lay out ideas quickly. This works well for visual learners!

4. Use NOTE CARDS or text boxes to jot down individual ideas/facts. These can easily be reorganized as the writing evolves.

5. Start in the MIDDLE! There’s nothing wrong with going back and writing that perfect beginning/introduction later on!

I hope that some of these strategies can help your young writer to embark on their next writing adventure with more confidence and creativity!

Writefully,

Amanda Meer