Recently, I started a homeschool teen creative writing class. It may be important to add that I don't think of myself as a strong writer. I enjoy writing and telling stories however what has stopped me from writing more then I do is the mechanics of writing. (Even now I find myself deleting what I have already written because I have a little voice in my head that's saying "that's wrong!" whether it is or not. )
When I was in school (yes, I was public schooled), teachers I had focused more on grammar, spelling, sentence structure and the other rights and wrongs of writing. All of these are extremely important. We have to learn how to correctly execute a written piece for people to really understand what you are trying to convey. The problem is forcing these skills can lead to a writing revolt in some children.
By the time most home schooled kids reach high school age, they have already learned basic writing skills. My guess is they also have read a ton of books. ( Reading is by far the best grammar teacher, the more people read, the stronger their grammar skills!) Most teens already know what they like or don't like (or more correctly put, they know what they will put energy into and what they won't. )
Last fall I decided I wanted my children to write more. My oldest daughter, who is of high school age, loved writing. Most of her work was 'private' and only allowed to be viewed during those special times when she wanted to share. I was really impressed by her writing however I noticed that her story lines were very similar as were her characters.
My middle child, who happens to be middle school age, hated writing ( and hate is probably a much happier, lighter word to use than how she actually felt). She would avoided writing like the plague.
So, how was I going to inspire one child to write and the other to think outside the writing box she built around herself? I knew a few things to get me started. First, I decided right away that I did not want to crush the creative spirt by starting with writing mechanics. I knew if I did that, I would loss my children in the writers abyss, their work never to be read again. I also thought that reading their work out loud to others may help them to improve their writing (hearing yourself read a piece aloud will help you to catch mistakes. If it sounds incorrect, it probably is).
The teen creative writers group was born. Every week, a small group meets at my house. We start by reading the assignment that was given the week before. After a students reads their piece, the others have a chance to comment. The students love writing, reading and listening to the stories. Most of the class is filled with giggles and smiles mixed in with a lot of positive feedback from their peers.
In just a few weeks, I have noticed a huge improvement in my children's writing and motivation to write. I have received positive feedback from the families involved saying the teens are enjoying the class. Plus, all the kids are completing their assignments. I have yet to hear one of them say "My dog ate my homework."
Over the next several weeks, I will be posting about the class and exercises we completed. The main goal of this group is to first get them inspired and wanting to write. Next, work on the details. It's easier to want to improve a skill when you find enjoyment within it rather than perfecting a skill you never find enjoyment in.
