revisions

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Home : 2005 : February : 7

revisions
By writerscrawlz

Hi! First of all, I'm new here, but I couldn't help but notice this message. I don't think you're banging your head against the wall, but remember, the students are nine year olds. While it's true that not everybody is
an author, that doesn't mean students are not able to write. I know I started writing stories at about that age, and while we had creative writing, revision wasn't a part of the creative writing process. That, I think, is the key. Writing is a process, and we all know that, but revision comes later --when students understand what it is you're attempting to have them do.
At nine, I

was doing creative writing on my own, as well as some poetry, but I would've been clueless if Mrs. Turner said, "okay now class, today we're going to re-write our stories." Speaking of which, did you mention re-write to them? I'm curious as to how you approached the 're-writing' process. I know there's no way I could have been critical at that age --or objective, trying to figure out what to change -or why change was needed. Perhaps in couple of years, they will understand.

I love the fact you're working with them at all --not many teachers have time or resources available for that, especially in today's day and age.

I have been known to take an assignment geared toward older kids and break it down for the age level I work with.

So, in regards to your question, you might want to show them what's positive about their papers. Spend some time on that, then explain why it would be better if changes were made --or you could move on to the next assignment and let them get all the joy they can from the writing lessons you provide.

You are teaching the basics whether you know it or not: writing is fun. Sorry this was so long!