Teaching writing doesn't have to be challenging.

                                     

Writing can be a daunting task to students. However, if you teach students to brainstorm first, writing becomes much easier. I start my lesson on writing by standing in front of the class and asking students to give me a topic. For example, a student might suggest fast food. Draw a circle on the board with the word fast food. Have the students give ideas about fast food that you write on the board using a spider or web diagram.

Next, ask the students for another idea. This time create a list on the board. Again, demonstrate to the students that within a few minutes you have many great ideas. My students are always surprised at how quickly they can come up with ideas as a class while brainstorming.

At this point, circle three of the ideas.  This time create an outline using the topic and three of the ideas. Demonstrate to the students how to create a simple outline. Emphasis that if students simply brainstorm and outline their ideas it will make writing an essay much easier. Students often think that writing is very difficult. With just a few simple steps you can teach your students that writing can be fun.

I created a fun poster that you can download for free on the writing process. Just click this link. Students are always surprised at just how quickly they can come up with an idea by brainstorming. It truly makes writing their essays easier if they just follow the writing process.