Many students find it difficult to put their thoughts onto paper. Although, they have no problem talking their heads off in class or at home, but when it comes to actually writing their thoughts they freeze, and writers block conquers. One strategy that I strongly believe in is the, "Student Talks, Teacher Writes," procedure. In this strategy, the teacher changes roles with the student. The teacher simply states, "You talk, I'll write." It may take a few minutes for the student to realize that this is even an option. The reason I love this strategy is because it puts the teacher on the student level and vice verse. It can allow the writers block to cease and creativity to evolve, with the teacher guiding the student. Not only can this allow creativity to grow within the child, but it also creates a certain type of relationship between the student and teacher. Many times the reason a teacher cannot reach the student is because of the barrier between the two. Once the teacher steps outside of that role the entire relationships takes a turn. It's as if at this point, with the teacher in the students seat,that the child can actually trust the teacher.
Another procedure that may help your student with writing would be to audio record it. First, identify a way that your student can audio record themselves, "speaking" their essay, rather than "writing" it. This could be whatever resource may be available for instance, a tape recorder, digital audio recorder, student computer with a microphone or even an audio feature that may be installed onto their phone. Hand that recording device to your student and say, "step out in the hall and 'write' your essay using this." First they may be confused, or even struck by awe. Once they actually comprehend it, you will be able to see the relief come over their face. Sometimes, to a student it's not the creativity that blocks them, it's simply the writing in itself. To be able to just walk away and talk rather than writing changes the game completely for them. At this point, the writing issue is behind them and they are free to allow their imaginations to wander and simply tell a story into a recorder. Later on, can they then translate that onto paper after the story is complete.
Staying close to the second strategy would be our third procedure in helping your students write and beat writer block they may experience. This would be to audio transcribe it. Identify a tool that will transcribe speaking into text. Some options for this include, PaperPortNotes, Dragon Naturally Speaking. After speaking/typing it, the student can simply email him or her the text and work on the draft from there. At that point it is a free for all. The student, who is probably very good with computers given the period we are in today, is able to just type away.
