A way for someone to become good at something is if they are interested in it and practice. So to become better writers, students must write. Not only write but also read..They may not be interested in what their teachers have assigned them to write about..but what if they wrote (or read) about something that they are interested in?
My idea is : what if every month or so we had a writing-marathon where students (ones who have registered with the writing center) can come and ..just read or write! We can have different themes each meet (ex :poetry,quotes,novels,fiction, nonfiction) We could make the WC like a cozy coffee house atmosphere and possibly similar to what we are doing for the National Novel writing for November. But since it's only for November-we should have this monthly. This could even be like a book club! This would help spread the word about the WC and get students involved . It could possibly help improve students' writing skills.
Emily - I love it! I especially like the idea of equating writing to running. Some people take to running more naturally than others, but runners of all abilities who are serious about getting better train, just as writers who want to become even better writers write. Too many people assume the ability to write is a "you've either got it or you don't" prospect - a natural talent and not a cultivated skill. This would be a great way to reinforce the notion that writing is a skill just like knowing how to run, pass a football, or play piano.
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