![]() ![]() I set this up as a classroom routine each year where students can write on a chromebook/Google Docs or in a composition book. The only rule of free-writing is you have to try to write or think the entire time. If they want to write reasons they hate school and make a list, go for it. If they want to draw a comic, I am fine with it. This means that if they want to work on their novel, they can. The goal of any free-writing session is to let students write about anything they want to write about. It can change depending on your purpose or your teaching style. It can be prompted and structured or loose and informal. I would urge non-English teachers to also consider free-writing time as it helps students learn the power of generating their own ideas and showing them their ideas are important enough to put down on the page.įree-writing is a classroom routine where you set aside time for your students to generate ideas on their own. ![]() I answer commonly asked questions including what to do when kids won’t write. This post walks you through what is free-writing, what it looks like in a middle-school classroom, and the logistics of setting up a free-writing time-block in your own literacy classroom. While I can infuse love into academic writing, there is nothing like having time to think of your own story and then share with others. I even always offer for the administration to come do walk-throughs and observations during these times because I want them to see the excitement and happiness kids get out of free-writing. When I survey students at the end of the year, they always say to keep free-writing. Why? Free-writing allows students to explore the topics, genres, and prompts of their choice. Free-writing doesn’t have to be on a Friday, but the English teacher in me loves the alliteration, and I love ending the week with a little bit of joy. When I make a list of non-negotiables each year, Friday Free Write is on the list.
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