When I finished conducting the writing workshop with the 15 youngsters I mentioned in my last post, I gave them certificates of achievement.  It’s usually not possible to do this when I visit schools as an author and to teach workshops simply because of the number of students involved.  (I do try to give out bookmarks instead.)

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However, because there were only 15 young writers, I decided handing out certificates at the end of the second session would be fun for them and me…and their moms.  So I had my husband design and print colorful certificates.

One little 5-year old came with her mom and brothers.  She was so pleased she was allowed to sit at the table and color while the others wrote.  I had Jim make a special certificate for her.

Praise, special recognition and encouragement go a long way toward helping youngsters (and adults) achieve.

Post from: Blisstree

Recognition of Children’s Achievements

One of my favorite activities involves in encouraging young writers.  I enjoy visiting schools and working with teachers, either coordinating something they’re teaching or planning my own workshop.  It’s rewarding to see youngsters become excited about writing stories, poetry, plays, essays and often illustrating them.

Youngsters work at various speeds and with differing degrees of inspiration.  When you can get a youngster, who professes to hate writing, turned around so he/she enjoys it, that’s a height of joy for a teacher.  Because I’m also a teacher (doing solely substitute teaching now), I can keep up with what teachers are teaching about writing and what’s expected of the students.

In future posts, I shall be giving some writing suggestions and prompts for young writers and hope I inspire them.

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(c)2008 Mary Emma Allen

Post from: Blisstree

Mary Emma’s Writing Activities for Young Writers