* We always begin the session with a warm-up writing exercise - a prompt word or phrase followed by fast, free writing for one or two minutes. This writing doesn't have to be seen by anyone else, although you may find children are pleased with what they've produced and are keen to share.
* No child ever has to read out what they’ve written if they don’t want to.
* If someone does share work, feedback should be positive. Writing Club is a nurturing, encouraging environment.
* When others are reading out their work, everyone needs to be completely quiet and listen respectfully.
* Spelling and punctuation isn’t something to worry about unduly during this special writing time. What matters in Writing Club is getting words down, and exploring language, ideas and effects. However, it’s very important that handwriting is legible.
Some other ideas
If the club is
an after-school one, a drink and a small snack is helpful at the start.
Giving the
children a cardboard wallet or folder in which to keep their club work makes
them feel like proper writers whose work is worth saving.
Regular
in-house competitions for small prizes like notebooks, rubbers and novelty pens
have proved popular. External competitions can also be flagged up and Writing
Club time used to discuss or begin entries.
If you want children to work collaboratively try to avoid saying, Get yourselves into pairs/threes/whatever. This is a really stressful process for some children who might not be instantly absorbed into a group by their peers. I either put children into teams myself, or I make the options really fluid - 'You can work on your own, with a partner, or in a three.'
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