1.Time, Time, Time. I think this is probably the most important thing that we as teachers can give our students. I know once I am a teacher we will regularly participate in writing workshop style lessons. I foresee my future classrooms being environments that encourage writing and not avoidance of it. I think the best way to do this is through large chunks of time committed to the practice. One of my favorite activities is swimming, but you would not know it if you would have known me as a child. My parents worked hard to get me into the water, and I can say it was probably not until middle school that I was confident swimmer. My passion for swimming came about because my parent continuously took us to pools because everyone else in the family loved it. I was hesitant and scared. I think these are similar feelings that students have toward writing today. As teachers when we devote meaningful chunks of time to writing students can learn to find their own words.
2. Variety. Does anyone listen to one kind of music anymore? Or watch one kind of television show? Then why would we teach students to write one kind of paper. By letting students play and experiment with different genres they will learn craft and structure. You do not have to lecture to them how to format a sentence or explain voice because they learn that on their own. When you participate in a conversation are you not able to account for social cues? Do you not know how to adjust your volume if you are watching a movie in a theater or a band at a show? Do you not pay attention to the words you use when you are describing a bad day or consoling a hurting friend? This is the same for working students through different genres. As they change context they will learn to change voice, and ultimately practice the craft of writing.
I know in my future classroom I want my students to be excited about writing, and I am sure must teachers do as well. I have been asking my friends a lot lately if they talk to themselves when they are alone. Must of them say yeah, maybe not out loud, but yeah. Speaking is second nature to me, and I love talking to myself and others. I know talking to yourself and writing are not the exact same things, but when I am doing both of them they do not seem that different.