Lately, I’ve heard teachers advising young
writers to choose nonfiction topics “that you could teach someone about.” For
instance, an avid soccer player might write about the rules of soccer. I have just one word for that kind of writing
. . . BORING.
Why would a child want to rehash something he
or she already knows backward and forward when there’s a wide world of ideas
and information out there just waiting to be discovered?
or she already knows backward and forward when there’s a wide world of ideas
and information out there just waiting to be discovered?
Think about it this way. I could teach
someone how to make a sandwich just the way my husband likes it. I could
explain how to wash windows so they don’t streak or how to make “hospital
corners” when I change the sheets on a bed. I could describe how to sort trash
according to my transfer station’s rules. But why would I want to write about
any of these things? I’d be bored, and so would my readers.
someone how to make a sandwich just the way my husband likes it. I could
explain how to wash windows so they don’t streak or how to make “hospital
corners” when I change the sheets on a bed. I could describe how to sort trash
according to my transfer station’s rules. But why would I want to write about
any of these things? I’d be bored, and so would my readers.
I write about science because I’m fascinated
by the natural world. When I’m engaged in the world, I’m constantly
encountering things that make me ask questions. And to satisfy my curiosity, I
want to know more, more, more. Learning more gets me so excited that I’m dying
to share my new knowledge with other people. That’s what fuels my writing.
by the natural world. When I’m engaged in the world, I’m constantly
encountering things that make me ask questions. And to satisfy my curiosity, I
want to know more, more, more. Learning more gets me so excited that I’m dying
to share my new knowledge with other people. That’s what fuels my writing.
Kids are no different from me. When they
focus on ideas and information that they care about, when they conduct research
to satisfy their own curiosity, they will craft lively, interesting writing
just brimming with passion. And, really, that’s the goal of nonfiction writing—crafting
prose that our intended audience wants to read.
focus on ideas and information that they care about, when they conduct research
to satisfy their own curiosity, they will craft lively, interesting writing
just brimming with passion. And, really, that’s the goal of nonfiction writing—crafting
prose that our intended audience wants to read.
How do we give students the tools and
opportunities they need to become passionate nonfiction writers? I’ll talk more
about that next week.
opportunities they need to become passionate nonfiction writers? I’ll talk more
about that next week.
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Topics
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One Response
Write on the spot!! No pun intended. Really enjoy your posts. You make me think. ��