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Slow Writing

Each day I sit and do some research on how to teach English. I am a member of a few websites where teachers post and discuss current issues so I can keep up with current trends in schools. Slow writing is often mentioned, what is it?

Phew! I already use “slow writing” (or a similar technique) and have for many years. It’s a very sensible support for reluctant writers. Slow writing is when you specifically tell a child what you want to see in their creative writing.

For example, this illustrates how slow writing can be used in KS2:

• Your first sentence must starting with an ing
• Your second sentence must contain only three words.
• Your third sentence must contain a semi-colon
• Your fourth sentence must be a rhetorical question
• Your fifth sentence will start with an adverb

When teaching children creative writing they need to be “tethered “ to good writing practice and this is a great way of doing it – and it changes habits!

Does slow writing work? Yes- I think it can make a big difference. Some children freeze at the thought of creative writing – or write very bland stories.

Slow writing (as the name suggests) slows down the thought process and writing – it tells a child WHAT and HOW to write. If this can become a habit, then it makes the writing process much more enjoyable, and the writing is improved.

I have to say I’m a big fan of slow writing.