In “Inside Out: Strategies for Teaching Writing”, I found three very important points the author made about writing that I think are extremely true and valuable to remember in the future as I start to create and creative assignments for writing students. The three points were: using subjects they enjoy, allowing them to find and use their own writing voice, and helping them get over the fear many of them have, or just not making writing an intimidating thing.

When assigning writing assignments for students, especially students who are beginning to work on big pieces of writing, it is important to assign subjects of writing that they enjoy. One of the stories in the article was of a student talking about a memorable writing moment he had and he said one of the reasons he wrote so well was because the assignment was something he enjoyed (it was about werewolves). Its important to assign students topics they like because then they are inspired to write more and better (theoretically). Also, if students have subjects they enjoy, then they are more inclined to actually do the assignment instead of giving in bogus work or excuses. I know that their certain things that students must learn and write about but, as a teacher, I think it is part of our job to incorporate what they must do with what they enjoy doing. It’ll be funnier that way for our students and us. Imagine the things they’d write.

In the article, the Arthurs quote Miller stating “The human voice is the bearer of the human spirit. To still it would be, in effect, to still humanity…it is through language that the individual creates and knows his reality… but it is up to us to cultivate that voice and to make it heard in what we say and what we write”. Although I find this slightly cheesy I also think its really a beautiful way to describe a writer’s voice in writing. Each writer/student has their own style of writing, which is their voice. Many times, as teacher, we give our students too many rules and strain their writing. We also may over edit and that can take away from their voice in their work. Its important to remember that students, especially young students, are just beginning to build their writer’s voice and we have to remember to not stifle that creative voice that is newly forming within them. We should help guide them but we can not muffle or take away their unique writing style and voice. Assigning writings that are more personal will help encourage students to continue to use their own voice, since they would be writing about their own personal experiences.

            Lastly, as teachers one of our jobs is to help students get rid of the fear many of them come in with. Writing, as I think I’ve said before, is a scary thing sometimes. We are creating something and putting our sometimes private thoughts in the line for another person to grade and comment on. That can be a scary thing for anyone, regardless of age. And if we are not careful, our comments as teachers can be very damaging for our students. We should correct our students because we obviously want them to become better writers, that’s the ultimate goal. But we should also be very cautious of what we say and how we say it. In addition to “treading lightly”, we should also try very hard to never focus only on the negative. Then our students will be too hesitant and cautious while writing and that’s not what we want. Our job is to help our students become great writers, and its possible, but we also need to care about their own evolving writing spirit, and also be aware of that.