Of Iguanas, Gaurs and Salt Water Crocs

Z struggled with writing from grade 1 itself. If you see his grade 1 books, its all doodles and scribblling, drawings of fire-breathing dragons and monster snakes, and just overall- very messy. He really did not enjoy writing letters repeatedly.

This might make you think that he did not know how to write. Yet, here is a video of a book he created in his grade 1 summer break.

Right?

There was quite a lot of resistance to writing in school- mostly copying from the board or writing letters and words repeatedly.

Now, at home we have a new approach:

1. Z gets to choose a topic he wants to write about

2. We watch a 3-4 minute video about the selected topic while he makes a mind map with bullet points

3. Then he gets to select a few bullet points fromhis mind map to make full sentences and begin writing.

4. He then gets to select the next video and we repeat the process.

5. After we are done watching 3 videos, and his writing is complete, he gets to choose a fun video to watch.

   
   

Guess what?

Zero resistance.

Choice plays a BIG role in engaging students, especially ND students in work that may, at first glance, seem uninteresting to them. They want to express their agency and feel like they have a say in the learning process!

I can't wait to teach him more brainstorming strategies and expand our repertoire of writing skills!