A Creative Approach to Teaching Writing: The What, Why and How of Teaching Writing in Context (Get Them Thinking Like ...)

Why should children learn to write fluently? What difference will it make to them and the opportunities available to them later on in life? The ability to communicate clearly, accurately and persuasively is a vital life skill. Deficiencies in motivation and thinking skills pervade the challenge of improving children's literacy levels.

A Creative Approach to Teaching Writing combines practical activities to help children aged 7-11 develop their writing skills. The activities and techniques are practical, easy to apply and effective across a wide ability range. They help children to:
- develop a positive attitude towards writing by emphasizing observation and questioning as core skills
- organise and refine their ideas
- learn a range of 'how to' strategies that will allow them to write more creatively and also bring benefits in other areas of literacy

Steve Bowkett, author, storyteller and education consultant, explains the key concepts and learning benefits of each strategy, along with a series of activities, extension ideas and useful links.

Steve Bowkett is a full-time writer and creative writing tutor. He taught English for 18 years in the UK. Steve was a member of an advisory group to the National Advisory Committee on Creative
and Cultural Education.