Writing Strategies: Choosing a Topic
Posted: Friday, September 25, 2009
by Crystal Pratt
Lesson Pathways
A sure-fire way to produce a look of panic on a student's face is to tell them to get out their writing journal and write about whatever they want. Sure, there are a random few that are willing to take on this task, but more often than not, the kids will just freeze in place. But it's not just kids that have this problem. Whether you're planning a lesson or writing for yourself, you'll often find that choosing a topic is the the hardest part.
Some of the tips that I've found useful in guiding my students (or myself) in choosing topics are as follows:
- Keep a notebook or journal with a page or two dedicated to writing topics. If an idea pops into your head, write it down. You may find that you never use that topic (because hopefully, after awhile, you'll have several to choose from). However, before you know it, you'll have a list waiting for you when you're ready to sit down and start writing.
- Five minutes of free writing. My students found this method challenging at first, but after a few times, they really looked forward to doing it. The tough part of this is that your pencil cannot stop moving for the entire time. (I generally chose five minutes, but you may want to shorten this time period for younger children). The fun part is that you can write about anything you want. You should write about whatever is in your head at the time. Allow a lot of freedom in this area. I've seen students make lists of their friends or what they would like for lunch. They might copy words off of a poster on the wall. I did not place restrictions on this as long as the pencil kept moving. Keep this page in your writing journal for future reference.
- Draw a tree. The trunk of your tree is your base. Start with the first topic that comes into your head. Begin to draw branches on your tree by adding words related to that topic. You may find out that one of your branches becomes your actual topic.
- Create a waterfall. I found this especially helpful when I wanted my students to write historical fiction. The top of your waterfall is your "big" topic. For example's sake, let's say you are studying the Revolutionary War in history. The Revolutionary War will be the top of your waterfall. Many, many topics can rain down from your waterfall: George Washington, liberty, Delaware, the Boston Tea Party, Green Mountain Boys, etc.
These methods should keep you and your child armed with a list of ready-made topics whenever the time comes for independent writing. The more often you employ these tricks, the easier choosing a topic will become. I wish you the best of luck in your writing journeys.
Crystal Pratt is a writer and content contributor for LessonPathways.
com, an education-based website that maps online educational resources into ready to teach units.
com, an education-based website that maps online educational resources into ready to teach units.
Crystal holds a Bachelor's degree +24 in education with a focus on middle level education. She lives in Illinois with her husband, four children, and two step-children.
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Top-level comments on this article: (7 total)Crystal, these are great tips and methods of writing. I enjoyed reading your insightful and informative article.Best to you.NenitaThank you for your comment.
Excellent ideas, Crystal. I especially like the waterfall method. Thanks!Lorrie, thank you for your comment. My students always liked the waterfall writing too. ;-)
Excellent article Crystal and useful tips. You are such a wonderful addition to SearchWarp!Thank you so much for the kind comment.
Hi Crystal, this is a good article and good advice. I especially approve of your first suggeson...the notebook. I don't do that, but I swear, I need to. I have often thought of a really compelling subject, somethimes just in conversation with othrs, and then sometimes after i lay down at night, I'll think about one, but by the time I start to try and write an article, theng have left me. And I usually cannot get them back at all. Good advice, if I would only adhere to it.Joel,Thanks so much for the positive comment. I must confess, I don't always follow my own advice. :-)Crystal
Thanks for sharing your wonderful tips. Welcome to Searchwarp.Linda DLinda,Thank you for reading and commenting.Crystal
Crystal,This is excellent advice. As one who teaches public speaking, I have found the same look of fear (and bewilderment) when I've asked my students or clients to create a presentation, be it informative or persuasive.I was carrying a notebook as well for my writing, however, in changing purses, I would often forget to throw it in. But, you should see the back of my checkbook!Thanks for sharing this helpful information,NancyNancyI'm so glad to know I'm not the only one who does that. I'have many a random piece of paper or receipt in my purse with topics written on them. :)Crystal
Your first tip, the notebook is absolutely crucial, I started carrying one with me everywhere recently and i have not struggled with writers block since! Topics or phrases that may inspire topics pop into your head all the time and when you sit down to write you have notebook full of ideas! A tip for adults and kids alike! JulianJulian,Thank you for your kind feedback. I appreciate you taking the time to read.Crystal
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