TMST - Writer's Block

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A blank page with a dark blinking cursor sits mocking me tonight.  
The truth is, I wrote a whole post already and stocked it in my drafts for another time, another day.  It is a reflective post and I will publish it soon.  But today is Teach Me Something Tuesday and my brain is flooded with other ideas...which one to pick? 

The cursor blinks...

It's also true that even a blogger gets writer's block. Blogger's block, if you will.  It reminds me of why we should all say thanks for the special individuals that teach 4th grade writing. EEK.

Image created at imageflip.com
So in lieu of amazing written insight tonight, I give you 3 digital strategies that could help when your learners (or you) have writer's block.

Writer's Block Remedy #1: Map it out.
Sometimes thinking needs to be visible before it is coherent.  Why not draw or map out ideas using Popplet or Ideament app?  Learners who thrive when working together could use the meeting component of the Baiboard app to sketch ideas in real time with a partner. Pencil and paper can even be shared and documented digitally with a quick snap of a picture and upload.

Writer's Block Remedy #2: Talk it out.
Use a recording app or tool to talk through your ideas.  Sometimes verbal processing can unlock an idea you never knew you had.   A simple one to use would be the Voice Record Pro app.  Simply start recording, talk it out and then play it back.  One of my favorites of these is the embedded tool "Voice Typing" in Google Docs. Simply go to the tools menu in a doc and select it, allow your microphone, press the mic icon and it types what you say!  We've had 1st graders do some amazing work by talking it through and then editing the words that are typed. 

Writer's Block Remedy #3:  Try a different format.
Who said all writing has to be a long paper?  Expose your learners to some new formats for writing digitally.  You might be shocked at what they can come up with!  
  • Create a comic or graphic novel with one of these awesome tools.
  • Use the Write about This app to access picture prompts, type and record audio thoughts.
  • Create digital stories that are animated with the Draw and Tell App
  • Expose your learners to reflection through a daily blogpost!  Blogging is a great way to get in the habit of writing! Connect posts to passions and the sky is the limit!
  • Allow your learners to grow as authors by publishing stories via Book Creator or iBooks Author.  An authentic audience can be very motivating...

Speaking of authentic audiences, thanks for reading!  What are YOUR writer's block remedies?  How do you promote writing in your class?





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