Descriptive creative writing is an art and a talent that not everyone has. Just like painting and singing, this skill requires refining and polishing, and only a teacher has the power to do that. A good teacher can take appropriate measures and bring this hidden talent out of many of their students. The right exercises, tips, and tricks can help you, as a mentor, extract potential future novelists from your classroom.
So, today, we’ll discuss exactly how you can do that. The following guide is about exposing your students to different writing styles and helping them bring their creative side out.
The Trick With Rules
We often set criteria for good descriptive creative writing. However, that’s not how it should be. It’s commonly known that a good story would have a catchy opening, a climax or twisting point, and an ending that resolves the story or ends in a metaphor. However, who set these rules?
No one.
This particular form or pattern of writing is indeed recommended and is often the safest way to go. It’s like a preset anyone can use! However, it is not a must. The reality is that there are no specific rules for creative writing. That’s the point of it; you can be as creative as you want!
Use Story Prompts
Using a story prompt is excellent and possibly the oldest trick in the book. In case you don’t know, a writing prompt is a brief text passage that provides a starting point for a writer. When you are writing a creative story, and you’re stuck on where to begin, one of these prompts can give you a boost to start writing.
An excellent way to use these prompts is by giving one to each of your students or provide the same prompt to everyone and see what they come up with. The latter technique is always an excellent way to demonstrate how every writer has their own talent and perspective. Even though everyone has the same prompt, you won’t see the same story twice. Every student will create something unique, and you can use these results to open their perspectives and broaden their minds.
Exposure To Different Genres
There are many different genres in descriptive creative writing, and you should never stick to one. There’s romance, thriller, fiction, and much more. It’s always best to explore and experiment with different types of writing. Experimenting and moving out of your comfort zone allows you to have fun. It enables you to explore your talents and skills, see what you’re best at, and what you enjoy the most. As a teacher, encourage students to try different genres of creative writing. If they are hesitant, give them assignments, and allocate a specific genre to everyone. Sometimes, all your students need is a little push out of their comfort zone.
Show Don’t Tell
When doing descriptive creative writing, it is essential to be innovative with your words. The best exercise to make your student’s creativity flow is by asking them to rewrite things differently. Challenge them to transform a phrase or sentence into something entirely different but keeping the same meaning. For example, give them this sentence, “Emily had a lot of work to do.” Now, ask your students to say it differently while implying that Emily has a lot of work. Possible answers would be, “Emily looked at the pile of unfolded laundry and paperwork she needed to check.”
Design Practice Sessions That Target Specific Skills
Every student has their strengths and weaknesses in descriptive creative writing. It is your responsibility, as a teacher, to identify these weaknesses and improve them. After determining what skills need polishing, arrange activities, and design practice sessions to target those particular skills. For example, if a student has trouble explaining a scenario, give them exercises that involve the usage of adjectives, adverbs, and other explanatory words. If they’re having trouble with word choice, help improve their word selection skills and vocabulary.
Show The World Of Writing To Students Up-close
Sometimes, students find it hard to take writing seriously. Some even think it’s a waste of time and an activity you do out of boredom. Exposing them to the practical world of writing through video clips and documentaries can help them understand the reality of this profession. It might even encourage some of the talented writers in your class. It will help them realize that they can take up writing as a profession or a career later in their life.
Encourage A Good Typing Speed
Along with their descriptive creative writing skills, also pay attention to their typing speed and agility. They shouldn’t take hours sitting on the computer to write a story. Utilize activities, exercises, and tools to enhance this part of their writing as well. Software like KeyboardingOnline help kids improve their typing speed and be a fast, efficient writer. Use these technical aids to develop both their creative and speed skills.