How do I motivate my students to write?

Is it Friday yet? Detailed mid-term progress reports were due today. I'm so thankful I'm finished with those for the year! Since it isn't Friday but Wednesday it is time to link up with Ideas by Jivey for her Workshop Wednesday.

This weeks topic is "How do we motivate our students to write." This topic is near and dear to my heart. When I first started teaching I hated to write, hated to teach writing, and so did my kids. Then I attended a workshop with Katie Wood Ray as the speaker and became inspired. After that workshop, I started to read books about Writing Workshop and knew I needed to change my ways.

The first thing I do to motivate my students to write is by using a Writer's Notebook.

My Notebook

This creates a safe place for my students to brainstorm ideas without worry. They are able to jot down lists, "seed ideas," and draw pictures to help them write.

The second thing I do is I allow my students personal choice in their writing. Now I know many teachers say they cannot give personal choice because of all the things they need to accomplish, but I find my students accomplish more because they have a choice. I still teach and assign different genres, but when we write persuasive pieces, my students write a persuasive letter about something they care about. When they write a historical fiction story it is about a time period they are interested in writing about.

The third thing I do is I try to give my students an authentic audience. Whenever possible I try to allow my students the chance to share their published pieces with someone; their classmates, another class, or with others who visit the school.

What do you do to motivate your students to write? Head over to Ideas by Jivey to read more great ideas!