Utilizing Imitation to Jumpstart Creation in Writing

Abstract

One of the things that I find difficult to effectively teach is composition. Writing has always come naturally to me, so breaking down the hows and whys of the process to students doesn't. I found myself getting frustrated while teaching students composition because I wasn't sure how to show them what I wanted them to do without doing it for them. One thing I've realized is this: writing is hard. It's not something that always comes naturally, and it tends to require a certain struggle. I wanted to encourage my students to be okay with this struggle and to enjoy it; to enjoy the feeling of finally getting the just right words in the perfect order to expertly convey their thoughts and ideas. That is where the joy of writing comes from, and I wanted that experience for my students