All About English Creative Writing

[mrswongtuition]

ET-PH:

I do agree that memorising will not help in long term. Recently, I have heard from friends and a teacher mentioned that there is a technique in doing composition writing like memorising long nice phrases. So hope to hear some opinions from the members here.

Model composition is not about memorising but about exposure to different topics, different storylines, different styles of writing. It's reading to widen your knowledge, not reading to replicate.

I prefer teaching phrases (meaning) and give them relevant compo as homework to allow them to practise using what they learnt. I use the theme based approach (every lesson we focus on 1 or 2 themes) which allows them to explore vocabulary within the theme so that they can put it into practise when I give them writing assignments with similar theme.

I do test the phrases for spelling. & I do give worksheets with blanks for them to fill in with creative phrases to describe the picture/scene.

Another focus of my class is composition structure. What makes a good introduction. How to keep people interested in your body. How to sum up your story in your conclusion.

They need to organise their thoughts to get good structure. Many young children are not able to achieve this.
I do this through mindmaps. We map out the storyline (either by writing key points or through drawing for kids who are more artistic) then put the story into words. For K2/P1, I normally print simple stories, cut up the sentences then make them sequence events back into a story. It helps to train their sequencing of events which is important in compo writing.


***Holiday creative writing classes & 2010 creative writing classes: mrswongtuition.blogspot.com
Private lessons for creative writing available upon request.

[hopeful4future]

[quote]I do agree that memorising will not help in long term. Recently, I have heard from friends and a teacher mentioned that there is a technique in doing composition writing like memorising long nice phrases. So hope to hear some opinions from the members here.
[/quote]Haha ET-PH! yes! i heard of that also, one of my kids teacher even sugest the class do that. but i finds it a bit not so good as their thoughts will tends to be limit by the words/phrase that they \"know\" as \"best\". plus whole class memorise the same list........ my kids tutor teach them ways to think and craft the words so their expression not so force.

[jedamum]

hopeful4future:

[quote]there is a technique in doing composition writing like memorising long nice phrases.

but i finds it a bit not so good as their thoughts will tends to be limit by the words/phrase that they \"know\" as \"best\". .[/quote]i think if the kid is a potentially good writer, then there are limitations. but if the kid is struggling with compo writing, memorising long nice phrases is a good start. decade plus ago, my Sec 4 english form teacher (of a band 1 school) got the whole class to keep a notebook of such, and i find it pretty useful.

[mrswongtuition]

jedamum:

hopeful4future:

[quote]there is a technique in doing composition writing like memorising long nice phrases.

but i finds it a bit not so good as their thoughts will tends to be limit by the words/phrase that they \"know\" as \"best\". .

i think if the kid is a potentially good writer, then there are limitations. but if the kid is struggling with compo writing, memorising long nice phrases is a good start. decade plus ago, my Sec 4 english form teacher (of a band 1 school) got the whole class to keep a notebook of such, and i find it pretty useful.[/quote]Potentially good writers will figure out how to change existing phrases or words. You just need to expose them to a wide genre of articles and vocabulary.

It's those who are mid-band or low-band who require the 'memorising'. Once they are able to memorise a good number of phrases/words, you can help them to 'manipulate' those they already know to help them come up with their own phrases/descriptions.

It's a structured process for those who need the scaffolding and help. It is not meant to restrict their language usage but to give them a jump start

[melman]

// Moderator's note: Topics merged.


I am looking for a good creative writing school for my boy. He is currently in K2 this year. Any good suggestion?

[Lucky]

melman:

I am looking for a good creative writing school for my boy. He is currently in K2 this year. Any good suggestion?

Hi Melman

I think if your child is reading well and enjoys books from all genres, he should not have a problem doing creative writing. Creative writing all comes from lots of imagination, a wide vocabulary and a love of reading and writing.

If you still need to send him there, you can try Lorna Whiston, Seed's D learning house at Katong and maybe The Learning Lab.

[schellen]

Hi melman, maybe this thread on English Creative Writing will help? http://www.kiasuparents.com/kiasu/forum/viewtopic.php?t=35

[melman]

Hi Lucky


My boy does read and write. But i'm not sure if he can write well. I thought sending him to a school to help him. Will definitely check out the schools you suggested. Thks!

Hi schellen

Blogging is a good suggestion, but i don't think my boy is ready for it......you gave me an idea.....maybe... i can start him on writing a simple diary!

[schellen]

melman:

Hi schellen


Blogging is a good suggestion, but i don't think my boy is ready for it......you gave me an idea.....maybe... i can start him on writing a simple diary!

Hi melman, did you read further down the thread? I think they also discussed schools there.

[moonee]

Er....cant seem to get in to mrswongtution website. :?