During the middle school years, students begin the adolescent stage. This stage is marked by a push for autonomy. Dictating assignments and topics to students demoralizes and frustrates middle school students. Giving students a choice of topics on which to write satisfies their need for autonomy, which in turn motivates them. By choosing a topic of interest, students are more invested in the outcome and become excited about writing and doing it well. Teachers should give students a broad category that they can choose from, like a book report on any American novel or an essay analysis on their favorite movie.
Social interaction is a big part of a middle school student's life. To use that to your advantage, get students involved in the writing process by orchestrating a group writing project. First, have the class pick a general theme or outline for the story. Next, depending on how big the class is, each student contributes a portion of the story. Or divide the class into groups who will write a portion of the story. The story has to be written piece by piece so, as one group finishes their portion, it is passed on to the next group who build upon it. Once completed, publish the story by printing and binding it. The students can all have a copy to keep.
Publishing a written piece is exciting because it lends a permanence and pomp to the effort of writing. Assign a project to write a short story with illustrations done by the student, which is then published by simply printing and laminating the cover and end pages. If the budget allows, hardcover books can be customized and bought online. Student will have this as a keepsake to put on their bookshelves.
Editing is an important part of the writing process, but oftentimes overlooked and less than pleasurable. To encourage editing, organize group edit parties in the classroom. Pair each student up with another and have them exchange papers and evaluate each other's work. The students then edit papers based on the critique from other students. According to The Writing Teacher, the peer editing process has several advantages: Students will be more likely to complete assignments if they are held accountable to peers and the editing process promotes autonomy. Students will enjoy the opportunity to break free from a routine and converse with peers.