Writing Opportunities That Involve Editing and Polishing for Real Occasions

Working with the medals in the advanced writing group of the Never-Fail Writing Method encourages learners to do more editing before they hand their work in. You can give them another reason for editing by publishing a collection of learners’ writing to give away at some special occasion or by helping learners make a collection of their own writing (e.g., a collection of separate writings about important people in their lives that can be copied and given to each of the people featured). Other suggestions include:

We Honour Our Supporters

Learners write about someone who supports them coming back to school. Polish the writing, print it, and put it in a frame. (If possible, get a picture of the supporter and learner together.) Invite all the supporters to come to an event. Learners introduce their supporter by reading the piece they have written. Everybody has refreshments.

Unsung Heroes

Similar to previous event, but write citations about unsung heroes in our lives and invite them to come in to be honoured.

The People in My Life

Learners make a collection of writings about people who are important to them. Copy and bind the collection so the learner can give them away as gifts to the people in the book.

A Souvenir Booklet

After a field trip or other big occasion, ask learners to write a report or reflection on the event. Polish them up and collect them in a booklet to make a souvenir for everyone who participated.

A “Best of the Year” Collection

Near the end of the year, ask learners to look at every piece they have written so far, and pick their best to edit and polish for the collection. You might decide that each learner gets a page, which might have room for two or three short pieces, or one longer one. Perhaps each learner might get two pages if your group is small, and your budget is large. These collections are great for giving to funders and other supporters and excellent to use as reading material for learners.

Letters to Politicians

Politicians nearly always answer (especially if you visit their office and deliver the letters in person).