Sylvia Rimm on Raising Kids by Dr. Sylvia Rimm

Q: I have a male student who really hates to prewrite (writing his rough draft in pen instead of on the computer). He does well with his essays without prewriting. When it is insisted on, he types it on the computer, then goes back and does the prewriting by hand to satisfy the teacher. If prewriting isn't necessary for him to do well, what are your thoughts on insisting that he do this step?

My own thoughts are, if prewriting is a tool that he does not need, then there is no reason to make him do it. I wanted to find out a professional's opinion, though. Thanks.

A: Many students would prefer to write an essay only once and be done with it. It's very reasonable and a good teaching practice to encourage students to write more than one draft of a story or essay. However, typing a rough draft on a computer is a good substitute for prewriting by hand. Technology has changed the way children can be taught, but sometimes, educators who have used effective styles in the past are dubious about changing expectations because they're not certain the new style will be as effective as the tried and true methods they've used in the past.

I'm glad this student is respectful enough of his teacher to fulfill her requirements, but I doubt that the prewriting by hand after he's completed the typed draft is adding very much to his skills. There's probably no harm in his doing it, since in the process he is reviewing his material again and the repetition component can be helpful. Good authors write many drafts of their work, so an extra draft can improve his work.

Students gain writing skills if they are aware that several drafts are usual.

I would recommend that the language arts teachers in your school review their general policy on typing on the computer versus writing by hand. There are many children, and particularly boys, who struggle with handwriting and feel much more at ease typing on a computer. Thus, the writing by hand actually causes them frustration and anxiety. It can also interfere with their thinking of ideas for their essays and stories. Since the goal of this teacher's assignments is to encourage students to write multiple drafts, it seems logical to provide alternative choices for students. Those who prefer writing by hand can present their first draft in that form, while those who prefer the computer can present at least two typed drafts. That would help the teacher to see the changes that can't be seen if students only provide their final draft.

There are also other advantages to having students type their work. Teachers have more legible work to correct, saving them time, while students practice their typing and computer skills and enjoy writing more.

For a free newsletter about pencil anxiety or rushed writing, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the address below. Dr. Sylvia B. Rimm is the director of the Family Achievement Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio, a clinical professor of psychiatry and pediatrics at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, and the author of many books on parenting. More information on raising kids is available at www.sylviarimm.com. Please send questions to: Sylvia B. Rimm on Raising Kids, P.O. Box 32, Watertown, WI 53094 or srimm@sylviarimm.com. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.

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