How do you spot Fake Writers? They’re tricky, but with a few tricks up your sleeve, it can be easy to find them (and support them!). When I see the following signs, I make sure to follow up with frequent writing conferences. Be sure to stop by the blog next week for simple solutions to each problem!
How to spot fake writers
- Their Writer’s Notebook will have missing pages.
- They constantly change story ideas.
- The frequently distract others.
- They want to illustrate before they write.
- They’re constantly sharpening pencils or switching out pens.
- They make obvious “thinking” gestures.
- They complain about writing time or dislike writing.
Their writer’s notebook will have missing pages
Ripped out pages are a great indicator that your students aren’t writing. If students feel uncomfortable with what they write, or they don’t know what to write, they will rip out pages and pretend that they didn’t like whatever was on that page. It probably had very little writing anyways.
They constantly switch story ideas
Ripped out pages are a great indicator that your students aren’t writing. If students feel uncomfortable with what they write, or they don’t know what to write, they will rip out pages and pretend that they didn’t like whatever was on that page. It probably had very little writing anyways.
They frequently distract other writers
Just like reading, if you can’t get into a story, you’re constantly looking around or daydreaming. The same goes for writing. Students that have a hard time getting into their writing, will look around for distractions. They may also be drumming on their notebook or doodling on their pages.
They want to illustrate before they write
Illustrating adds a lot to your story. However, illustrating is done after you publish a piece of writing. Students that are more interested in the illustrations will want to illustrate their writing before they even begin. (And they’ll have plenty of reasons why this is a good idea)!
Fake writers are constantly sharpening pencils or switching out pens
When students get up to sharpen a pencil, then get up to grab a pen, then get up to grab a sip of water, are seriously disrupting their thought process. These tasks will make it challenging for a student to be writing. If you see constant fidgeting, you can assume they’re fake writing!
They make obvious “thinking” gestures
You know the type. They have a pencil to their lips and are glancing up. They are rubbing their heads. They purse their lips together. All of these are looks that students make when they are not into writing.
They complain about writing time
It may seem silly or obvious, but the students who openly complain about writing time, are also going to dislike the actual writing process. It’s probably because they haven’t been able to fall in love with writing, but it’s definitely something you’ll want to look out for!
Once you’ve identified the fake writers in your classroom, make sure you give them the appropriate support! Read more about how to convert fake writers into real writers HERE.
