Erika Clowes, Ph.D.
Writing Consultation
Kids are very clever, and they're usually able to come up with "workarounds" for their writing challenges. If a challenge is significant, though, the workaround will eventually fail, as assignments become more and more complex. At this point, students may start to develop anxiety, avoid challenging tasks, and lose confidence. My goal is to help young writers discover problem-solving strategies that work with their learning style, and can be applied beyond the classroom to any task requiring analysis, planning, or communication.
How the process works:
COMMON
WRITING CHALLENGES:
I begin with an interview and writing sample review, to assess the writer’s challenges, strengths, and goals. Then we set up a creative project to match. Options may include:
- Book publishing
- Visual reading journals
- Comics
- Maps
- Dioramas
These projects allow writers to try out new strategies and media in the context of their own interests, without academic pressure. They're excellent for reducing anxiety and building confidence. Writers receive customized strategies that they can take home, practice, and apply to future work.
As needed, I can meet with parents, teachers, and other providers to coordinate support.
(3rd grade through college)
- Anxiety
- Perfectionism
- Lack of focus
- Concrete thinking
- Disorganization
- Trouble getting started