KNOCK OUT WRITER’S BLOCK Writers block. We all have it at one time or another. It may start with a simple assignment to write a short essay or cause procrastination of a long report. Overcoming writer’s block requires tools to help your child surpass the mechanics of writing and move toward learning. Here are some useful strategies: Environment. Set up the perfect writing ambiance. Find a comfortable place with a smooth surface and good lighting. Whether your child is sitting at a computer or writing at a desk, make sure the books and supplies are easily accessible so his or her concentration isn’t broken when hunting for items. The environment need not be utterly quiet. According to Dr. Daniel Christie, a psychologist at Ohio State University, background talk at a reasonable level might help boys study better. Girls, on the other hand, seem to prefer peace and quiet. Observe what works best for your child. Brainstorm. Think of all the places you might find information, such as the library, the Internet, personal interviews, documentaries and so on. Discuss various ways to approach the subject. Divide and conquer. Divide a topic into smaller, more manageable sub-categories. For example, if a report is about Benjamin Franklin, your child could divide note cards into sub-categories, such as childhood, professions, inventions and accomplishments. Organize. Make sure that your child takes careful notes from books, magazines, personal interviews and films and that he or she records where the information came from for notation and bibliographies. Begin. Now that the background information is in order, how does one actually begin to write? Opening sentences are the hook that gets reports, essays and other writings off the ground. If your child is so stumped that he or she can’t even form the first sentence, try the following writing tips: Begin with a question. For example, a report on how color affects people could begin with the question, "Did you know that fast food restaurants paint their buildings red to stimulate your appetite?" Start with a fact or anecdote that gets the reader’s attention. If the report is about poverty, it could start with something like this: "Women are more likely than men to live in poverty, according to the Census Bureau." Begin with a quote that relates to the subject. For example, the Ben Franklin report could begin with, "A penny saved is a penny earned." - Ben Franklin Begin with a quote from a personal interview. These quotes help not only motivate the reader to continue, but they also help the writer focus on where the rest of the piece is going. Begin writing whatever comes to mind and add the attention-getting opening later. - Jody Wright