By Teresa Cremin, Professor of Literacy in Education, The Open University
Writing is emotionally demanding for adults as well as children. The challenge of being able to marshal ideas and combine them, (let alone frame those thoughts into words, sentences and texts appropriate to purpose and audience), is substantial. A highly complex cognitive, social and emotional activity, writing remains demanding even as we become more experienced. Think of writing that letter of application, card to a bereaved friend, academic assignment, blog or confidential email… each can make us feel like a novice again as we stretch to find the most effective words – words which work for us as well as our readers. The journey towards satisfaction is often fraught with feelings of uncertainty and insecurity. Continue reading “Writing is emotionally demanding”