Break Through Writing Assignment Paralysis with “B.O.W.”
(from SOS4Students Director Beth Samuelson)
Whether your student is in high school or middle school, you’ve probably noticed that writing assignments are becoming much more demanding. As parents we can all relate to the fact that for many of our young learners grappling with complicated writing assignments is one of their least favorite ways to spend time.
Every day in my office I work with students who are resisting or unable to initiate their writing assignments. I hear things like, “I don’t know where to start,” “I have so many ideas, I don’t know which one to do,” or my favorite, “I mostly skimmed the book!”
Overwhelm and anxiety can often lead students to wait until the 11th hour to get started on their written work. The result is that they are often more stressed, rushed, and turn in less than optimal papers.
There is a solution to these challenges that will save your teen (and you) hours of writing assignment heartache. This summer, invest just three days in one of our grade level writing workshops and you will give your student all the tools needed to start and finish a paper on any subject with ease!
One writing technique we teach all SOS students to help them break through their writing assignment paralysis is the Brainstorm – Organize – Write (“B.O.W.”) framework.
B.O.W. is a life skill that I use every day. In fact, I used it when creating this article. You can approach any writing assignment with B.O.W. and it will help to:
- Encourage ideas to flow so that you can initiate a paper when you’re stuck
- Provide structure and develop the ideas into a logical sequence
- Write and complete the paper.
B.O.W is just one of the writing techniques that we teach that are game changers for students!
In only three days this Summer, students will learn writing skills that will set them up for life.
- If your learner is in middle school, then check out our Write On summer workshop.
- High schoolers should take our Writing Rx workshop.
If you have questions about these or any of our student workshops or executive function coaching, feel free to contact us at or call us at (510) 531-4767.