‘I showed it to all my friends!’ Ben’s mum says, thrilled by the story he wrote during our last session. ‘He had never done anything like it before!’
During our session, I guided Ben gently, without pressure or judgment, encouraging him to keep going, letting the words unfold, and see where the journey would take him. It was a breakthrough for Ben and his mum — proof that sometimes growth happens when we give space.
If your child finds it hard to get started with writing, or if you do, this approach could help. It works well for children, homeschooling or flexi-schooling families, or anyone looking to strengthen executive functioning skills.
The power of free writing:
Allowing us to express ourselves through free writing can help to organise our thoughts and clear our minds. I observed that some people, especially those with ADHD tendencies, want to tackle everything all at once. Yet, progress of any kind often comes from taking one step at a time.
Key benefits of free writing:
- Boosts creativity: Allows to explore ideas without restrictions, sparking creative thoughts.
- Organises thoughts: Encourages natural thought organisation, improving retention and recall.
- Reduces mental clutter: Acts as a decluttering exercise, making it easier to focus on other tasks.
- Promotes self-expression: Provides a platform for personal expression, boosting confidence.
- Enhances reflection: Helps us recognise behavioural patterns.
Implementation tips:
For students, parents and teachers:
- Set a time limit: Allocate 10-15 minutes for free writing to help students stay focused.
- Provide prompts: If students struggle to start, offer prompts – these could be images, open-ended questions, or themes linked to the lesson.
- Non-judgmental writing: Ensure students know free writing is a judgment-free zone. The goal is self-expression, not perfection.
- Make it regular: Incorporate free writing into the routine, helping students build this productive habit.
- Share and reflect: Encourage students to occasionally share their writing, which can promote a sense of community.
For all:
Adults looking to improve executive functioning or clarify priorities can benefit from the same approach. Many people wonder what’s hindering their focus, and writing prompts such as “What am I avoiding when I engage in this distraction?” can help uncover underlying thoughts and build momentum.
Case study – July, parent and professional:
July, a parent of two and a self-employed professional, initially felt overwhelmed with the idea of free writing. She thought of it as just another task, an additional “job” she had to do. However, after discussing her reluctance, we found a way that worked for her. She liked to begin with a sketch or symbol that encouraged her thoughts. Over time, she found that even sporadic writing sessions helped her reflect on her priorities and personal growth.
Case study – Hannah, adult learner:
Hannah initially resisted journaling, believing it was simply about writing down her feelings for the sake of it. She found it too rigid and felt like a chore. However, after suggesting a more flexible approach – choosing an open-ended question and letting her answer flow without editing – Hannah was able to incorporate free writing into her routine. It didn’t have to be daily, just whenever it felt right. This spontaneous approach helped her feel more connected to the process.
July and Hannah discovered that embracing writing without the pressure of perfection brings clarity and new insights.
Give it a try! Whether you’re just starting or feeling uncertain, you might be amazed at how it leads to unexpected solutions and fresh perspectives.
If you’d like to book a creative writing or study skills session, email info@outoftheboxteaching.co.uk for details.
I also offer one-to-one sessions that help teens and adults strengthen their executive function skills — planning, prioritising, following through, and staying on track with personal, study, or professional goals. These sessions combine practical strategies with personalised coaching to help build confidence, structure, and motivation during challenging or transitional times.