‘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 gently guided Ben, avoiding pressure or judgment, encouraging him to continue, allowing the words to flow naturally and see where the journey would lead him.
It was a breakthrough for Ben and his mum — proof that sometimes growth occurs when we create space.
If your child struggles to get started with writing, or if you do, this method could be helpful. It is effective for children, homeschooling or flexi-schooling families, or anyone aiming to improve 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. However, progress of any kind often comes from taking one step at a time.
Key benefits of free writing:
- Boosts creativity: Enables the exploration of ideas without restrictions, inspiring innovative thinking.
- Organises thoughts: Promotes natural structuring of ideas, enhancing retention and recall.
- Reduces mental clutter: Serves as a decluttering exercise, making it easier to concentrate on other tasks.
- Encourages 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 to help 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 question what hinders 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 complete. 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 occasional writing sessions helped her reflect on her priorities and personal growth.
Case study – Hannah, adult learner:
Hannah initially resisted journaling, believing it was just about writing down her feelings without any purpose. She found it too rigid and felt like a chore. However, after suggesting a more flexible approach – choosing an open-ended question and allowing her answer to flow freely – 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 unsure, you might be surprised at how it leads to unexpected solutions and fresh perspectives.
If you’d like to schedule 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 enhance their executive function skills — planning, prioritising, following through, and maintaining progress 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.