5 Fun Ways to Get Your Students Writing (Without Making It Feel Like Schoolwork)

You know the look—half the class is slouched, heads half-buried in hoodies, pencils unmoving, the prompt untouched. You just passed out what you thought was a slam-dunk writing assignment. But here we are. Again.

You breathe deep, wonder for the hundredth time why you didn’t go into web-design like your brother, and then remember—you actually care about these kids. You want them to love writing, not just tolerate it until the bell rings. 

So, let’s drop the five-paragraph essay, loosen our ties (literally or metaphorically), and try something different. Here are five non-academic, fun-as-hell ways to get your students to actually write—and maybe even enjoy it.

 1. The Omelet Method   

Let the writing fall apart. That’s the gist. Instead of trying to mold every paper into a perfectly structured AP-worthy response, treat writing like cooking—sometimes it’s a hot mess, but it still feeds the soul. Start with praise (even if it’s buried beneath 10 spelling errors), give them space to write about what they actually care about, and gently guide them from scramble to structure. Shift their label from “bad writers” to “writers in progress.” You’d be surprised what blooms when the pressure’s off.  

— Check out the full post on my blog! "Making Omelettes: Cooking Up Better Writing"

 2. Write a Break-Up Letter 

Students love drama. Channel it. Have them write a break-up letter—not with a person (unless they want to), but with an idea, habit, or object. “Dear TikTok, it’s not you, it’s my screen time report.” They’ll practice voice, tone, and structure without even realizing it. Bonus: It’s cathartic as hell!

 3. The “Hot Take” Journal  

Dedicate one day a week to hot takes. “Pineapple definitely belongs on pizza.” “The MCU peaked in 2018.” Let them rant, defend, persuade—whatever it takes to make them care. It’s persuasive writing in disguise, and once they get the hang of developing arguments around their own opinions, transferring that skill to more academic tasks becomes easier.

 4. Create a Villain Origin Story  

Writing fiction doesn't have to be a giant undertaking. Ask students to write a villain origin story for themselves. Why did they become late to every class? Why do they never do homework? Turn real habits into supervillain lore. It's hilarious, it’s reflective, and it gets them into narrative mode with stakes, backstory, and voice.

 5. “You Wouldn’t Understand” Slam Piece 

Give them space to write about something they’re obsessed with that adults “just don’t get.” K-pop, anime, their weird fascination with Stanley cups—anything. The only rule: They have to explain it to the reader like they’ve never heard of it. You’re teaching exposition, clarity, and audience awareness, and they’re just happy you’re letting them talk about something they love!

Final Thoughts  

The truth is, kids don’t hate writing—they hate writing that feels pointless. Give them permission to be messy, to rant, to invent, to break rules. You can always clean it up later. If you build the relationship first, the writing will follow. Just like with a good omelet, it’s all about the ingredients—and a willingness to embrace the scramble.

Keep the fight alive, folks!