How to Facilitate a Writing Class for Seniors
The graying of America has produced a bumper crop of senior citizens who are retired but still active and alert. Many are ready to pursue a lifelong dream of penning their memoirs or finally writing that detective novel, but need help to organize their thoughts on paper. Seniors in assisted living facilities do especially well with these groups, because they can encourage each other with the task. Here is an outline for facilitators who want to start a writing course.
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Instructions
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How to Facilitate a Writing Course for Seniors
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Set a limit of six to eight students. An even number is ideal, because then the group can pair into teams to review and edit each other's work. Plan an hour to an hour and a half for each session. Meet once a week, or every other week, at a time when the group is most likely to be alert and receptive, usually mid morning or early afternoon. A course time of eight to 10 weeks will allow the class to get into the rhythm of writing.
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While some seniors are computer savvy, those in their 70's and beyond are probably not going to be comfortable working on a laptop, so pass out pens and legal pads to start.
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Each class should include writing time, discussion and homework so that the students have something to bring to the next session. Provide topics for writing assignments if the group is not sure what they want to write.
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Suggestions include: 1) Write your own obituary (city, state and date of birth, schools attended, marriages and children, career highlights), 2) Write an essay about your most memorable car; 3) Show the group a picture from a magazine and ask them to describe it in an essay; 3) Write an ending to a sentence, such as "The best thing about being this age is . . . " Set a timer for 15 or 20 minutes for writing time, then pause for discussion and questions. Students can read their work out loud if time allows.
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Provide homework assignments and suggest to students that they set a timer at home and write for 15 minutes at a time, quickly and without editing. At the next class time, pair each student with a peer editor so they can review and offer feedback on each others' work. Offer resources for e-book publishing, print on demand and local freelance editors for students, if they would like to take the next step and get published.
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Tips & Warnings
If class is held in an assisted living facility, the management may publish the students' stories in their newsletter.
