“My goal was to do anything that would lead to a job. I know that writing would not lead to a job. It’s too fancy for me. My biggest goal was to be an office receptionist, answer phones. I didn’t expect to go beyond that. ” Anchee Min

In her published novel, Red Azalea, Anchee Min wrote about her life in China before coming to the United States. At age five, she began taking care of her younger siblings while her parents worked. The family often went hungry and she barely survived the Cultural Revolution.

When she came to the United States, she decided to write her life story as a way to learn English. She worked in restaurants and offices, and asked coworkers about grammar and spelling.

Adult learners enter our program having lived rich lives and like Anchee Min, they want write about their experiences. They may be non-native or native speakers of English.

Fear of failing or seeming foolish while writing are deep-seated feelings for many of us. Our students are no different. Following are a few tips to help students feel safe as they explore writing:

• Continually remind them to not worry about grammar and spelling, especially in the beginning. You will not criticize them. No red pens allowed.

• Ask them to begin with a favorite memory and write.

• If they are unsure where to start, draw them out. Ask them questions about their lives.

• Ask them questions about their senses. What did their grandmother’s garden smell like? Was is a bright sunny day or cold and grey? Was their childhood pet tiny and quiet or huge and loud?

• Help them to create a list of nouns or adjectives they might want to use when describing a particular memory. Explore those words together and ask them to write a few sentences using those words.

• They can keep their writing it in a private notebook. They can set a day and time when they will write their life story again. Help them come up with a plan.

If they ask you to read their writing, take your time.

Read it a few times. Concentrate more on content and correct word usage in the beginning.

If they ask for comments on editing and spelling (and they often will), do so sparingly. Concentrate on one aspect of language at a time such as using pronouns correctly or articles. Do not bombard them with changes. This will be defeating.This exercise is about connecting with writing in a personal way. It is also about consistently and exploring language while feeling safe.

Listen to the interview An Evening with Anchee Min 2008

More about ESOL students and writing Storytelling 101: 6 Engaging Writing Activities for ESL Students