teaching writing

Writing helps us think. The physical act of writing and seeing it on the page helps make thought tangible. We are able to re-combine ideas in new ways.

Take the word resource. In modern day usage, resource has come to refer to things we ‘use up'. Think about human or financial resources.

Now let’s see that word again: re – source. Aren’t you seeing the word differently? This is the power of seeing and writing. Re means again. The root of resource means to spring up again.

When a work team limits their understanding of resource to things we can ‘use up’, new ideas for products and services may be constrained. What a different mindset if we think of resources in its original form — as the bounty that surges forward again and again, like sunlight.

one example

How can we take risks safely with writing? Jumpstart your team’s work with a simple exercise. Take the word resource. Use sentence prompts to generate the first material.

Sample sentence prompts:

1. I wish I had another
2. I don’t have enough
3. There are plenty of
4. I’ve never known real hunger, but if I did, I
5. One thing everyone knows about resources

Work team members answer each prompt quickly, with the first thought that comes to mind. Then the dialogue with your team begins. Wiv Inc puts an emphasis on listening and asking open-ended questions to draw out disparate ideas. Soon your team is re-thinking how to use resources.