Hi Reader

As the countdown to Christmas gathers pace-school events, mock exams, concerts, last-minute deadlines-it often feels as though everything is speeding up.

But in English lessons this week, my students and I have been doing the opposite.

We’ve been slowing writing right down.

And it’s one of the simplest, most effective ways to improve writing quality… especially at this busy time of year.

What is “slow writing”?

Slow writing is a technique where students write one sentence at a time, following very specific prompts.
For example:

• Start with a noun…
• Begin with a verb…
• Include a list…
• Open with a preposition…
• Finish with a short, impactful line…

Because students receive the prompts individually and in real time, they can focus on one thing at a time. This keeps everyone in lockstep and significantly reduces cognitive load — ideal when students are tired or overwhelmed.

It turns writing into something mindful, structured and surprisingly creative.

A festive twist

With Christmas approaching, we used A Christmas Carol as inspiration. Students explored how Dickens varies his sentence structures to create vivid atmosphere, and then used slow-writing prompts to craft their own festive descriptions.

The results have been brilliant — especially from my international students, who often find that slowing the process helps them write with far more confidence and control.

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Why this method works

Slowing down gives students:

✓ Greater sentence variety​
They naturally avoid repetitive openings and experiment with structure.

✓ Stronger grammar awareness​
They choose verbs, adjectives and prepositions deliberately — not accidentally.

✓ More control​
Writing becomes a calm, step-by-step process rather than a sprint.

✓ Better quality​
It encourages thoughtful, crafted writing rather than rushed paragraphs.

A simple one-sentence activity to try at home

If your child wants a quick challenge, try this:

Write a single sentence that begins with a noun and includes a list.​
(E.g. The kitchen table overflowed with oranges, ribbons, candles and half-wrapped gifts.)

Just one sentence — written with intention — is infinitely better than a hurried paragraph.

Wishing you a calm and creative December

Among all the noise and busyness of the season, slowing writing down has been a surprisingly effective way to boost focus and confidence.

Sometimes, going slower helps students move forward.

Warm wishes,
​Verity

P.S. I’m hiring!

I’m looking for a warm, skilled English tutor (teacher-trained or tutoring-experienced) with evening availability to join my small team.
If you know of anyone — or if that person is you — please do get in touch by replying to this email.