Here are some tips for English composition teachers:

Always remember that when a student appears uninterested in his own work, it just means that he is putting on a bravado to hide is anxiety over how his work is going to be perceived.  Read your students’ works with care. Acknowledge the students’ efforts. Avoid marking the papers. Take note of the mistakes and tackle them as part of your grammar lessons in class. A budding writer’s spirit might be crushed just because of your insensitivity.

Nothing makes students scream “boo!” more than a boring topic. Let them write about what they know best. If they feel the need to include illustrations with their works, go ahead. Encourage them. Let them be creative. You can always balance this with required writing throughout the school year.

Praise your students for what they’ve done right.  Write little margin notes on their paper, telling them which parts are interesting. You can even write a lengthier end note. Students love to know that you do read their works.

Help the students compile their works in a portfolio that they can keep at the end of the year. This will help them proudly showcase their works.