Whether it's story time, a free write, a term paper, or a research essay, some kids perk right up when they hear that it's time to write. Hey, when you've got the bug, you've got the bug. But other students sink down in their seats like they wish they could disappear. Or go outside. Or clean the chalkboard. Or do hundreds and hundreds of math problems.

Or pretty much do anything other than write.

If you just want some creative ideas for shaking up the way you teach writing, check out our article on differentiating writing instruction. Hey, it could be enough for some of 'em.

Craving more? Here are seven additional tips to help you engage those students who cringe whenever writing is mentioned. Word of warning: after this, you won't be able to detach their fingers from that No. 2 pencil (or keyboard, whatever).

Or at least that's the goal.

1. Let students choose their writing topics and genres.

As much as possible, anyway. Some students love creative writing—even if essay-writing makes them cringe. While those kids could make up stories, poems, and the like all day long, others crave structure, logic, and practicality. They might enjoy informational writing more than fiction.

If you want to draw in students from both camps, it will help to have assignment options that cover a lot of bases. Sure, at some point you can have the creative writing enthusiasts tackle informational writing and vice versa, but if students are reluctant to write? Give them choice, or expect them to stay checked out.

2. Switch up your writing prompts.

We tend to use a lot of writing to teach writing, so why not bring in some imagery? Try using visual writing prompts like this fantastic one (for older students) from John Spencer. You can also use paintings, photographs, or cartoon panels with the captions removed and ask your students to write about what's going on in the image.

3. Get a tape recorder.

We know, we know—does anyone call them that anymore? So, pick up whatever kind of recording device (laptop, phone, digital recorder) and have your students engage in some oral storytelling. Student stories, poems, or even dictated essays can be transcribed after the fact, and for some, taking the physical task of writing out of the process can make a big difference.

There are also apps that will automatically transcribe dictated pieces for you in real time (hello, Dragon Dictation). You'll have to proofread for dilemmas like "nothing would lesson Ophelia's pain" (what kind of learning style is that?) or "Hamlet can't bare it" (frisky!), but if you're up for it, it can be a great way to avoid putting pen to paper.

4. Eliminate pre- and post-writing steps from the process.

Not every time. After all, outlines and reflections and the like can be the most helpful parts of the assignment. But cutting a few steps from time to time can make writing less of a chore for the students who see it that way.

Not sure what we're talking about? Many classrooms feature writing process posters with multiple steps and numerous recommendations for how to complete each of those steps. Sometimes you just need to let your students write, tell them what you like about it, and move on. After all, turning every writing assignment into a laborious three-week process could turn off even the most enthusiastic writers in your class.

5. Encourage students to build stories using pictures or diagrams.

This is sort of an alternate to the multi-step thing, and it can be a fun and helpful tool for your visual learners. The idea: they start with storyboards, flowcharts, timelines—maybe even collages or actual physical props—and then put the story into words. This is a great way to get your reluctant writers invested the writing process before they ever get near pen, paper, or keyboard.

6. Utilize pre-writing strategies that don't involve any actual writing.

See how we gave you tip #5, and then our next two totally subvert it? We know, totally sneaky.

So, how to avoid pre-writing on the students' part? Here's a start: class brainstorming, role-playing, peer conferencing, doodling, drawing, sculpting, or pretty much any number of other art activities you can think of. These can all be used to help flesh out an idea, a character, or a theme, or in general, to begin generating a whole mountain of ideas for writing projects. And sometimes that germ of an idea is the hardest part.

7. Get technical.

We're not just talking Mavis Beacon. (Are we really that old?) There are numerous websites that use tech and online games to help inspire reluctant writers. You can use them as the basis for projects, for extra practice, or for a reward or free time in class. Here are a few of our faves:

• Wacky Web Tales, which is essentially an online version of MadLibs.
• Story Jumper and Storybird, both of which use visuals (and quite artistic ones, in the case of Storybird) to inspire students to create their own tales and even books.
• Bit Strips is an online comic creator that will appeal to students of all ages (who doesn't like a good comic?).
• The ReadWriteThink cube creator is a fun tool to help students create a tangible 3D outline to help guide them through the writing process. And it's appropriate for older students, grades 6-12.
• FunBrain has a number of word games online that you can use to help students improve their writing acumen.

We know now you're just dying to try out some of those games—or better yet, get started on your own writing extravaganza—but please, pass it on to the kids.

And if you're still itching for more? Don't forget to check out our ideas for differentiating writing instruction in our Creating Curriculum section. We know, we told you already, but a double-plug can't hurt.