sitting on couch smiling at phone

You know that you are a warm and compassionate teacher, but do your students get that sense from your writing? Below are the techniques presented for how to write with warmth. On this page, we will practice the first three.

Lead with empathy and compassion
Show you believe in students’ abilities
Use a conversational tone
Be authentic to yourself and your voice

Practice by revising each sentence below to incorporate the technique. Once you have revised the statement (on paper or in your head, your choice), click to reveal a sample revision.

Practice leading with empathy and compassion

How might you revise this sentence?

This is a reminder that your assignment is due by 8pm tomorrow night.

sample revision

- I know firsthand how deadlines can sneak up, so this is a friendly reminder that your assignment is due by 8 pm tomorrow. Please reach out with any challenges, and know that I want to support you.

Practice showing you believe in a student's abilities

How might you revise this sentence?

Please remember next time to write using the active voice. We covered examples of active vs. passive voice in class. I am available to help you as are peer tutors in the writing center.

sample revision

- You have wonderful insights that got me thinking about your topic in a new way. In some places, your use of the passive voice added additional words that clouded your idea. Using an active voice will help your ideas to pull through more incisively and clearly in your next essay. If you’d like, we can sit down together to work through an example. Other options are that I can send you some practice resources or connect you with one of our wonderful writing center peer tutors.

Practice using a conversational tone

How might you revise this sentence?

Please be advised that next Monday is a holiday and that we do not have class. Our class resumes next Wednesday.

sample revision

- I hope you enjoy the holiday next Monday when our campus is closed. (I know I plan to bake some banana bread!) Next Wednesday in class, when we’ll jump back into our examination of how our upbringing influences the development of our political views.