Many early childhood education students I am teaching, struggle with writing.

Let’s face it – writing in general is hard; while academic writing requires new skills and approaches.

Structuring an essay can feel overwhelming. Integrating theories or simply getting started also contributes to this feeling. Competing priorities like placements, work, and personal commitments make the process even harder. But what if writing didn’t have to feel so daunting?

Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird offers a refreshing perspective on writing. It applies not just to creative work, but also to academic writing. I have earned my Certificate III, Graduate Diploma of Education, and Master’s degree. I know firsthand how intimidating essay writing can be. It is especially challenging when juggling theory, reflection, and practical application. Here’s how Lamott’s wisdom can help make the process easier and more meaningful.

Get the book

1. “Bird by Bird” – One Section at a Time

Academic essays often feel overwhelming, particularly when you have to weave together theory, research, and real-world application. The key is to take it one section at a time. Instead of trying to write the perfect essay all at once, start with small steps:

• Define key terms (e.g., “What is play-based learning?”).
• Introduce a theorist (e.g., “Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory in early childhood education”).
• Provide an example from practice.

From my experience: Writing a literature review for my Master’s felt impossible at first. I had pages of readings. I had no idea how to structure my thoughts. I focused on summarising just one article at a time, eventually stitching them together.

---

2. The “Shitty First Draft” is Necessary

Most students struggle with the pressure to write perfectly from the start. But great writing doesn’t happen in one go. The first draft exists just to get ideas on paper—cleaning it up comes later.

Tip:

• Start with a brain dump of ideas and key points. I use large pieces of paper and just add written notes all over it. My best friend from Uni used to call them “bed linen”.
• Use mindmap to start making connections.
• Write as if you’re explaining to a friend. Record yourself talking about your assessment topic.
• Don’t stress about wording—just get it down.

From my experience: I used to stare at a blank page, panicking about APA referencing and phrasing. The breakthrough came when I allowed myself to write badly first, then refine later.

---

3. Short Assignments – Focus on One Paragraph at a Time

If you’re feeling stuck, zoom in. Write one paragraph at a time instead of worrying about the whole essay.

• Write just the introduction today.
• Tomorrow, focus on one theory (e.g., Piaget’s constructivism).
• Then move on to practical application.

This makes the process less overwhelming.

From my experience: When writing my Graduate Diploma assignments, I used to get stuck overthinking the big picture. But when I focused on just one section at a time, it became easier.

---

4. Better done than perfect

Many students struggle with over-editing too soon. They tweak sentences before they’ve even finished their ideas. Instead, embrace the messy process:

• Draft first, refine later (APA formatting can wait!).
• Let yourself write badly before making it better.
• Your work doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be clear and well-structured.

From my experience: In my Master’s, I spent hours rewording the first paragraph before moving on. This wasted time. I learned to write first, edit later—and my essays improved.

---

5. Write for Yourself First – Then for the Markers

Academic writing often feels like “writing for the sake of it.” But if you think of it as exploring ideas that genuinely interest you, the process becomes easier.

• Pick topics that spark curiosity (e.g., “Why is risky play important?”).
• Approach essays as learning tools, not just assessments.
• Make connections to your teaching practice—this keeps writing engaging and personal.

From my experience: When I linked my essays to real classroom experiences, writing became easier and more meaningful.

---

6. Writing is Rewriting – Accept Multiple Drafts

Even professional writers revise their work many times. Your first essay draft is just the starting point. The real work happens in editing:

• Improve flow and clarity.
• Make sure each paragraph supports the argument.
• Strengthen academic tone and referencing.

From my experience: I never submitted my first draft—I always went through at least two rounds of edits. This small change helped me boost my grades significantly.

P.S. Don’t forget to save your drafts. I upload my essays to Gogole Drive/ One Drive / Dropbox or just email them to myself. Help to avoid the drama of losing half written work.

---

7. Writer’s Block? Just Start Anywhere

Feeling stuck? Start with the easiest part—maybe an example from your placement or a definition of pedagogy.

• You don’t have to write in order.
• Sometimes, writing the body paragraphs first helps.
• Move past the fear of “not knowing how to start.”

From my experience: I often wrote case study examples first, then built my analysis around them.

I have written through every stage of the journey, from Certificate III to a Master’s. From my experience, the best essays come from letting go of perfectionism. They come from writing freely and shaping the work over time.

So, if you’re feeling stuck, take a deep breath and just start writing—bird by bird.