My Mentorships Transforms Young Writers
The secret sauce, you ask? It’s more than just having a teacher—it’s having a mentor who truly gets the writer.
There’s something remarkable that happens when learning is tailored to the individual. It’s that moment when a young writer suddenly finds their voice, their confidence unfolds, and they start to see endless possibilities in their work. This isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s the very real impact of mentorship, a dynamic that’s powerfully captured by the 2 Sigma Problem.
Let’s get into it. The 2 Sigma Problem, introduced by educational psychologist Benjamin Bloom in the 1980s, reveals something extraordinary: students who receive one-on-one tutoring outperform their peers in traditional classrooms by a staggering two standard deviations. That’s what we call “two sigma.” In simple terms, this means that the average student with personalized tutoring does better than 98% of those in a typical classroom setting. We’re not talking about a slight edge here but about a profound transformation.
So, what’s the secret sauce? It’s more than just having a teacher—it’s having a mentor who truly gets the student. Someone who understands their strengths, challenges, and unique spark. For young writers, mentorship isn’t just about learning the rules of grammar or narrative structure. It’s about finding their voice, honing their style, and building the confidence to share their stories with the world.
A Historical Perspective: Education for the Elite
Let’s rewind a bit and look at the history of education. Back in the day, personalized learning was a luxury reserved for the elite. In earlier eras, aristocratic children were tutored by scholars who lived with them, creating an education that was tailored to their every need. During the Renaissance, noble families had tutors who weren’t just teachers but lifelong mentors guiding their students in everything from literature to leadership.
And it’s not just foregone history—literature gives us countless examples of the impact of personalized mentorship. Think of Professor Bhaer in Little Women, who guided Jo March with wisdom and encouragement, or Miss Stacy in Anne of Green Gables, who recognized Anne’s potential and nurtured her creativity. Even Anne herself later becomes a mentor, shaping young minds with the same care and enthusiasm she once received. (I have waited so long to add a reference to Anne Shirley 🤩…)
This wasn’t just about knowledge; it was about potential. These students weren’t simply taught; they were nurtured, challenged, and supported in ways that allowed them to realize their full potential. Fast forward to today, and we see that same transformative power of mentorship in action—except now, it’s accessible to those who need it most.
Lesson From My Mentoring
Take Millie, author of the “Adventures of a Young Naturalist,” for instance. When she joined my Writers’ Workshop and started her mentorship for her blog, she was a homeschooler with a passion for nature. While she wasn’t in a traditional school setting, her age would typically place her at a 5th-grade level. Fast forward eight months, and her mom decided to have her take a standardized test. The results were astonishing: Millie scored at an 8th-grade level in reading and writing. And remember, she was still at the age where 5th grade was expected.
How did she make such a leap? It wasn’t through traditional classroom learning—it was the power of mentorship. Personalized sessions, targeted feedback, and continuous support were the tools that accelerated Millie’s growth. My goal for Millie wasn’t just to help her improve; I wanted to help her excel far beyond expectations.
Millie’s story isn’t just an impressive anecdote; it’s proof of what the 2 Sigma Problem reveals. With the personalized attention of a mentor, students like Millie don’t just improve—they outperform expectations by a wide margin. This is the kind of transformation that the 2 Sigma Problem highlights: when education is individualized, it doesn’t just lead to better outcomes—it leads to extraordinary ones.
Why Today’s Young Writers Need Mentorship
A writing mentor does more than instruct—they guide young writers through their creative journeys. Whether it’s refining a blog, organizing content for a YouTube channel, or crafting a novel, a mentor provides the tailored support that empowers a writer to excel. For Millie, this meant taking her writing beyond her grade level, opening up new doors, and building her confidence as a young author.
For parents, choosing mentorship is about more than improving your child’s writing skills; it’s about unlocking their full potential. Millie’s story is a testament to what’s possible with the right guidance. With a dedicated mentor, your child isn’t just learning—they’re thriving. Let’s take the lessons from the past and use them to build a brighter future for our young writers.
And while I’m not saying I’m the next Anne Shirley (though, let’s be honest, I’ve always dreamed of being her), I can promise you this: I’m pretty darn good at helping budding writers find their voice and shine. So, who’s ready to write the next chapter?
Explore My Creative Mentor Course