Writing

Why is Writing important for an EFL teacher?

Writing is the representation of language in a textual medium through the use of a set of signs or symbols (known as a writing system).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Writing

According with this definition, I think Writing is important because is one of the best manners to improve the new language, in this case, English.
I think it’s important because we as a teacher of a foreign language can teach the language in differents ways, and one of these ways is Writing.

“Writing is an essential key to achievement in school, in the workplace, and in the larger world. Research shows that writing develops higher-order thinking skills and helps students learn content across subject areas. And the more students write--and receive supportive feedback--the more their writing performance improves”.
http://www.ncte.org/prog/writing/news/107867.htm

What is the best way to teach writing to children? to teenagers? ( provide examples and references)

To teach children:
Students could be write about his or her favorite cartoon, or sport.
Students could be write about her or his family, or friends.

To teenagers:
May be students could be write fantastic stories or to write stories that they don’t have end yet.
Other manner could be use a story starters. http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/teachwriting/