HOW DO I GET MY CHILD TO WRITE?
Laurisa White Reyes
During
the eight years I taught creative writing to homeschooled students,
the most common question parents asked me was "How do I get my child to
write?"
While
some children seem naturally drawn to writing, others struggle to put
even a few words down on the page. Some parents describe their efforts
to teach writing skills as a constant battle. Fortunately, this is one
battle parents can win by following these five simple suggestions:
- Know Your Objective: Writing is a form of self-expression and communication. The primary goal, then, isn't to complete a particular writing assignment. Instead, it is to help your child discover the joy of writing.
- Utilize Technology: Some children are truly averse to the act of putting pen to paper. These kids often thrive, however, when allowed to use the computer. If they can't type, they can dictate their essay or story to you, or record it on a digital recorder.
- Allow Choice in Writing: The quickest way to turn children off to writing is to require them to write about something boring. Instead, encourage them to select topics that interest them.
- Allow Choice in Reading: Just like with writing, children need to choose books that engage their interests. Forcing a child to read a book he doesn't like will turn him off to reading, and a child who writes is a child who reads.
- Make Writing Fun: To help children fall in love with writing requires flexibility and creativity on your part. If your child is resistant to writing an essay, try something different, such as writing a family history, short story, comic book, or different forms of poetry.
Remember,
teaching your children to write does not need to be a struggle. Try
these ideas at home and discover how fun writing can be.
________________________________
Laurisa White Reyes is a homeschooling mom of five and the author of THE ROCK OF IVANORE. www.laurisawhitereyes.com
THE ROCK OF IVANORE, Book I of The Celestine Chronicles. A new fantasy adventure for ages 8 & up.
"Reyes'
debut novel is a gripping fantasy just right for younger readers who
clamor for adventure but are not quite ready for Lloyd Alexander's 'Grey
King' or J.R.R.Tolkien's 'Lord of the Rings." ~Deseret News
What wonderful tips, Laurisa! I am a big fan of giving choice in reading, including comic books and magazines.
ReplyDelete