Writing helps communicate thoughts, complete tasks and demonstrate the mastery of a skill. It is an integral part of every school student’s education.
However, writing is not an easy task for all students. For many struggling writers, writing assignments and assessments may leave students frustrated and discouraged. It is challenging to put thoughts into words on a page in an organized manner. The good news is that parents can support and enrich their children’s writing skills in the home environment. This support may help make the task of writing easier and more enjoyable for children!
Here are 8 Ways To Help Build Your Child’s Writing Skills Right At Home:
1. PROVIDE A VARIETY OF WRITING MATERIALS
Fun pens and pretty papers can be a great motivational tool.
2. CHOOSE STRONG VOCABULARY WORDS TO LEARN FOR THE WEEK
Use these words in your daily oral vocabulary and written work. Words such as “obstacles” and
“curious” are a great start. See if your child can use them both in a written story.
3. ENCOURAGE WRITING FOR A VARIETY OF PURPOSES
Your child could make a shopping list, write a fictional story or send a letter.
4. USE TECHNOLOGY
Encourage your child to send an e-mail to a friend or publish a story online with a program such as Little Bird Tales.
5. BE A GOOD ROLE MODEL
Allow your child to observe you writing on your own and smile while you are doing it, too! Take time to share your writing with him or her and talk about how you use writing in your personal and professional life. Show a variety of different written work such as a written letter, business communication or journal page.
6. CONNECT WRITING WITH YOUR CHILD’S PASSION
If your son is interested in the Harry Potter series of books, encourage him to write a letter to J. K. Rowling. If your daughter is interested in mysteries, have her create a scavenger hunt with written clues to find a hidden treasure.
7. CELEBRATE WRITING IN A VARIETY OF WAYS
You could:
Host a family “open mic” night once a month and take turns reading poems or stories written by family members out loud.
Tape completed stories to the refrigerator.
Do a happy dance together with your child when a completed writing project comes home from school with a positive note.
8. WRITE DAILY
Last, but not least, in order for writing skills to improve, students must spend time writing. Add it to your family’s daily routine and build it into the schedule. This will help your writer to practice and gain confidence in his or her writing.
For over 15 years, Augustine’s English Classes has helped hundreds of students fall in love with the subject and excelling in school exams. If you are interested to know how our classes work, or what our secret winning formula is, do feel free to drop us a message or give us a call.
