Writing can be a science and also an art. There are rules to writing, and some aspects can almost become too formulaic. But it’s also very easy for kids to be turned off to the open-ended nature of writing. As they begin learning how to write, it’s difficult to balance the rules and conventions with the daunting task of deciding on what to write. While we can’t spoon-feed them ideas for fiction narratives, or tell them what they should write in their journal, there are steps we can take to boost confidence, limit overwhelm, and maybe even show them that writing can be fun!
All Kids are Writers
It’s important to send the message early and often that your child is already a writer. Being a writer doesn’t mean being a professional or an expert. It means that your child is capable of writing, and that someday, they may even become a great writer. Calling students readers and writers empowers them with their developing skills and motivates them to become better.
Special school events like publishing parties and student-written read-alouds help send this message that their writing matters, even if they are still learning and honing the craft. You can have the same sort of celebrations at home to show your child that you’re excited about their writing. It can be as structured as a family writer’s group, where everyone shares their ideas and something they’ve written for (positive and helpful!) feedback, or as simple as your child sharing a story she wrote at the dinner table. Just make sure your young writers know that you value their writing, regardless of their developmental stage.
Writers Need to Read!
All great writers read. The more a child reads, the more equipped he or she is to write proficiently. Reading not only inspires ideas, but models what good writing should look and sound like. It teaches readers about literary devices and author’s techniques. It can even show students when and where they can break the rules of writing a little bit (and what kid doesn’t love being allowed to break rules?).
Play Writing Games With Them
There are tons of fun and creative games you can play with your kids that help build their writing skills. Madlibs are always a huge hit. Encourage your child to think creatively about the words they come up with or make it more challenging by coming up with two words for every blank! You can even have them write their own madlib and have you come up with the words for the blanks.
Another hilarious yet simple game is One Word Story. This can be played by writing words down or just played verbally. It makes a great car game! You simply work together to create a story one word at a time. One of you starts with the first word (“once” is a reliable way to open), and you alternate words from there. It’s a lot of fun to try to stump each other, and also helps students build their understanding of grammar as well as narrative arc.
Be Very Careful with Corrections and Feedback
No matter how riddled with mistakes your child’s writing might be, never criticize. If they start talking about a character that they never introduced, don’t call them out on it. And if their writing makes absolutely no sense at all, you must first find something to compliment! It is so easy to discourage students by being too critical. It’s hard–we just want them to be the best they can be. We always correct our children out of love. But once they’ve been turned off to writing due to criticism, it can be hard to get back their spark.
That doesn’t mean you should constantly overlook their mistakes! There are ways of helping your child improve their writing that are empowering and don’t make them feel discouraged. Use language like “This sentence would sound really cool if…” or “What do you think of…” They need to know that it’s still their writing, and they still have control over its content! And if they reject one of your “corrections,” try not to feel frustrated. They’ll learn it eventually. If not from you, then from their teacher. Or multiple teachers. The most important thing is that they feel like a real writer. The rest will come in time.
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