Helping Children Become Writers
WHAT EVERY PARENTS NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT FIRST, SECOND, AND THIRD GRADES observed: “The process of learning how to write begins at a very early age. Young children, using crayons or markers, write with great enthusiasm and eagerness. Toddlers and preschoolers think that all they have to do is pick up a pen and scrawl little lines and dots.
The following advice will help your child develop strong writing skills:
First, encourage writing at home. Children get a big kick out of writing their own stories and poems, even jokes and riddles. Encourage your child to write by making sure he has paper, pencils, and pens. Writing also calls for listening to books read aloud, so your child hears ideas expressed in sentences that move along into narratives. You provide a warm, intimate experience that is particularly enjoyable, especially in the winding-down time before bed. Keep the praise flowing. Read your child’s stories, project papers, and book reports, but read conscientiously and praise honestly.
Second, create a list of at-home writing activities. Parents to include the following items on their list: message board, diary or calendar, discuss writing, and photo captions.
Third, encourage your child’s teacher to develop an online newspaper. A classroom newspaper can provide kids with wonderful writing opportunities. This organization is dedicated to helping elementary and middle schools start a newspaper.