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How to Encourage Your Kids to Write

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By Kristina N
User-Submitted Article
(9 Ratings)
Encourage Your Kids to Write
Encourage Your Kids to Write
Kristina N (notepads and pens), Wikipedia Commons

Encouraging your kids to write is relatively easy. Busy parents just need to take the time to stay involved and display a positive influence with their kids. Some of these activities below also help maintain quality time for the family.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • spiral notebooks or lined paper
  • pens, pencils
  • computer
  • computer paper (for printable worksheets)
  1. Step 1
     

    If your child absolutely hates to write, have them write exactly that (I hate to write, etc.) in a notebook or on lined paper. They don't have to be writing an essay or story to write. Have them write anything.

  2. Step 2
     

    Sit down with your child and help them learn to be creative with their writing. Give them a prompt or let them pick a story title. As they begin to write, ask them questions to help them be descriptive. As them what their main character is wearing, what food he likes, where does he/she live, does he/she have any family, and other simple questions. It teaches them to expand their writing and become better writers.

  3. Step 3
     

    Have your children write thank you notes to everyone that gives them a gift, or does something nice for them. A hand written note is more personal, is more creative, and means more to the recipient. The child(ren) also have the opportunity to draw on the note to bring out even more creativity. Shop at local dollar stores, retail stores, and office supply stores for inexpensive stationary. Keep a variety on hand for any occasion.

  4. Step 4
     

    Have your children write letters to long distance family. By writing they begin to exercise their brain and are able to expand it.

  5. Step 5
     

    Write one sentence on a piece of paper, or notebook, and leave it somewhere in the house. Each person that finds it, writes the next sentence. When the page is filled you can read the story everyone created.

  6. Step 6
     

    Introduce your child(ren)to writing comic strips. This may also help a child to read who is not interested in reading. It's a great way to introduce reading and writing in one activity.

  7. Step 7
     

    Visit the library often. My teenagers have told me that they feel like writing after they have read a good book.

  8. Step 8
     

    Let the kids write and put on a play together. Give them the tools and then let them write the play and assign parts to siblings or neighbor kids. They'll benefit with social interaction, creative writing, drama, and will have lots of laughs.

  9. Step 9
     

    Supply each child with sticky notes. Let them make daily to-do lists, or reminder lists for school. Teenagers will also benefit from this because they will learn to be more organized and responsible for their own work at home and at school.

  10. Step 10
    Photo by Kristina N
     
    Photo by Kristina N

    Sidewalk chalk is great for younger kids. They can draw and write names, short sentences, and practice writing. They are more willing to learn this way because it's plain fun!

  11. Step 11
     

    Keep a supply of writing materials available year round. Simple spiral notebooks are sold at extremely low prices when schools start, and check clearance sections of stores often. Buy pencils, pens, markers, paper, notebooks, journals, and many other writing materials when they are on sale. Having the items constantly available allows for freedom and creativity.

Tips & Warnings
  • Check with your local library and book store(s) for writing workshops for kids and adults.
  • Let your kids catch you reading or writing.
  • Buy journals on clearance for road trip writing, or for any journalism projects.
  • Mechanical pencils are great for writing in the car. Great prices for these are usually offered during "back to school" sales.
  • Save money and print the free printables (see resources) on the back of graded school papers or other school papers.

Comments  

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on 8/31/2009 Very good article. 5s.

kaytay said

Flag This Comment

on 3/7/2009 This can be a challenge with some kids. Thanks for sharing. 5*

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