My son is almost 11 and still finding his way to write with confidence. We realised his struggle was due to the feel of the pen. Thankfully, his caring teacher gave him a special grip to help. I learned this at a parents’ evening after chatting with him. I was amazed by his English assignment; it was fantastic, but his handwriting was tough to read. After seeing my son’s talent, we got him a journal and pens he liked to encourage this wonderful gift he has been blessed with.
It made me question, “Is writing still important today?” In answer to this, I think it is! Even though technology is everywhere, writing by hand is a valuable skill. It boosts learning, helps remember things, and sparks creativity like nothing else. It also lets kids think deeply about their ideas. Handwriting is a personal touch, a unique mark that typing doesn’t show.
To help your child with writing, try different tools and activities to make it fun. Encourage him to write stories, keep a journal, or jot down notes about his hobbies. Celebrate his work, focusing more on his ideas than the handwriting. This can boost his confidence and make writing enjoyable.
You might also explore writing apps or tablets that mimic handwriting if they’re easier for him. Balancing old and new skills ensures he builds strong communication abilities for the digital age.
Consider setting aside dedicated time each week for writing activities, making it a special part of your routine. This can be a wonderful opportunity for you to engage with your child, perhaps by writing stories together or sharing what you’ve both created. Reading also plays a crucial role in enhancing writing skills, so encourage your child to read a variety of books that interest them. Discussing these stories can inspire new ideas and also improve vocabulary.
Here are ten essential tips to enhance your child’s writing skills:
- Encourage Daily Writing: Set aside a few minutes each day for your child to write. This could be in the form of a journal entry, a story, or even a letter to a family member.
- Make Writing Fun: Use creative prompts or games to spark your child’s imagination. Let them write about their favourite characters, dream adventures, or invent new worlds.
- Provide the Right Tools: Ensure your child has access to pens, pencils, and paper that they enjoy using. Consider tools like special grips or ergonomic pens if they struggle with traditional ones.
- Read Together: Reading and writing go hand in hand. Share stories and discuss them, highlighting interesting words or phrases that can inspire your child’s writing.
- Use Technology Wisely: Introduce apps or software that make writing engaging, like story-building apps or digital journals, while ensuring there’s a balance with traditional writing.
- Celebrate Creativity: Focus on your child’s ideas and creativity rather than just the technical aspects of writing. Praise their unique expressions and encourage their storytelling.
- Set Goals and Challenges: Encourage your child to set writing goals, like completing a short story or writing a poem. Celebrate their achievements with small rewards or special recognition.
- Explore Different Genres: Introduce your child to various writing styles, such as poetry, fiction, non-fiction, and comics. This exploration can help them find their niche.
- Create a Writing Space: Designate a comfortable and inspiring space for your child to write, free from distractions, where they can focus and let their creativity flow.
- Be Supportive and Patient: Always offer positive feedback and encouragement. Remember, improvement takes time, and every small step forward is a success to be celebrated
Remember, every child progresses at their own pace, so it’s important to be patient and supportive. Celebrate small victories and keep the focus on the joy of expressing thoughts and creativity. With time and encouragement, your child will not only improve but also develop a lifelong appreciation for the art of writing
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Love and blessings,
Eliza x