4 of 13

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 3

and it is easier for the student to prepare assignments if the same programs are available at home. Do not hesitate to discuss needed programs with the school's technology coordinator if you are in doubt of which programs will be important for the child in the future. Keep needed supplies such as printer cartridges, paper, and writing materials accessible as well.

Thinking it Through

Encourage brainstorming, planning, and outlining. Writing will be better organized, if it is well planned out. There are many templates available online for graphic organizers, brainstorming, and outlining. Even if a teacher does not ask for these tasks, they can benefit the child and the end product.

Proofreading

Proofread but do not produce. Remember that it is the child's assignment. It is usually acceptable to proofread for mistakes in spelling, grammar, capitalization, and punctuation. Do not make the corrections for the child nor rewrite something for the child. Resist the urge to mark everything. Sometimes that is overwhelming and feels like criticism. Instead, mark five areas to improve and five places that are done well to begin. Consider writing suggestions on sticky notes.

Questions

Use questions to help with grammar. If the student has problems with grammar exercises, resist the urge to tell the child that a word is a "verb" or that a comma has to be inserted after a particular word. It is better to ask the child a question that may narrow down the options. Tell the child that a particular sentence is missing a comma, and then read the sentence aloud to the child. Try to help the child to hear where the comma would be appropriate. Sometimes children simply need to develop their ear for how sentences sound in order to understand the rules. Use the process of elimination. Help the child to see that some words just cannot be "verbs" and that those can be eliminated. Then after narrowing down the options, ask questions.

Vocabulary

Make vocabulary come alive. Consider some ways to help with vocabulary lessons. It can help to make a drawing of an image related to a vocabulary word. Play hangman with the vocabulary word, Create a word map with a graphic organizer. Look for ways to incorporate the vocabulary words into daily conversation.

Word Games

Play word games. A great way to reinforce word skills is to play traditional board games such as Scrabble, Boggle, and Upwords. It may not directly affect a particular assignment, but they reinforce spelling and vocabulary

• << previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about How to help your child with English?
We want to hear your view. Write now!