4 of 39

Write now Article Tools

As a writer and a high school English teacher, I would say the only skill more important than writing is reading. Here is my best advice on helping your kid with writing.

1. Read to them from birth. Use pretty picture books when they are pre-literate. Read in different languages, if you can speak them. Just let them learn to love the cozy, loving time they have with you when you are reading. Books will always be associated with feelings of fun and safety in their minds after that. I recommend the Carl series by Alexandra Day for toddlers. There are almost no words to read, just a series of pictures. You can get your three-year-old to tell YOU the story as you turn the pages. That way the child is "reading" even before he is literate! Feelings of success and accomplishment will then precede his first attempts at learning the alphabet- how cool is that?

2. Continue reading your own books and periodicals and let your child see you doing it. Why am I not talking about writing yet? Because a writer is only as good as what she reads. I have never yet met a good writer who didn't read, or who read trash. Reading is the foundation of the house. Get your kid reading-when he begins to read at all, take him to the library or used book store regularly. Encourage him to pick several books for himself, understanding that what he doesn't like, he doesn't have to finish.

3. Model writing for your kid. Let her see you writing letters, emails, Helium articles, thank you notes, grocery lists, you name it. Keep plenty of pads and pencils lying around the house in case you get inspired.

4. Ask her to write for you. Invest in a good preschool teaching manual. Use its techniques. She will start with letters, then learn her name. Post her writing, even one letter on a page, proudly on the fridge, which should be the family art gallery. Show it to guests. Let her see your pride in the product of her hand. Watch her write. Praise her at every step.

5. Ask for notes. Your son can write a note to his father thanking him as a Father's Day gift, right? So have your son write him notes every week describing his day, asking about his father. One sentence to begin with, then expand to two and then three. Begin expecting thank-you notes from your children to their grandparents and others who have given them gifts. This is an excellent opportunity to teach three important skills as one go: gratitude, writing, and good manners.

6. Next, graduate to letters and little "articles" for the fridge gallery. I would hope you encourage your kids to make art at home that you then give to grandparents, aunts, etc. Add notes and letters with the art. Then letters alone will be enough. Teach them to address envelopes, stamp them and mail them.

Kids will write more when they know their writing will be read and appreciated. This is why you must use relatives and friends as assistants in the process. Remember a key rule to excellent teaching: a good teacher makes at least 4 compliments for every 1 criticism. The younger they are, the more compliments you should be giving. If Grandma is critical, cut her out of the loop and don't address letters and notes to her. You'll find, however, that most people will follow your lead. And because they're getting thank you notes in the deal, they'll be positively enthusiastic!

Learn more about this author, J. Burney Sullivan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

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