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How to get kids excited about writing

Getting kids excited about writing isn't easy. There are a million and one other things that they would rather be doing. There are video games, TV, movies, outside, and all sorts of things that seem more worth the effort to do then writing. However, writing is important and developing an excitement for it can make a difference in the lives of kids growing into adults.

There are lots of ways to get kids excited about writing, but it usually depends upon the child. One kid might love it, just because writing itself is fun. Another might respond to your praise, and still another may not want either. Finding what works for your child might be trial and error.

Foster a Love of Books.
Reading to your children at a young age will foster a love of books, which will provide the best platform for a love of writing. If you child learns to love the places that books take him or her then they will love where their own writing can take them as well. Showing by example can also do a great deal of good. Read in front of your children and have books in the house for people of all ages.

Be Creative.
By showing how creative creating a story can be, you can foster delight and joy in the process. Write stories with your children and add illustrations. Even if you can't draw, you will come up with a fun afternoon project for you and your child and they will get excited about it. Get out the color crayons, markers, colored pencils and have fun creating a new story complete with pictures.

Make Up Stories.
Spending a good time making up stories about things in this world can make it fun to write them down. Starting young can help a great deal. Make up stories using their toys, the things they see, your fish, or other objects or people you see. Having fun being a creative or crazy story teller will get your children moving in the right direction.

Always Give Praise.
Praise is a reward many kids love. Whatever they do, give them praise for it. Also make sure that your praise isn't connected with criticism. It is always good to try and give positive criticism such as "That's great, but...". However, it could lead to a child feeling like nothing is ever good enough and there will always be a, but....

Help Your Child "Self Publish".
Children love to show things off. Help your child make books or find ways to give a finished look to their work. This can encourage them to make more and to grow as a writer.

To the Net.
Set your child up with a free blog. Show them how to write there. It gives them a sense of wonder and it lets them be published. It doesn't matter if anyone comes to their blog, it will still feel great to have that out there and to feel like there is an audience. You can give the URL to friends and family and let them comment on the work your child has done. You can add Google Adsense and let your child have the money his or her blog makes. Or you can work with them and monetize their blog giving them a portion of the income it generates.

Getting children excited about writing really depends on the child. But no matter what praise, encouragement, and your own excitement can help make a huge difference. Don't forget to include these elements in whatever you do to get your child excited. Have fun yourself and enjoy what it is you do.

Learn more about this author, Danelle Karth.
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