Over the next few days, I’ll be offering simple, practical tips to help the writing atmosphere improve at your house.
Tip 1: Build confidence through guidelines and boundaries
Offer Topic Suggestions
Many children fear the blank page. But believe it or not, saying “Write about anything you want!” actually contributes to the problem. Instead, suggest topics while still giving freedom.
- Let your student write from observation or personal experience. It’s easier than making up stories.
- When possible, let him write about things that matter to him so his passion shines through. If the topic bores your child, his readers will yawn, too.
Set Boundaries
Make sure the assignment includes clear expectations and instructions. Your child should never have to wonder, “What, exactly, am I supposed to do?”
- Define the nature of the composition. Is it a descriptive writing assignment? Narrative? Biography? Book report? Be clear with your student so he knows what you expect.
- Limit composition length. If a reluctant student knows he only has to write one five- to seven-sentence paragraph, his confidence gets a boost!
- Give step-by-step instructions. Unclear directions create anxiety. It’s not enough to just say, “Write.” Kids need to know how to write, so you’ll have to guide them through the steps. If you need help teaching the writing process, look for writing programs that give this type of guidance.
- Early elementary: WriteShop Primary
- Late elementary: Wordsmith Apprentice
- Middle and high school: WriteShop I and WriteShop II
- Provide a list of required elements, such as:
- Describe the object but don’t tell a story about it.
- Use one simile.
- Begin a sentence with a prepositional phrase.
- Find synonyms for uninteresting or overly repeated words.
Also see Writing Tip 2: Process vs. product, Writing Tip 3: Write often, Writing Tip 4: Wise Feedback Makes a Difference