Much as we wish it weren’t so, kids don’t learn to write by osmosis. They need your instruction, guidance, and feedback.
Tip 3: Make teaching writing a regular part of your school week.
With littler ones, this may mean a daily investment of sitting together to practice new skills.
Older students may not need you to sit with them through every stroke of the pen, but definitely set aside time on a regular basis to teach or review concepts and give constructive input. Read examples together and talk about what makes a particular paragraph boring or enjoyable. Look at passages of literature or student essays to find great word choices, sentence variations, and colorful description.
Choose a writing program that offers strong parent support through lesson plans, schedules, teaching and editing tools, checklists, and objective grading forms. When you have a plan and feel equipped, it’s much easier stay on track, explain a new concept, or offer suggestions.
Whether you use a formal program or make up your own assignments, you’ll go a long way toward developing confident writers by giving them frequent practice. There’s just no substitute!
Also see Writing Tip 1: Set Boundaries, Writing Tip 2: Process vs. Product, Writing Tip 4: Wise Feedback Makes a Difference
