How to help your child succeed at school

One of the most vital skills your child will develop is writing. Writing is not just about putting words on paper; it's a way to express thoughts, creativity, and understanding the world.

Below are some effective strategies and tips to help you foster your child's writing skills at home. Remember, the key is to make writing a fun and enjoyable experience.

1. Create a Writing-Friendly Environment

Start by designating a comfortable and inspiring space for writing at home. Stock it with supplies such as notebooks, pens, colored pencils, and stickers. Make it a cozy corner where your child can retreat to let their imagination flow freely.

2. Be a Reading Role Model

Reading and writing are closely linked. Encourage your child to read regularly by setting an example. Share bedtime stories, visit the local library, and discuss books you've read together. Reading provides exposure to different writing styles and expands vocabulary.

3. Daily Journaling

Encourage your child to keep a daily journal. It can be a simple diary of their day's adventures or a creative space to jot down thoughts and stories. The act of writing regularly helps improve fluency and confidence.

4. Writing Prompts

Offer interesting writing prompts to spark your child's creativity. These could be as simple as "What would you do if you could fly?" or "Describe your dream vacation." Such prompts stimulate the imagination and help kids practice structuring their thoughts.

5. Celebrate Their Work

Praise your child's writing efforts, no matter how small. Display their stories or poems on the refrigerator or a dedicated wall. Show genuine interest in what they write, and ask questions to encourage them to share more.

6. Edit and Revise Together

Teach your child the importance of editing and revising. After they write something, sit down together to review and make improvements. This helps them understand the writing process and the value of refining their work.

7. Expand Vocabulary

Introduce new words to your child's vocabulary regularly. Play word games like Scrabble, Boggle, or make up your own word games. A rich vocabulary is essential for effective writing.

8. Encourage Creative Writing

Support your child's creativity by encouraging them to write stories, poems, or even short plays. Give them the freedom to explore different genres and styles.

9. Set Realistic Goals

Set achievable writing goals with your child. This could be finishing a short story in a week or writing a letter to a friend or family member. Goals provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment.

10. Share Writing Experiences

Engage in writing together as a family. Write a story collectively or keep a family travel journal during vacations. Sharing these experiences can make writing a bonding activity.

Remember, every child develops writing skills at their own pace. Be patient and supportive. The goal is to instill a love for writing that will serve them well throughout their academic journey and beyond.

Happy writing!

Laura Leung

Teaching and Learning