Learning Specialists

Encouraging your child to write

Some tips from Mrs Dani Thomas

Reluctant writers, no motivation, don’t know what to write?

Whatever stage your child is at with writing, you can help to engage them by incorporating writing skills into your everyday activities. Here are some ideas that you can use to help improve their skills that are family-friendly and fun.

1. Play with magnetic letters or words

Everyone remembers how fun fridge magnet letters were as a kid. You could write all kinds of things with the magnets, from shopping lists to full-blown poems. Some stores have word magnets that are fun to play with. My children used to love changing up the sentences that were written on the fridge.

2. Encourage your child to write their own books

You may have plenty of books on your bookcase, but are they personal? Why not encourage your child to add to them? They could write their very own picture storybook or non-fiction information text. When they’re done, put the book on the shelf with your other books. They’ll feel a real sense of pride with writing their very own book. These also make fantastic gifts for grandparents. There are so many companies that make photobooks quite cheaply. 

3. Ask them to help compile your shopping list

Asking for help with any everyday writing activity is a powerful modelling technique. Children love responsibility and it’s great to model the different ways that we use writing every day. 

4. Write to friends and relatives

Who doesn’t love getting their own mail? Encourage your child to write to relatives or friends who they don’t get to see very often. They’ll love being able to tell them about what they’ve been up to. It’s exciting to get a response back. Perhaps you could start leaving notes for a neighbour.

5. Ditch the pen and paper

If your child is finding writing tedious, become creative. Practising letter formation can be fun. For example, you can fill a tray with sand and allow your child to practise writing in it with their fingers. You could also try filling the tray with salt. We’ve used shaving cream in the classroom as a fun way to practise!

And, of course, if you need any further help or ideas, please see your child’s classroom teacher.

Amy and Belle in 4S have written some brilliant pieces, well done girls!