Writing Tips for Parents

1. Build a climate of words at home. Go places and see things with your child, then talk about what has been seen, heard, smelled, tasted, touched. The basis of good writing is good talk. Children gain stronger control of language when the adults in their lives share experiences and rich talk about those experiences.

2. Let your child see you write often. You're both a model and a teacher. If children never see adults write, they gain an impression that writing occurs only at school. What you do is as important as what you say. Have your child see you writing lists, notes to friends, and business letters. From time to time, read aloud what you have written and ask your childÕs opinion of what you've said. If it's not perfect, so much the better. Making changes in what you write confirms that revision is a natural part of writing.

3. Be as supportive as you can in helping your child write. Talk through ideas and help your child discover what he or she wants to say. Praise effort, delight in ideas, and resist the temptation to be critical.

4. Provide the appropriate materials associated with writing. In addition to the obvious tools, i.e. pens, pencils, paper, and proper lighting we suggest the following:

• a dictionary appropriate to the child's age and needs. Most dictionary use is for checking spelling, but a good dictionary contains fascinating information on word origins, synonyms, pronunciation, and so forth. a thesaurus for older children. This will help in the search for the "right" word.
• erasers or "white-out" liquid for correcting errors that the child wants to repair without rewriting.

5. Encourage (but do not demand) frequent writing. Be patient with reluctance to write. Recognize that the desire to write often needs to be cultivated.

6. Praise your child's efforts at writing. Resist the tendency to focus on errors of spelling, punctuation, and other mechanical aspects of writing. Your most effective role is not as a critic but as a helper.

7. Encourage your child to write letters for various purposes, and to write requests for information, free samples, and travel brochures.

Writing for real purposes is rewarding, and the daily activities of families present many opportunities for purposeful writing. Involving your child will be well worth your effort. Writing is especially rewarding when the child can anticipate a response.