Do your kids love writing? Or do they run as soon as they see a pen or pencil? Many kids struggle with writing in school and now with virtual learning, most kids write even less. Typing skills are improving for some, so that's a plus. But let's get kids writing the 'old fashion' way again. How many of you hear your child's teacher say they need more details in their writing. Well, here are a couple of ideas to hopefully get your kids writing and having fun while doing it.
Does your child or children receive gifts for holidays, birthday, or just because? This is the perfect opportunity to get them writing. Have your child send a Thank You card to friends and family who gave them a gift this year. Before they write, ask your child what they liked about the gift. Does it make sounds? Does it move or light up? Does it have their favorite characters or colors? The questions you can ask are endless. When they begin to write their Thank You card, make sure they don't solely write, "Thank you for the toy. I like it". Have them be specific. "Thank you for the red firetruck. I like the siren sounds and it's fun squirting water from the hose." You know your child best. So have them write anywhere from one sentence to a complete paragraph or two depending on their current writing skills and grade level expectations. Have them draw a picture of their gift as well. Thank you cards are not just for Holidays, so get the kids in the habit of writing and sending thank you cards whenever possible.
Another fun way to get your kids writing is by having a Pen Pal. Choose a cousin, friend, grandparent, etc. and have your child begin writing to him or her. Again, paper and pencil writing, not text or typing. Be sure to contact the chosen pen pal first to make sure that they want to participate. Otherwise, your child may be disappointed if he or she does not receive a letter in return. You can start off by choosing to send one letter per month. Maybe your goal will be that sometime during the first week of the month you will have your child write to their pen pal. By having a set date/week, this should help you in remembering to send another letter. But who knows? Depending on your child and their pen pal, they may be writing and sending letters two to three times a month. Wouldn't that be great! Again, discuss what the letter will include. Be sure to have your child add details and be as specific as possible. "I got a new puppy. He's cute", does not give the same mental image as "My new puppy is a grey and white Husky. His tail is really fluffy." Once again, have your child draw a picture to go along with their writing.
So help make writing fun for your child! You don't even need to buy cards. Just a blank sheet of paper will do.
