IMPROVING YOUR CHILD'S WRITING SKILLS

Providing your child with plenty of opportunities to write is one of the best things you can do for them. For starters, the physical act of writing letters and words enhances your child's ability to read. It also helps provoke thoughts and organize them logically. Read our tips below to find out ways you can help your child become a better writer.

Early Years

• Provide a place for your child to paint, draw, scribble and write
• Provide plenty of different materials to experiment with - paper, paint, markers, pens ...
• Help develop your child's fine motor skills using playdough, food, small rocks, glitter …
• Have your child verbally explain what they drew/scribbled/wrote
• Encourage your child to spell phonetically
• Have your child copy words they see
• Be encouraging and offer lots of praise

Primary Years

• Provide every opportunity for your child to write greeting cards, grocery lists, labels around the house, letters, menus, etc.
• Teach your child how to use an online spell checker
• Play games like Scrabble or Wheel of Fortune
• Encourage your child to talk about what they are going to write before they do
• Have your child draw a picture and then write about it
• Take an interest in what your child writes and ask questions - not all mistakes need to be corrected
• Have your child keep a journal
• Have your child take notes about what they see while on holiday
• Encourage your child to follow the writing process – brainstorm, rough draft, and final draft

 
We hope you find our tips useful. Are there any ideas you would like to share with us?

Explore Other Tips for Parents

Teaching Your Child to Read Without a Struggle
Improving Your Child's Reading Skills
Improving Your Child's Speaking & Listening Skills
Helping Your Child Learn a Foreign Language
Helping Your Child Maintain Their Mother Tongue