The Write Stuff
Sylvan Learning knows that writing can be incredibly challenging for young students. We suggest that parents try and break down the writing process into steps to help their children write. You also want to show how writing can be fun by encouraging your child to write creatively. Remember, all good writers have to start somewhere. Reassure your child not to be afraid to try new things, because a first draft can always be edited.
Use flash cards to help with vocabulary.
Take a stack of index card and write the word on one side and the definition on the other. These words can either come from a list your child receives in school or a group of words you choose. If you are assigning words yourself, think of a theme relevant to what your child is studying in school. Have your child quiz you too, so he feels encouraged. Sylvan Learning believes expanding a child's vocabulary is essential to improving writing skills.
Make writing fun.
Show your child that she can have fun with writing outside the classroom. Suggest that she keep a journal to record her thoughts or keep a log of her activities. Writing weekly letters or emails to friends and family will also help her learn to write. Encourage her to have a pen pal, and reserve fifteen minutes a few times a week to help her with writing.
Help your child craft an outline.
What is this piece trying to say? Is it an essay, a book report, or a summary? Ask the questions your child will need to answer in his writing. Have him write out the answers and use this to help craft his ideas and increase writing proficiency. Then make an outline with an introduction, body, and conclusion. Tell your child to base his outline on the questions he has answered.
Suggest your child talk out what she wants to say.
If she is writing a book report, ask her what the book is about. Talk about the characters, the plot, and the setting. Let your child do most of the talking. Discussing the book will help with reading comprehension, and make it easier to write about the story. When she has demonstrated an understanding of the story, sit down with her to answer questions as she writes out her ideas.
Teach the skill of editing.
Even the best writers create multiple drafts to produce good writing. Remind your child that her first draft is not the final copy, and she will have a chance to improve her work. Have her read her work aloud and tell you if she thinks anything needs to be changed. Then explain where she could make improvements, and start on the next draft.
Tutoring will help develop your child's writing skills.
Sylvan Learning employs trained and certified tutors to help young students build their vocabularies, structure sentences, and write an effective paragraph. We cater to children of all ages, and can help students learn to write more effectively. Our writing tutors are eager to help your child excel in school!