Writing is an essential skill that people take with them wherever they go. Becoming a good writer entails a lot of moving parts.
It can be challenging but rewarding to teach kids reading, grammar, mental processing, and grammar skills that all come together when one is creating written content.
This is why extensive exposure to language and writing as well as lots of practice are crucial for helping kids master this essential skill.
Getting Started
Getting started is typically the hardest part of completing any task, especially one where you do not feel confident. Kids can feel intimidated when staring at a blank piece of paper or page on word processing software.
Many children who have some writing skills do fine when they have a place to start, which can include the first few sentences, words, or even a diagram. Writing worksheets is an excellent option in this area because they help remove the first barrier by providing an idea that kids of different ages can build upon.
Writing worksheets also make writing fun, which is essential because we know kids are more receptive to learning if it is fun, such as when it is gamified. Additionally, these worksheets provide some structure that kids can build upon instead of struggling with the first step of getting started. Parents can use worksheets help kids become better writers. Learn more about lesson plans via the link.
Writing worksheets are also crucial for taking away the stigma associated with being perfect on the first try. Kids can use them to experiment, after which parents and teachers can assist in helping them revise and shape their writing.
Work on Drafts
You can also use the worksheets discussed above to help with brainstorming and idea creation. Both of these activities are crucial for helping ideas flow while also providing opportunities for corrections.
Helping them with these drafts helps kids understand that writing is a process and that good prose come from somewhere; there is a structure and process to writing. If they can master these structures and processes, they can become better writers faster.
Encouraging them to type on a computer can also be helpful, as it will also help them learn to organize their writing so information flows logically.
Encourage Lots of Reading
Good writers tend to be avid readers, and so this is something parents and teachers should encourage kids to do. Reading exposes kids to new vocabulary and the different contexts words are used.
Once they understand the words, their meanings, and their uses in different contexts, they are more likely to use them productively, such as in writing.
Additionally, reading exposes kids to different sentence structures and various creative ways of using the same words. They can then transition to using these sentence structures and taking advantage of different word uses and meanings in their writing.
Become a Writing Coach
It is important to understand the distinction between being a parent or teacher and being a coach. As a parent or teacher, you might be compelled to do some writing for a kid, but this is the wrong approach, even if you think you are helping fix it.
Instead, you should establish a relationship where they are the writer and you are the reader. You are only there to help them better their writing instead of telling them what they need to do without them putting any work in.
Also, let them know that you are helping to ensure they get better instead of criticizing them. After all, every writer has a set of eyes on their work before it is deemed complete, which is why professional writers have editors. You will be playing the role of the coach and editor, correcting and providing an extra set of eyes.
Encourage Them to Keep Language Notebook
A language notebook is great for capturing different uses of languages and language techniques. Kids can also use language notebooks to note vocabulary and expressions, and how both are used in different settings.
They can then refer to the notebook when they need clarification on something. Even though they will not be writing for grades, keeping such a notebook is a great way of encouraging them to write without applying external pressure.
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Referring to the notebook often should be done in conjunction with using the vocabulary therein as soon as they write it and as frequently as possible. Both of these will help cement this vocabulary in their long-term memories.
Teaching kids to be better writers will benefit them as they seek higher education and when they get employed or start their own businesses. Starting with them young will help them gain the skills they need earlier and have a long time to home them.
Image Credit: how to help kids become better writers by envato.com
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