Are you looking for some tips to improve children’s writing? Writing is such an important form of communication that many kids find difficult to do. It is also a key part of their education that must be practiced.
Students should be exposed to many multi-sensory activities to develop their writing skills. This could include many hands-on activities along with the use of technology to improve this important skill.
1. READ! READ! READ!
First thing you need to do is read! It is the stepping stone to better writing! It strengthens children’s writing skills, expands their vocabulary and shows them a variety of ways to use words in print. This will in turn make it easier for children to use words that they have read in their own writing.
2. Model Writing
Secondly, if you want to have your students or child be a good writer you must model what good writing looks like. Let them see you writing often and making it part of your daily life. Show them how you approach different writing tasks during the day and the importance of having good writing skills.
3. Create a Writing Space
Thirdly, to improve writing skills make a designated writing space to write. It can be a little nook in your home or classroom with the sole purpose of writing. The space can include different kinds of writing utensils, paper and journals. Children can go there and be free from distractions and just write.
4. Invest the Time & Write Daily
Next, invest the time to have your child or students practice writing daily. Make this writing time a priority and part of your daily routine. Writing can be incorporating in everyday routines from writing a letter to making a list of groceries. Make it a priority to write every day!
5. Use Different Writing Materials
Then, try using different materials in their writing nook. Instead of just using pencils, put out pens, markers, chalk, paint or any other item that can be used for writing. Let children have some fun while using a variety of writing materials.
6. Change Up the Modes of Writing
Also, once you switch up the materials in the writing nook, try to change the modes of writing your children use. Here are some examples.
- Different types of paper
- Booklets
- Chart Paper
- Story Prompts
- Chalkboard
- Letter Writing
- Journaling
- Technology
7. Technology is Your Friend
Next, take advantage of the technology that is out there. It plays a huge part in our educational lives why not use it. Here are some ideas for you to try.
- write a letter or e-mail to a friend or family member
- write a story using a story board program
- make a digital diary or journal
- use digital writing programs
- use digital writing resources
8. Praise & Respond to Their Work
Finally, praise what your students or children have accomplished with their writing skills. Show lots of interests in what they are doing by asking questions and encouraging their efforts. Respond to your students or children in writing modeling another form of writing communication that they can experience.
In summary, there are many tips to improve children’s writing. Whether it be through the use of many multi-sensory activities, modes of writing or with the use of technology children can advance their writing abilities. Along with these ideas your students or children need continued guidance and support through modeling, encouragement and praise to strengthen this very important communication tool.
Find some more reading activities and assessments in my store, The Teaching Scene by Maureen.
To read more topics check out my blog, “Seven Effective First Grade Assessment Tools”
