I received a lot of requests regarding writing strategies to help your child improve. The best way to improve your child’s writing is to have them write more. I was reading an article online called “Put it to Paper: Tips for Parents to Improve a Child’s Writing Skills" by Audrey W. Prince, and she has a lot of great writing ideas that can be implemented in the family home from day to day. Here are a few ideas I took from the article and would like to share with you. The activities are quick and easy that students deem as fun and not as a chore.
Activities:
Send a Message - Frequently leave notes on pillows, desks, mirrors, wherever. Have your child write you a note in return. A family chalkboard or message board is a great tool for encouraging your child to write messages.
Send a Message - Frequently leave notes on pillows, desks, mirrors, wherever. Have your child write you a note in return. A family chalkboard or message board is a great tool for encouraging your child to write messages.
Letters - Make letter writing a habit for your child. Have your child write letters to family and
friends.
“Year in Review” Notebook - Keep an ongoing record of your family’s life. Every family member can add to your family’s story. Include important events that happen during the year. On New Year’s Eve, sit down and read through your “Year in Review” and start a notebook for the next year. To add to your story, include family photos whenever possible.
Postcards - Have your child write and mail postcards on family vacations or special outings.
Say “Thank You” - Let your child get in the habit of writing “Thank You” notes for gifts or whenever it is appropriate to do so.
Journals – As a gift, give your child a special journal. Encourage your child to
write in his/her journal as often as possible.
Make a Menu - Let your child design and write the menu for a family dinner. This is a great activity that will keep a child busy while mom or dad is cooking. If some of the words are difficult, write them down on a separate sheet of paper for the child to copy.
Be Creative - Encourage your child to write and perform skits or puppet shows. Set aside time for other family members to see the performance.
Travel log - When you go on vacations, trips, or special outings, have your child record new sights and experiences from his/her journey.
Copy - If your child likes a particular song (nasheed), have him/her copy
the lyrics. Children can also copy their favorite poem, quotation, or short book. Encourage neatness for legibility.
InshAllah these activities will help your child’s writing and keep you updated on their progress. Make sure to encourage your child and focus on the content and understanding at first rather than the grammar and punctuation. It also creates a bonding experience among the family which is truly valuable at most JazakAllah-Khairan for your support and I truly hope you try a few of these activities.
Prince, A. (2008). Put It to Paper: Tips for Parents to Improve a Child’s Writing Skills, 148, 1-3. Retrieved October 16, 2014, from http://www.superduperinc.com/
