Helping with writing
Children who struggle with putting words down onto paper are typically very CREATIVE and IMAGINATIVE.
They feel frustrated because they can’t transfer their ideas to the written word and can be judged harshly for not having made enough effort with writing tasks. The best thing you can do in this situation is find ALTERNATIVE ways to get their creativity out there for them and others to see and appreciate.
Here are some different ways to PLAN and PRODUCE writing that will take away the tears and frustration:
Create mind maps
This is an easy way to get information out of your brain in a creative, imaginative and colourful way. Mind maps help to involve both the right and left side of the brain, which is essential for thinking, remembering and learning.
Touch typing
Physically writing and worrying about spelling can often get in the way of flow and creativity. There are many free, child friendly online programmes that teach how to touch type in a fun way.
Use a recording device
Most phones and tablets have recording options or you can download an App to help with this. It is a powerful tool to get those brilliant ideas out of their heads and hearing it back can inspire them to share their stories with others.
Write for real situations
Wherever possible get your child to write for a purpose. Shopping lists, notes to family members, events on the calendar, label things around the house or reminders to do certain jobs.
Remind your child that writing takes time
Children are frequently put in situations where they are expected to write very polished pieces of writing in one lesson. This is not realistic to how good writing is created. It can take a few times of revising and editing a piece of writing for it to make sense and sound good to the reader. It is important for them to understand this.
What next?
If you would like to book your child on one of my programmes, please contact me for further information.