Tips to improve writing skills in kids:
#1 Read, read and read.
Reading is a stepping stone to better writing and helps children strengthen their writing skills. It increases children’s vocabulary and teaches them different ways to use words. This also facilitates their use of these words in their own writing.
With younger children, make it a point to read together every day and to foster their love of reading as they grow. Begin reading early—many children who devour books become strong writers.
#2 Make it enjoyable.
Play writing-related games and activities. Crossword puzzles and word games are enjoyable for all ages. Little ones will enjoy the “write the word” game, in which they search for items and write down the word as they find them.
#3 Make Worksheets for Writing.
Make a worksheet where young children can trace letters and words if they are just learning to write. Write letters and words on one piece of paper, then place another piece of paper on top and have your kid trace onto the blank piece of paper. You can also make a connect-the-dots game for your child by having them trace along dotted lines and then tell you which word or letter they find.
#4 Experiment with Different Materials.
Change up your writing by using something other than a pen or pencil. Sidewalk chalk on the driveway, finger painting, and a salt writing tray are all enjoyable writing activities that will help children develop their writing skills.
#5 Write Letters.
Encourage your child to send letters to friends and family. Distant family members will appreciate receiving handwritten letters, and it’s a great way for kids to practice writing skills.
Pen pals are another fun idea, or you can write letters to each other and leave them around the house for each other to find!
#6 Journaling should be encouraged.
Keeping a journal is a great way for children to express their thoughts and ideas while also working on their writing skills. Plan an outing with your child to select a fun journal and encourage them to write in it as much as possible. Make it a regular part of his or her day.
#7 Make a Writing Area.
Set aside a small space in your home solely for writing. Having a separate area for writing will help your child focus on practicing writing skills by removing distractions.
#8 Invest Your Time.
Make it clear to your child that you are available to assist him or her with spelling or proofreading whenever necessary. Making writing time a priority for yourself will help your child improve his or her writing skills.
#9 Join Their Interests.
Consider your son’s or daughter’s favorite book series. Perhaps he or she is preoccupied with dinosaurs. Connect any of his or her interests to writing.
Allow your child to create a new short story based on his or her favorite characters, or allow him or her to create a story entirely based on dinosaurs.
#10 Model it.
There is no better way to learn than to watch someone else do it. Allow your children to see you writing regularly. Writing will become more natural to them once it becomes a regular part of their daily life. A simple grocery list or letter to the teacher, holiday or thank you cards, or even a sweet note to your child are all acceptable.
Takeaway:
Writing is a valuable practical life skill. While great writing skills take time and patience to develop, you can help your child with these simple writing exercises for kids.
Lots of reading, regular writing time in a designated writing area, and fun writing activities and games will all help to improve writing skills. We at Heritage Montessori Academy let kids indulge in multiple activities that help develop writing skills in kids.
