Writing combines several skills, according to Great Schools, a nonprofit educational resource for parents. A child must consider using grammar, punctuation and spelling correctly, writing letters legibly and organizing his thoughts. A child who has difficulty writing at a young age may develop a negative attitude toward it and resist writing as he gets older. Helping your child improve his writing skills at an early age helps build his confidence and enjoyment of writing, increasing his chances of success in school.
Step 1
Model writing skills at home to set a positive example for your child. Great Schools recommends writing letters or postcards, lists, weekly calendars and journal entries. Talk about writing in a positive light to avoid projecting negative opinions on your child.
Step 2
Demonstrate the proper position for writing. Sit with your feet on the floor and your arm resting on the desk or table. Help your child hold the pencil correctly as he writes.
Step 3
Save examples of your child's writing to create a writing portfolio for him. Great Schools recommends showing your child some of his earlier writing to demonstrate how she has improved. This may encourage her to continue writing.
Step 4
Set up a writing and homework area for your child. Provide a desk, light source and writing utensils in the writing area to make writing resources easily accessible.
Step 5
Purchase a journal for your child to practice writing in a low-pressure format. Encourage him to write in the journal on a regular basis, but allow her to keep the entries private.
Step 6
Write a creative story together with your child. "Scholastic" magazine recommends using magazine pictures, props or an opening line as the inspiration for the story. Add illustrations or turn the story into a play to make the activity more interesting for your child.
Step 7
Make a homemade book with your child. Take photographs or draw illustrations to include in the book. Let your child write the text to go along with the pictures.
Step 8
Purchase postcards with pictures from your city or state. Let your child write a message to relatives or friends who live in a different area.
Step 9
Ask your child to help you write the grocery list, a message for family members and other practical writing tasks, a strategy recommended by the National Writing Project.
Step 10
Brainstorm with your child when he has writing homework. Help him establish an outline and work through the writing process, but allow him to do the actual work. Break down the writing task into sections so it is easier for your child to complete.
Step 11
Praise your child for her writing efforts. Offer sincere praise by pointing out specific achievements in her writing, such as capitalization at the beginning of sentences or a strong opening to a story.
Tips and Warnings
- Avoid writing an assignment for your child. Assist him by offering suggestions and guidance.
