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The best way to become a good writer is to WRITE, WRITE, WRITE.
Let your child see you writing every day with your grocery lists, recipe
directions,
messages to family members, reminders on the refrigerator, notes in their
lunchbox, e-mails, etc.
Encourage your child to write. As you write to family members and
friends, ask your child to write or draw something especially for them
to add
to your letter. Give your child various topics to think about and then
sit down
together and write a story. Give them story starter ideas. It is
always nice to
web the topic and then it is easier to have the thoughts you want to
write about
right in front of you. Cut out pictures from magazines and write a
sentence
about that picture. Getting started is the key and then your child will
blossom
with writing. They tend to fear what to write and how to spell the
words.
This comes with practice and experience.
Do not be concerned with the mechanics of writing. Don’t be
concerned about the spelling of words and the grammar in the sentence.
We use our word wall for basic words. We invent the spelling and then
as we
progress, we check for correct spelling on our finished copy. We
always start
off with our first draft (sloppy copy as they love). The teacher is the
editor
and we have to sometimes rewrite a story several times to come up with a
finished copy. We always compare it to writing a book and corrections
are
good if they are needed. We always discuss our thoughts first and see
where
we want to go with the topic. We have a “writing meeting” to encourage
creative
thoughts to flow into a good story. Our stories are usually centered on
a theme
in the classroom that we are studying for that month. But, they can be
on any
topic that a child chooses during free creative writing time.
Read aloud to your child as often as possible. Our Book-It
Program
is an wonderful way to receive an award for your child reading to you.
Their
reading to you is the most excellent way to encourage good fluency and a
love
for reading.
Reading from varied authors encourages them to compare styles
of writing and also see different illustrators artwork. Part of the
writing
process is also illustrating the story if they wish. Have your child
write their
own short book and bring to class and share with their friends.
Save your child’s writing in a special writing box. Sit down
at various
times to reread the stories and compare the growth he/she has made.
You’ll be
glad that you saved their stories of their early years of writing.
Write to your child. Put notes in books, lunches, napkins, pencil
cases,
book bags, pockets. They will be so blessed when they find that special
note
to them. Encourage them to do the same thing for others.
Subscribe to children’s magazines. Children are thrilled
to receive their
own mail. (even e mail) It is a good idea to see which magazines accept
student
writings or illustrations. It would be a thrill for a child to see
their own work
published. Calendar contests are wonderful ways for a budding artist to
see
their art shared with others.
These are just a few ideas to help your child become a better writer.
It can open up a wonderful world of their imagination in the printed
form.
This wonderful site came from Mrs. Hayes
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