Teaching Children to Write

What Are Some Fun Ways to Teach Children to Write?

Writing is a great way for children to express themselves creatively and practice effective communication skills. To teach writing, it is important to create an environment that encourages reflection, self-expression and organization. The best way to get kids writing is to model it for them. When they see you writing, they are more likely to give it a try. Also, it is crucial to include the last step of the writing process: publishing. Whether you bind their stories, post them on a website or submit them to a real publisher, many writers need a purposeful goal for their efforts. Below is a list of great writing activities to get kids started at home or in the classroom:

  • Journal Jar Club
    Build creativity by creating a random journal jar. Have students or family members jot down interesting words or topics on small pieces of paper. Draw topics from a jar and write for ten minutes on the same topic. It can be a personal experience, fiction story or informational piece. Anything goes. If you allow members to share journal entries, you may be able to discover each child's natural writing style.
  • One Only Chain Game
    One person will start a story and the next will read it and add the next portion. For beginners, try one word increments. Intermediate or advanced players can take turns by sentence. The story's flow will also be a good indicator of comprehension ability.
  • A Visual Scene
    Reach visual learners with this detail-centered activity. Present your writers with a unique, detailed or curious photo. Busy scene photos with people in them work best. After giving the kids a chance to examine the photo, ask them to write a paragraph that answers the following question: What is the story behind this picture? Encourage students to create a story that describes who, what, where, when, why and how the scene came to be. Background information is not necessary but could be helpful to some students.

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