Recently I started teaching a Creative Writing class at our local enrichment group. The focus is on helping the kids to learn their writing voice. So many times homeschool parents try to teach kids to write in a formula and don't really let them share their thoughts on paper. And, so often these same parents become so stressed out about teaching writing that they avoid it altogether. But instead of ignoring writing and hoping the kids pick it up along the way, I would encourage you to make writing a priority in your homeschool and create an environment that helps you connect with your children.
Everyone can share their thoughts and learn their writing voice. If you have young kids who are learning how to write and put their thoughts onto paper, journaling or freewriting can be a great place to start.
Likewise, your teens and pre-teens are dealing with a lot of different emotions. Writing can be a way to release those emotions and thoughts in a safe way.
Here are some tips on making writing a priority in your homeschool.
Make Writing A Priority By Adding Some Fun
For Younger Children
If you want to make writing a priority for your younger kids, it helps to make it fun. Writing can often seem like a chore for kids. If they aren't inspired to write, it may prove difficult and young minds have a hard time expressing their feelings. Writing not only will help them make sense of their thoughts, but it is an amazing way for them to practice their vocabulary skills.
Start with the materials they will use to write. Get them some colorful journals or notebooks with their favorite characters, and let them pick out whatever pens or writing utensils they want to use. Using colored pencils and adding art to their writing is another great option.
For Older Children
If you want your teen to love writing, they need to love what they are writing with. This could include a stylish journal or notebook and some interesting writing utensils. Writers tend to be picky about the type of pen they use, so definitely let them pick out some favorites.
In addition to the journal and writing utensils, adding art can be inspiring to young writers. Creative teens might want to add color, doodles, or designs to their journal pages. This can easily be accomplished with colored pencils, watercolors, embellishments, stickers, and other similar items. These can be inexpensive, and make a huge difference in how motivated your teens are to use their journal.
Make Writing A Priority By Giving Them The Tools They Need To Succeed.
For Younger Children
Kids need a place to write that feels comfortable. This may be a desk or simply an area in a part of the dining room. Kids need to be able to focus, and an area designated for them will help them. You can even set it up with some fun things to make them excited about the routine, such as putting on some of their favorite music, getting fun placemats for beneath their journal, or adding cute containers for their supplies.
Also, provide them with the tools they will need to become a better writer. A good vocabulary curriculum like Wordly Wise can give them the words they need to broaden their writing.
For Older Children
Teens may prefer to write using a computer or tablet. In this case, make sure they have an area designated for them with a desk or table that they can use to set up for writing. It doesn't have to look like a traditional area. It could be as simple as a lapdesk and a comfy chair.
At this age, the mechanics of being an effective writer is more important than in the early years. Help them to build competency in grammar, usage, mechanics, and composition. A program like Keys to Good Language is a great asset to help build confidence in your teen and take the stress off of homeschool moms.
Make Writing A Priority With Creative Ideas
For Younger Children
It also helps to give your kids some creative ideas to write about, especially in the beginning. Some kids will quickly jump at the chance to write, but others will need some gentle encouragement. You can find journaling prompts specifically for kids of different ages that will get their minds thinking about something specific. In many cases, they are just simple questions or statements to write about.
For the homeschool parent who needs a little more guidance, a program like Diamond Notes is a good place to start. With gentle, practical, step-by-step guidance, they learn to organize their thoughts and express themselves clearly on paper. And, it's easy for the teacher to follow, so no stress for mom!
For Older Children
You can also use writing prompts for teens and pre-teens. Look for those that will appeal to this age group: school, friends, getting ready for college, and music.
Teaching writing to older children can be a bit intimidating for most homeschool parents. There are many great writing programs available, but I encourage you to look for those that are not formulaic and let your teen express their thoughts and concerns.
A great book to help them with the writing process from the beginning to the end is Writer's Inc. Older students can use this book independently as a "how to start writing guide," or parents can use it to help teach writing to their kids. Either way, the stress of knowing what to do and when can be relieved by a simple guide.
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Hi, I’m Dachelle. I’m a homeschooling mom of 3 in the South. I love chocolate and have been known to hide it from my children. I can often be found reading a good book (or even sometimes just an okay book) and enjoying a jar of Nutella — don’t judge. I blog, here, at HideTheChocolate.com when I’m not creating book clubs and making lists…lots and lots of lists (it’s an addiction). Learn more…
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