Post: The how and why of helping kids learn to write

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Most writers are avid readers. Because of this, it’s logical to assume that people who do not read often or don’t know how to read likely do not have good writing skills. Unfortunately, only 17% or so of children ages nine to 11 have stories read to them on a regular basis. Some estimates state that approximately 25 million kids in America cannot read proficiently. If that many kids can’t read, how many also cannot write? 

Writing is good for your physical, emotional and mental well-being

Reading and writing go hand-in-hand. The process of writing itself is good for your health. In fact, studies show that writing a story lowers the heart rate and improves the heart’s ability to respond to stress. Writing also enhances self-awareness, which is an attribute children need as they grow into adulthood. There is ample evidence to show that writing thoughts on paper after a traumatic event promotes healing. These are just a few of many reasons why it’s a good idea to help children learn to write well. 

That’s the why, now here’s the how

There are many things you can do to help your children or grand-children become better writers. One is simply to encourage them to write by creating an environment where there is ample opportunity to do so. You can do this by keeping pencils, pens, markers and crayons in conspicuous spots, along with stacks of paper. You can also give writing supplies as a gift for birthdays or other special occasions. 

It’s helpful if children have a writing desk or space set aside for writing. Explaining the process of journaling may spark an interest in a child to begin writing his or her thoughts down each day. You can also boost creative writing skills by providing prompts and then asking a child to add to the topic. Such prompts might be an opening sentence that you’ve made up or a question that you ask the children to answer in a paragraph or two. 

Spend time writing together 

If children see their parents writing, they’re more likely to take an interest it themselves. Consider bringing back family pen-pal-style writing. Perhaps once a month, everyone can gather at the table with lots of stationery and writing supplies. Each person can choose someone to write to or you can all write to the same person. This could be a relative or friend, letters for people in a nursing home, or overseas on active military duty, etc. 

Teaching children to write lays the groundwork for success in life

Whether or not a child who is taught to write will grow up to be a professional writer isn’t what matters most. Learning to write well is a skill that not only has creative benefits but practical ones as well. Being able to write well boosts confidence.

Confident children become confident adults. Writing comes in handy for filling out job applications and other “adult” activities. But, it’s more than just this. An adult who enjoys the writing process will always have a creative outlet. And who knows, the child you teach to write today may become a best-selling author of tomorrow!