How Parents Can Support Their Child’s Writing
- Reading aloud to your child, no matter the age, and discussing the texts
- Sharing fiction, non-fiction and poetry
- Encouraging daily reading
- Listening to your child read aloud
- Learning the terminology of the six traits of writing and using it when discussing your child’s writing
- Reading and responding to your child’s first draft. This must be done with care and with a focus on listening and responding to the child’s content as it is read aloud. The role of the parent (and teacher) is not that of editor. Students are taught spelling and editing strategies at school and they must take ownership of this stage of the writing process.
- Encouraging your child to keep a writer’s notebook and to discuss writing topics with others
- Providing your child with real reasons to write: letters, notes, lists, invitations, thank-you notes, letters to the editor
- Writing notes to your child, which may spark a response
- Allowing judicious use of the Internet. There are many safe sites where students can read student writing and submit their own writing.
- Talking with your child about books, the news, their day, movies, television, and any other topics to help develop vocabulary and oral language skills.
- Framing reading and writing as enjoyable experiences, not punishments.