5 SIMPLE At-Home Writing Help & Tips

Are you ready for some SIMPLE at-home writing help and tips?

This is part of our At-Home Learning Resources series.

AT-HOME WRITING HELP & TIPS

Oh my! Writing. There are four language skills: 1- listening, 2- speaking, 3- reading, and 4-writing. Of all four, writing is by far the hardest skill. That’s because it requires all the other language skills to be in place plus all the physical skills writing demands and strong executive functioning skills like working memory.

Seriously. If you’re struggling at home with your child, there’s good reason. But here are a few simple ways you can support your writer at home AND keep your sanity. {Because really. Who wants to further complicate something that’s already complicated.}

5 SIMPLE Writing at Home Help & Tips

1. Read good books out loud to your child.

If you’re reading a picture book, be sure your child can see the pictures and the words. As you read, point out the way the author used certain words or drew pictures. For example, if an author used an unusual word in a sentence, reread the sentence. Talk about what makes that sentence so amazing.

2. Provide REAL reasons for your child to write.

If you’re stuck at home, this is a great time to write to grandma or to a friend. When we provide REAL reasons for kids to write, it motivates them to work harder. Why? Because they have a real message and will have a real audience.

Ideas could include: writing a letter to someone, writing a shopping list, writing notes around the house, or write just because they want to

3. Focus on the message, not mistakes.

Writing is very personal. No one wants to write if they know they’ll have someone sitting there judging their every letter. Yes, your child will misspell words. Yes, your child make mistakes. Instead of focusing on all of these mistakes at first, listen to their message. What are they trying to say?

They’ll be more apt to listen to you as you help them correct mistakes if you listen to their message first.

4. Provide writing supports.

I’m excited to share my free writing folder printables with you.

Print off a copy and allow your learner to use it while writing. Another great resource are our free spelling folders. My kids use their all the time.

I also have spelling folders for Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grade, and 3rd-5th grades available.

5. Provide a quiet place for your child to write.

Because writing is so complex, it requires focus. Loud, busy areas of your house are not the best place for kids to write. Find a place together that’s free of distractions.

Check out all the writing lessons we have: 1- Preschool & Kindergarten Writing Lessons and 2- Simple Writing Lessons {for Primary Grades} They show how Anna and I write with our own kids at home. Grab some free printables too!