What are some ways to encourage writing at school and home?

There are many ways to encourage writing at school and home. Here are some ideas you might find useful to encourage writing.

1. Home:

o Read to your child- reading and writing go along with each other.
o Make writing into a game.
o Write about subjects that your child is interested in.
o Make drawings, notes, and story maps to remember ideas on a topic.
o Allow your child to type on the computer.
o Post your child’s work in a place to be shared with others.
o Keep a daily journal.
o Allow your child to e-mail or use instant messenger (monitored).
o Have a mailing system in your house, where you can write to each other throughout the week.
o Let your child prepare the grocery list.
o When your child has a birthday, have them write little “Thank You” notes.
o Have your child write to family members.
o Take some time to write yourself- when your child sees you writing, they will do the same.


2. School:

o Proof-read writing assignments before student turn them in.
o Have a reward system for good work on students writing.
o After the student has turned in writing assignments, publish the completed work at home.