|

Writing Guidelines

by Jonathan Mooney

Once your child has gone through the process of finding a topic, brainstorming, and developing an outline, you are now on to what is often the most difficult part of the writing process -- the actual act of writing! I honestly wish there was some easy way around this, but the bottom line is your child now has to sit down and get those ideas on the page. The following are some suggestions on how to empower your child to start writing and stay writing:

How to Start Writing

  • Be open to dictating and typing: I spent my high-school career dictating my papers to my mom. If this works for your child, go for it. Try dictating or voice-activated software. Also, there is absolutely no reason why kids should not be allowed to use a computer for their writing regardless of age.

  • Remind your child of the process: It is tremendously important that when your child starts writing the first draft that you remind him of all the work he has already done. Tell him that he has done the hard stuff, and now it is time to get the words out. Also, remind him that this is just a first draft, and that it is OK to make mistakes.

  • Censor the self-critic: We all at times have a voice that comes up and criticizes everything we write. You need to help your child prepare for this voice. Help her understand how this voice might manifest itself. It could be a feeling of dread; it could actually be a voice that says "your writing stinks." Once you have identified how this voice comes up, help your child develop a response. In my life, I have had to literally tape a sign above my desk that says, "Dump the voice."

  • Free-write: One of the best ways to help your child start writing is to have him sit down and start free-writing about anything that comes to mind.

    How to Keep Writing

  • Create a "to-do" list: Writing is best approached in incremental pieces, not as a huge whole. Help your child create a small and manageable to-do list, no more than a few paragraphs at a time. Tell her that when she finishes each list, she can take a break. Often you'll find that she keeps right on writing after she finishes her to-do list.

  • Turn off spell and grammar check: Often computers underline misspelled words, an obvious distraction for anyone driven to distraction. Turn this automatic spell checker off.

  • Let your child keep moving and talking: Many kids need to move and mouth words to themselves as they write as a way to access a motor memory. If that is the case, buy yourself some earplugs and let him make as much noise as he needs.

  • Encourage your child not to correct: Too many kids spend way too much time writing and then crossing stuff out. Remind your child that rewriting is for the rewriting stage. All you care about right now is getting it out.

  • Skip writing transitions, introductions and conclusions: Often kids get hung up on the superficial aspects of a paper. Transitions, conclusions, and introductions are often things that are better left to the rewriting process.

  • Take breaks or switch gears: One of the worst things your child can do is sit, trying to write for an hour straight with nothing coming out. If the words are not flowing, help your child take a break or switch gears. Have her keep a writing pad near her desk that she can doodle on -- often doodling helps the brain switch gears and have a new perspective on the writing. Lastly, a five-minute break never hurts anyone, unless it turns into fifty.

    To Writing Homepage

    More on: ADHD

    |

    • you might also like:

    from our community:


    what’s hot

    1. Top 10 End-of-the-Year Gifts for Teachers
    2. 10 Gender-Predicting Old Wives' Tales
    3. Top 12 Fundraising Ideas
    4. VIEW ALL

    stay connected

    Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

    Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

    Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

    editor’s picks

    highlights

    8 Printable Thank-You Cards for Teachers
    As the end of the school year approaches, it's nice to thank your favorite educators for all their hard work. Print any of these free printable teacher appreciation cards to show your gratitude in a cute and simple way.

    Great Gift Ideas for Dad's First Father's Day
    Every dad's first Father's Day is a special one. Honor Daddy's important new role with a fun and heartfelt gift from you and your baby.

    Explore Funbrain Jr. with Your Preschooler
    Looking for fun online games, adorable stories, and cool printables for preschoolers and kindergartners? Check out the new Funbrain Jr., a fun place to learn for children ages 2 to 6.

    11 Succulent Vegetarian Recipes for the Grill
    Barbecue season isn't just for meat-lovers! These vegetarian recipes for the grill are a healthy and delicious alternative to typical barbecue fare.