How to Support Your Child
Write a book or film review
Why not try writing a review of a great book, film or TV programme you have read/watched together recently? Learning to write in lots of different formats and styles will put them in good stead for school.
Describe a picture in words
The wonderful thing about this activity is that there are so many resources you can use that are lying around the house! Whether it’s a photo of family members, a picture in a magazine or a painting on the wall – ask your child to describe it in words. They could even write a story based on the image.
Describe everyday objects
Point to objects around the house and experiment by getting them to describe them as creatively as possible. This can be great practice for using alliteration, metaphors and similies.
Write a diary or journal
Writing a personal diary not only helps to get children into the habit of writing, but is also a great way of letting out emotions and making sense of their world. The act of writing down their thoughts, feelings and observations each day could help them get more comfortable with writing, and connect them with their own ideas.
Create an instruction manual
Maybe it’s working the TV or giving instructions on how to bake a cake – mix up their writing practice with different formats.
Pick a word of the week
As a family, choose a word to focus on each week. Then everyone can have a go with using it in their writing in increasingly creative ways. The more peculiar the word – the funnier this activity can be!
Write a poem, song or a play
For little creatives, or for children who view writing as ‘boring’, writing practice can be disguised in the form of creating a poem, song or play. The motivation can be performing their piece once it’s finished!
Write letters
Letter writing is an important skill. If they are passionate about a social issue, you could encourage them to write a powerful letter to their MP. Or, you could try setting them up with a pen pal in another country for a culture exchange. If that’s out of reach, writing letters to friends, family or even imaginary strangers works too.
Write together
Why not try writing a story together – one paragraph at a time. This can also be a fun game for them to play with friends, especially when the story escalates into a wild and wacky adventure! Think the consequences game but with writing instead of pictures.
Everyday writing
Task your child with being your ‘writer’ for the day. Be it shopping lists, reminders or emails – giving them a sense of responsibility can help to motivate them to write.