Wouldn’t it be great if we could just follow a formula to teach our children to write and they would produce works such as Tolstoy’s War and Peace? Well, as you know, that isn’t the case. However, do not give up because you can help your child become a writer. Here are six tips and four writing curriculums to consider in preparing your future scholar for their composition classes at PEP.

1. Provide an environment rich in learning and reading.

In order to write, you need experience from which to draw. Get outdoors, go to museums, read books, have many, many, many discussions about what they have seen and learned. Through these opportunities your child will have background knowledge they need for writing.

2. Find out what interests your pupil.

Have you ever had to write about something that doesn’t interest you? It’s difficult! The same applies to your student when you give them a topic sentence and tell them to compose their thoughts. Writing comes more easily about a topic that is an interest or a passion.

3. Start!

If you are waiting for a time where your reluctant writer asks for you to let them write, you will finish the year without one single thing being written. Start with small steps and increase throughout the year. Always encourage, support, and gently correct.

4. Practice!

Have your child continue writing. Some days will be harder than others, but the more you do something, the better you will get at it. You can help your scholar by having them create lists, funnel ideas down to a manageable size, create an outline, have a central idea, etc.

5. Reteach if necessary.

If your budding writer is struggling with a concept, be sure to stop and help them. By laying the foundation and making sure they understand, writing can happen. However, don’t jump in and rescue because there is such a thing as productive struggle. Let them see if they can figure it out and offer guidance when needed.

6. Set realistic goals and expectations.

Don’t make the writing assignment too easy or too hard. Start where they are and help them move forward. Always be your child’s biggest cheerleader in their learning.

So, what are some curriculums that you can use to help your enthusiastic or reluctant writer? I have found these to be beneficial, with each of them having an incremental approach. All of these resources are ones that I have used or have been highly recommended by fellow homeschool parents.

Lisa McAfee knew from the time she was a junior in high school that she wanted to be a teacher. Teaching is a vital part of who she is and what she enjoys doing since graduating from Miami University. Lisa loves homeschooling and has a deep devotion to helping homeschool families.

Lisa is an alumni home educator of two sons and an Ohio licensed teacher. She has over thirty years of teaching experience in private schools, home education programs, cooperatives, and private tutoring. She has been assessing homeschool students’ work in Ohio since 2000 and has enjoyed seeing and reviewing the progress students make from year to year.

You may find Lisa at Schoolmarm Ohio.