Writer's toolbox

What to do with this activity?

Have a “writing toolbox” for your child where they put their pens, paper and drawing materials.

Ask questions that will help your child to think of what to write and organise their stories :

- What happened first?

- What happened next?

- Who was there?

- Where were they?

Don´t be overly concerned about spelling. Over time you can help your child to concentrate on learning to spell correctly.

When children begin to write, they run the risk of criticism and it takes courage to continue. Help your child to find courage and express appreciation for their efforts.

Do respond to their questions about letters and spellings.

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Why am I doing this?

Writing is like a muscle – the more your child practises it the stronger their writing ability will become. Your child is also more likely to write about things they like or are interested in – writing is a way to express yourself and using writing in this way can be more meaningful to a child. Word searches and crosswords can help with pattern recognition and spelling, and help build vocabulary and spelling.
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How can I do more?

Give your child lots of opportunities to write - notes, birthday cards, emails or text messages. Encourage your child to make and write their own books about something they are interested in, for example, cars, dinosaurs, fairies or dogs. They can draw or stick in their own pictures.