Activities to encourage kids to write - ideas please

ailuro2

I agree with writing things that mean something to him...

I used to get my DD to write out the shopping list...

and checked it as we went so I knew what some of the more illegible ones were... when they're that age sometimes it's not easy to read but it helps their confidence if they think you understand it, iyswim.

then he gets to read it out at the supermarket and tell you what aisle to go to.;)

Rewards for helping - stickers on a chart or a game of junior scrabble - just don't let him know it's writing homework.:D

mummy_Jay

Thank you everyone, I really appreciate the ideas.

I will be getting him to write the shopping list from now on. I loved the diary idea, the shared story and the comic, I think I will try mixing and matching the ideas, so it keeps it interesting.

LJM

glad your feeling positive with some ideas under your belt now im sure he will come on in no time good luck and let us know how he gets on x

laxeylady

I teach in keystage 1 and I feel gutted for you that you have been made to feel that it is your responsibility to get your son writing. It is his teacher's job. You can help with his homework and encourage him with writing based gifts etc but at the end of the day he is a boy. Boys hate writing - period. Our school has had a huge push on getting boys writing, using things that interest them (pirates, dr who, Harry Potter etc) and it works but only if the encouragement is there. Basically what you find happening is that boys get turned off writing (sometimes by a teacher's criticism of his attempts) so they write badly, teacher tells parents, parents start pushing them to write at home and you end up with a wee man that gets it all day at school and then comes home to it. It is his teachers job to get him ready for his year 2 SATS and not yours. Go back in and ask them if he has an IEP for his writing and what his targets are. You can then help with these.

Britwife

I have to agree with laxeylady. As parents we are responsible for following through with what is being taught at school and I would set up another meeting for her to express exactly what he should be able to write if she hasn't already done that.

But for ideas, I would say have him write out a treasure hunt and map with instructions. An example, he would have to hide something from you or another family member and you would only be able to find it by using his instructions. Then you do the same for him with maybe hiding a special treat. The item could be hidden anywhere inside or out but instructions have to be clear. You could then move into timed treasure hunts and keep points with a prize at the end.

nuttybabe

i am giving my son a journal jar to help with his writing. this is it http://christmas.organizedhome.com/gifts-crafts-gift-tags/gifts-in-a-jar/childs-journal-jar

leopard85

I used to write stories and then make my own (very crude) books as a young child. Buy some nice card and string, stickers etc. and ask him to make up stories based on his toys or make up a sequel to his favourite book or film. Then he can do the illustrations, staple it all together with a front cover and give it to the grandparents to read. It's a great way to fill time and it will involve drawing, writing, planning and making. It won't be just sitting down and writing for no reason, which may be boring, as he will have a goal to work towards.

Lunar_Eclipse

Charlie1978 wrote: »

A white board - she loves to write and write and rub off and write on it!

Can't recommend whiteboards highly enough. Tesco have brilliant ones for approx £3.50 (& then 3 for 2) that are brilliant, complete with pen.

My two girls love them so much that I've bought them for several of their friends. We have an assortment of sizes, that get used for anything and everything that you'd normally use paper for. Playing schools, cafe menus, practicing spellings and times tables, homework project planning, notes to family, party planning, shopping lists etc. A lot of drawing also takes place; I have even photographed a few brilliant creations on them (eg Bamzooki model plans and a hand drawn Dennis the Menace story strip.)

It's by far the best thing I've ever bought them. And definitely the cheapest thing by use we've ever owned.

Get one!