Want your kids to excel academically and have fun while learning? Try our top tips at home and join our summer creative-writing workshop providing the best of both worlds.
Authors and Illustrators for kids entering grades entering grades 2nd – 3rd in Providence,
Why A Creative Writing Class?
The demand for creative writing classes suggests the critical need for arts education at a time when schools are no longer offering these programs due to budget concerns. Parents and teachers are seeking out summer activities that bridge the gap between basic writing skills and writing as an art form.
The ability to write well is vitally important to do well in school and in a career, as many jobs require writing, even if only to communicate via email. Traditionally, little teaching of creative writing has been done, as it often takes a backseat to other subjects. It is possible, though, to improve your child’s creative writing skills through encouragement, supporting the teacher’s efforts when students come home, and teaching some writing skills yourself using our tips below.
Top Tips for Helping Your Child be a Better Writer
1. Read to and with your child
Reading and writing go hand-in-hand; good writers are well-read and well-versed in different subjects and writing styles. Your child’s teacher or local librarian can help you select books that are appropriate to your child’s age and interests. In addition to reading to your child, have your child read to you.
2. Play games with words
Word games can include commercially available board or card games.
- Games that improve vocabulary: Scrabble, Bananagrams, or Boggle.
- Games that provide opportunities for brainstorming: Scattergories, Mad-Libs, and Magnetic Poetry.
- Activities for young children to increase literacy; baking cookies or pretzels in the shape of letters or words.
3. Create a “writing station”
Provide a place and the materials to promote writing. Items for the writing station can include:
- A notebook or journal
- Pens, pencils, and erasers
- Stationery
- An age-appropriate dictionary and thesaurus
4. Encourage daily writing
The best way to improve writing skills is through regular practice. Create a list of ideas and writing prompts using:
- Photos,
- Pictures from various sources, and
- Postcards from trips or places you visit in the summer.
5. Write along with them
While it is OK to help, “write along” means writing yourself alongside your child. A parent or older sibling can serve as a positive role model.
Encourage your children in the areas of writing they show an interest in. Don’t force a particular form of writing on your child (short story, poetry, etc.) if your child shows no interest in it.
Sign Up for Authors and Illustrators for a week of fun creative writing and illustrating.
Looking for more ideas to keep kids busy this summer? Swap tips and questions with Rhode Island Tutorials’ education experts.
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