Not only do my children hate to write, they have terrible handwriting. (Probably because I do not force them to do copywriting. I just dread the antagonism.) So, when it comes time to get them to write creatively… The challenge is sometimes too much.
One afternoon, I was hanging out at a Twitter party with Kim Kautzer of WriteShop and had a bit of an epiphany. As the tweets regarding reluctant writers scrolled along my screen, I brainstormed a list of ways to motivate my children to think and write creatively.
Think beyond the pencil
When my children hated to hold a pencil, I had to be more resourceful and use sidewalk chalk, crayons, dry erase markers (recording assignments with a camera) to get them beyond the “I can’t.” Writing did not see like school work when they were not holding a pencil.
Choose a quality homeschool writing curriculum
I was trying so hard to teach my children to write creatively by building my own curriculum and was hitting a brick wall. Despite having the knowledge to teach creative writing, I needed the methods and discovered WriteShop to the the homeschool writing curriculum that best fits our family.
>>LAST CHANCE to enter the WriteShop Curriculum giveaway!<<
Journaling a journey
When we travel, we give each child a blank journal to draw pictures and write about their favorite adventures each day. Our oldest daughter also loves to keep a journal of prayers and dreams. She calls it her “Top 100.”
Teach them to type
If the pencil is the only thing stifling creativity, them teach your child to type. In my opinion, paper is important but our society is becoming more and more digital. So, invest in a typing curriculum and release some of the pressure..
Roll the dice
We began creating stories around the dinner table using Rory’s Story Cubes. Each of use would take a turn rolling the dice and then create a story to match the pictures. Since my husband and I were participating, it was more like a game.
Mail a letter to a relative or friend
My oldest daughter and her best friend love to swap mail… even though they see each other every week at homeschool co-op. Still, it gets her writing, and she loves it.
Write a book or comic book
I may never get my children to follow a writing prompt but my reluctant writers will sit down for HOURS and write their own books, using their favorite video game characters. They go through reams of plain white paper and tons of staples, writing books and stapling them together.
Use an app
If you child always seems to be holding a tablet, utilize technology and find apps that will allow your child to “write” creatively through games and animations. Some apps to try include Toontastic, Comic Life, and Perfect Captions.
Now, it’s your turn to share
If you have motivated your reluctant writers to write creatively, I would love to know what made the biggest difference for you. Please leave me a comment.
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