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Writing is a critical form of communication and a practical skill which helps children excel throughout their education. Like any other skill, writing must be honed over time through practice and perseverance, and some children will naturally show more enthusiasm and ability than others. If you’re keen to help develop your child’s writing skills and are interested in finding ways to help them practice, take a look at the following insights from an independent school in Hertfordshire.
Reading and writing go hand in hand, the more a child reads the more ability they are likely to show when it comes to writing. Reading exposes children to a broad range of vocabulary, demonstrating new words in context and helping them understand their definitions, allowing children to use complex words with confidence within their own writing. It also familiarises children with the correct use of sentence structure and punctuation, helping them to learn to produce work that is grammatically correct. To encourage your child to read more, look for books which appeal to their existing interests, making sure that they are suitable for their reading age. They are likely to lose interest with books that don’t appeal to them or that they find too complex.
For children who are reluctant to write or find it difficult, it is important to make the task enjoyable. Encouraging them to write a journal about their daily life and experiences will give them something to focus on, plus the fact that they are describing something personal and within their range of understanding will help keep them engaged. Journaling also has the added benefit of serving as an emotional outlet, helping children manage any stress or adversity they may have felt in the day and giving them space to reflect. A pen friend is another useful tool for helping children practice their writing. The focus will be on the excitement of receiving letters from their new friend and the enjoyment that comes with sharing information about themselves, making the process of writing altogether more enjoyable.
