{"id":4271,"date":"2022-07-22T18:16:11","date_gmt":"2022-07-22T18:16:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/?p=4271"},"modified":"2022-07-28T17:51:29","modified_gmt":"2022-07-28T17:51:29","slug":"5-tips-to-get-your-kid-to-love-writing","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.getepic.com\/learn\/5-tips-to-get-your-kid-to-love-writing\/","title":{"rendered":"5 Tips to Get Your Kid to Love Writing"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Activities and prompts that will get \u2018em to write in their free time (willingly)! <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether they like it or not, kids do a lot of writing. From scratching out grammar exercises and their thoughts on star systems for science class to composing reports on Mark Twain, there\u2019s just no way around it. So why not make it FUN? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Writing is an amazing thing to learn to love. The act is both logical and creative. It helps kids find their voice, express their own unique feelings and interests, sharpen their communication and a myriad of other things. So let\u2019s dive into getting them to love it as much as (or more than) we do.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. The Basics <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If your kid is reluctant to pick up a pencil, pen or keyboard you should first eliminate any physical barriers. If they struggle with their dexterity, get toys that improve their hand strength and agility. With solid mobility, their handwriting and typing skills can keep up with their flow of ideas. These hand toys<\/a>, finger exercisers<\/a> and putty<\/a> will build strength and finger mobility and keep their hands entertained at the same time. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. MadLibs! <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Wanting to write starts with a healthy appreciation for the written word and a well-developed funny bone. Hone both with a silly word challenge. This popular game has been cracking kids (and grownups) up ever since the Truman era and still is. You can find booklets on virtually every theme imaginable, but you can even make your own. Not familiar with it? Here\u2019s how it works: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n
\n
  1. One person fills in the blanks and prompts others to come up with words like adjectives, nouns and verbs to complete a story. <\/li>
  2. At the end, the one who does the writing reads the funny result out loud. <\/li>
  3. Everyone collapses in giggles (repeat process until abs are sore). <\/li><\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n
    \"Mad<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    This is a very sneaky way to help kids master parts of speech, expand their vocabulary and pick up on nuanced meaning in everyday expressions. The best part? They can\u2019t hear themselves learning over their own laughter.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Pencil & Paper Games <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Speaking of fun games, ever heard of Consequences? It\u2019s not as serious as it sounds (or at all, actually). Similar to Mad Libs, you partner up to craft a silly story with hilarious results. The game works best with 2-4 players. Here\u2019s how this one works: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Each player starts with a piece of paper and a pencil. <\/li>
    2. Using your own paper, you each write down a person\u2019s name as the first step in the story. Then roll it up just enough to hide what you wrote and pass it. <\/li>
    3. Next write something like \u201csaid (fill in the blank)\u201d or \u201cmet (fill in the blank) and pass it again. <\/li>
    4. You can continue this using endless variations, ending with \u201cand the consequences were.\u201d<\/li>
    5. Unfold the paper and take turns reading your silly stories. <\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\n

      Here\u2019s an example of what you can take turns writing, but the best part about this game is you can make it yours by adding twists and additions of your own:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
      \n
      1. (Boy’s name)<\/li>
      2. met (girl’s name)<\/li>
      3. in\/at\/on (where they met)<\/li>
      4. while (doing an activity).<\/li>
      5. Then she said (what she said).<\/li>
      6. And the consequence was (what happened).<\/li><\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
        \n
        \"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

        The result should look something like this. Image from Colors of Teaching. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

        4. Prompt Jar<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        Does your kid have writer\u2019s block? Give \u2018em a nudge to get the creative juices flowing with a fun story prompt. Write down some inspiring idea starters like these<\/a> on a piece of paper and toss them in a jar. You could even work together to come up with ideas for each other. Once you\u2019ve each got your prompt, set a head-down timer (5 minutes is all you need) and write your stories together. Once you\u2019re done, take turns reading them out loud and talk about what you liked and suggest how you can improve each other\u2019s stories. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

        5. Time Capsule<\/strong>!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

        What if a thousand years from now archeologists are looking for clues into how people from the past once lived? Or if aliens from another planet visit in order to learn about human civilization? What would they discover about your family? You decide. Help your kid create their very own time capsule capturing what\u2019s important to them in a jar, and bury it in the earth for future generations (and visitors) to find. Here are some ideas for what to include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n