Parents in the Know
Focus on Writing
Types of Writing
Your children will learn several
different forms of writing in school.
The common forms and their purposes are:
Creative Writing written to entertain.
Descriptive Writing writen to paint a picture
of a person, place, or event.
Expository Writing written to provide
information.
Narrative Writing written to describe an
experience or event.
Persuasive Writing written to influence the
reader.
What Should I
Write?
Not every child enjoys
writing stories from
scratch. Sometimes
coming up with an idea
is too overwhelming or
frustrating. Picture
books provide a great
starting place for writing
ideas.
Instead of writing a story from scratch, your
child could:
•
•
•
•
Write a new ending
Write a new version
Write a sequel
Write a version from a different point
of view
How to Inspire Writing
Some children love to write. However,
others would rather go to the dentist. There
are things you can do to help even the most
reluctant writer pick up a pencil.
Provide an interesting experience. It is
always easier to write about something that
you know. So, go for a walk, go to the
beach, go to the mall and ask your child to
write down what she hears, sees, and feels.
Go shopping. Let your child pick out a
special “writer’s notebook”, pen, pencil,
and clipboard. The dollar store is a great
place to find colorful items that children
love. Let your child decorate her notebook
with stickers or art supplies.
Choose an author’s chair. Provide a special
corner, desk, pillow, or chair that is only
for author’s at work. Use it yourself when
you are writing.
Invite your child to read aloud. Make a
special meal and enjoy an evening of your
child performing some of her latest works.
What Research Says
The research is clear that the most accurate
predictor of a student’s academic achievement is
not based on income or social status, but how
well the family is able to:
1. Create a home environment that encourages
learning
2. Set high expectations for their child’s
achievement and future
3. Become involved with their child’s school and
community
Based on: “Parent Involvement and Student Achievement: What Does Research Tell Us About
the Influence of Parental Involvement on Student Achievement?”, San Diego County Office of
Education, http://www.sdcoe.net/lret2/family/pia.html
All clip art and photos from Clipart.com
Writing
Getting Published
How Do You Write a Story?
Children’s author Corey Green offers the
following advice for young authors
Before you write think about your:
Ideas: Look to things you know
Outline: Write down the basics of your
story in a few sentences
Details: Decide who your main character is
and what the conflict is going to be
Plot: Determine what is going to happen
Then,
Write: Put your ideas on paper
Revise
Many children are motivated by the thought of
sharing their work with others. Pearson book
publishers recommends the following sites for
children to publish their work:
Cyber Kids
www.cyberkids.com
Posts stories and poetry written
by children 7 and up
Fern’s Poetry Club
http://pbskids.org/arthur/games/poetry/
Stories From the Web
www.storiesfromtheweb.org
Posts a wide variety of children’s writing from
preschool up
Zuzu
http://www.zuzu.org/
Posts poems, stories, art or photos in an online
newspaper
** Children should always be under adult supervision
when using the Internet. Make sure your child does not
post any personal information or photos.
Using Humor to Improve
Oral Speaking Skills
Book
Corner
Spotlight on Journals
Jokes are a wonderful way to help children gain
confidence speaking in front of others. Some rules to
keep in mind:
The Orphans of Normandy, by Nancy Amis
Amelia's Notebook, by Marissa Moss
Diary of a Spider, by Doreen Cronin
Dear Mr. Henshaw, by Beverly Cleary
Rachel's Journal: The Story of a Pioneer
Girl, by Marissa Moss
Seaman's Journal, by Patricia Reeder
Eubank
1. Make sure your child understands the joke.
2. Keep it short and simple.
3. Never make a joke at someone else’s expense.
4. Try not to laugh while you are telling the joke.
“Your children need your presence
more tha n your presents.”
Jesse Ja ckson
Teacher: Mario, the story you handed in
called "Our Dog," is exactly like your brother's.
Mario: Of course. It's the same dog.
Copyright © 2012, Parents in the Know, www.parents-in-the-know.com