The write start - Jennifer Hallissy 2010

Mamas and Papas Always Write
Make Yourself Write at Home

So now that you have an understanding of how writing skills develop, how you can prepare your children for writing, and how to set them up with the best tools, what else can you do to prioritize writing in your home? Well, that’s simple . . . just write!

Children learn what they live. And one of the most effective ways to help a child learn something is by doing it yourself. When your children see you write every day, whether it’s jotting down a shopping list, signing a check, or doing a crossword puzzle, they learn that writing is more than just a tool for school. It is a daily activity, a way of life.

Each day brings with it countless opportunities for you to be a writing role model. The simple act of saying out loud, “Oh! Let me write that down before I forget,” demonstrates to children what I like to call the “writing reflex.” Think it, write it, remember it. The more they see you do it, the more likely they will be to do it too. And the more they use their writing reflex, the stronger it will become. This is the stuff that good writing habits are built on. And once established, good writing habits last a lifetime.

Throughout the day, let your child “catch” you putting pen to paper for all sorts of interesting (and seemingly mundane) things. Invite them to join you, when you can. As they say, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery; don’t be surprised if you see your child writing in a similar manner before you know it. Hey, maybe they’ll even help you plow through that pile of paperwork on your desk (yeah, right!).