National Stationery Week is coming to an end, but that doesn't mean that we have to put down our pens. I was talking about why writing matters to me last week and of course writing isn't exclusive to adults, in a world filled with technology I believe we need to keep kids writing too.
This could be as simple as helping you to write a shopping list, signing a birthday card or something I used to do when I was younger, keep a journal. These ideas aren't complicated but they all allow your child/ren to practice with their handwriting and gives them the chance to discover their own writing style.
Recently I started up little personalised notebooks for my eldest three. I wrote their names on the front and then they put their own little designs on there to really make them their own. The initial idea behind these notebooks was to give them a way to communicate with me privately because sometimes saying the words out loud can be difficult.
I started the notebooks off with a little message for each of them, explaining what they were for. They can write whatever they like in there to me, whether that's telling me about their day or asking a specific question or even just to write something which is utter nonsense, anything as long as they get the sense that they can in fact tell me anything.
At the time of starting them I wasn't even thinking of the actual writing aspect, I was more focused on the conversation behind the writing. But of course the more I thought about it, the writing is the most important part, because without that skill my girls wouldn't be able to participate in this task in the first place.
It's been really helpful, my six year old was able to tell me how much she misses her daddy when he's working away, I did know this but it became more apparent when she actually wrote the words. Showcasing just how powerful the written word can be!
You see we really do need to keep kids writing. In a age where homework is done online and instead of using books to research, we reach for Google, we need to remember that if they lose this vital skill then who's going to pass it on to the next generation?
This could be as simple as helping you to write a shopping list, signing a birthday card or something I used to do when I was younger, keep a journal. These ideas aren't complicated but they all allow your child/ren to practice with their handwriting and gives them the chance to discover their own writing style.
Recently I started up little personalised notebooks for my eldest three. I wrote their names on the front and then they put their own little designs on there to really make them their own. The initial idea behind these notebooks was to give them a way to communicate with me privately because sometimes saying the words out loud can be difficult.
I started the notebooks off with a little message for each of them, explaining what they were for. They can write whatever they like in there to me, whether that's telling me about their day or asking a specific question or even just to write something which is utter nonsense, anything as long as they get the sense that they can in fact tell me anything.
At the time of starting them I wasn't even thinking of the actual writing aspect, I was more focused on the conversation behind the writing. But of course the more I thought about it, the writing is the most important part, because without that skill my girls wouldn't be able to participate in this task in the first place.
It's been really helpful, my six year old was able to tell me how much she misses her daddy when he's working away, I did know this but it became more apparent when she actually wrote the words. Showcasing just how powerful the written word can be!
You see we really do need to keep kids writing. In a age where homework is done online and instead of using books to research, we reach for Google, we need to remember that if they lose this vital skill then who's going to pass it on to the next generation?
I love the idea of these notebooks, my eldest daughter and I clash and worry that we need a better way to communicate. This could be the answer I was looking for
ReplyDeleteWow, I really love this idea. My daughter who is almost four, can't write yet. But I know she already struggles at times to put across how she is feeling. This is such a lovely way to try and get children to communicate and expresses themselves or share worries. I don't know why I never thought of this, its such a simple yet lovely idea! Will pin this for a later date xxx
ReplyDeleteOh I love this idea!! My eldest boy is almost 12 and its such an awkward age to 'communicate' - I may try something like this, thank you for the idea!!
ReplyDeleteThis is a great idea x
ReplyDelete