Helping Writers at Home

Teachers at Centerfield teach writing using a writing workshop model. This means students have the opportunity to write on a daily basis. They study accomplished authors to learn from experts, they write about important matters, keep their ideas in a writer's notebook, and they share personal pieces and listen to their peer's work. Writing workshop is a dynamic part of the day.

Here are some suggestion when working with your child at home:

* Basic punctuation, spelling, and grammar are learned through practice, trial, and error. If this is a struggle for your child, try editing one sentence, and then letting them edit the next. Use teachable moments, but don’t over-edit to the point of exhaustion or frustration.
*Keep in mind that unedited pieces guide your child’s teacher’s lesson plans. Papers edited by parents don’t show teachers what deficiencies need to be addressed.
*Encourage your child to write for a variety of purposes: grocery lists, diaries, to-do lists, letters to relatives and friends, etc.
* Write in front of your child to model writing as a daily adult habit.
*Keep resources available: dictionary, thesaurus, spell checker, etc.
* Some children are inspired by writing “tools” like special pens, paper, staplers, construction paper, etc.
*Tell stories together! This helps build idea development, creativity, sequencing, vocabulary etc. *Play with words to build vocabulary.
*Encourage your child to read their writing aloud. This will help correct errors and improve writing fluency.
*Check spelling by reading written work backwards.
*Point out your favorite authors and how they make reading enjoyable.
*Allow your child time to think before getting started on a written assignment; take the time to listen to their ideas. This oral rehearsal helps students organize their thoughts, sequence their ideas, and check for missing detail.

Students will make mistakes, but they will also surprise you with creativity and enthusiasm! You will be amazed by your child's progress this year. Most of all enjoy the writing process and celebrate great thinking and unique ideas! Ask and most importantly, LISTEN you your child's writing! If you have any questions regarding writing, please contact your child’s teacher, or me. We are looking forward to a wonderful year of writing!