NCB-IDA Summer 2004 Newsletter: A Parent's Role in Helping the Writing-Phobic Child

A Parent's Role in Helping the
Writing-Phobic Child
by Barb Langeloh, M.A.

In my private practice, I often encounter parents who ask me what they can do to help their writing-phobic child. Parents need to understand that writing involves more than just putting words onto paper. Regina G. Richards talks about the importance of foundational skills for being an efficient writer. Richards tells us that writing needs to be meaningful and students need to practice it. She writes, "Students learn to write by writing, which gives them the confidence to continue to write and continue to develop their skills." (Regina G. Richards, "Understanding Why Students Avoid Writing," www.LDonline.com)

A parent's role is to encourage a reluctant writer. Here are some ideas to keep in mind as you support your child at home.

Help your child with the basics. If she is not fluid in her letter forms, practice them together. Tape a sample of upper and lower case letters to your child's desk (handwritten, 3x5 cards work well). When she asks how a word is spelled, encourage her to sound it out. If your child is working on a rough draft, encourage best-guess spelling to keep her ideas flowing.
Have interesting writing implements and paper available. Take your child to a stationery store to pick out a few pencils or pens that feel good to his hand. (Have you noticed how kids love mechanical pencils?) Purchase some whimsical paper to keep writing fun. You can even scan your child's artwork into your computer and make personalized stationary for him to use.
Keep a note pad in the car. From time to time, have your child write the grocery list that you dictate or the to-do list you do not want to forget. Don't worry about spelling.
Encourage e-mailing. Ask relatives to e-mail your child, asking him to write back.
Write notes at home. Leave a note on your child's bathroom mirror, at her place at the table, and in her lunch box. Encourage family members to keep the notes going.
When on trips, have your child pick out favorite postcards to send to a friend, relative, or teacher.
Have your child dictate stories that you write down or type on the computer. This lets his thoughts flow and allows him to see what wonderful ideas he has. Have him add illustrations. You may even want to bind the composition into a book.
Ask your child's teacher if, after she has put in an acceptable amount of time on a written assignment, you can be her scribe and let her dictate the rest. You will be amazed at the added length of her work and the depth of ideas and vocabulary that emerge.
When your child does not know how to begin an assignment, help him organize his thoughts by having him tell you the main points. Write them down as he speaks in a story-web format or on Post-It notes. Then have him number the items in the sequence he wants to present them in. That will give him a general outline for his paper.

I hope this gives you some new ideas to use at home with your child. Remember your role as a parent is to support and encourage your child, not add to his frustration. Keep it positive, keep it fun and make writing part of your everyday life.

Barb Langeloh, M.A., is an educational therapist in Menlo Park, CA. She has been in private practice for 16 years and previously taught special day classes. She currently is Staff Learning Specialist at Peninsula School in Menlo Park. Barb is the current president of the Northern California Branch of IDA.

Printer Friendly Page

Return to Top