It is very important students get plenty of opportunities to write and view written pieces throughout the day. You can help as parents by providing your child with a place where they can call their own personal space. This space can be at a dinning room table, at a desk in the den, or even at a desk in their room. Allow them to personalize their space with items that mean something to
them, such as, a picture, or favorite books. This will help them feel more comfortable and free to write. Having other materials, such as, tape, scissors, coloring utensils and writing utensils is also helpful to have for easy access.
It is important to remember that journal writing does not always mean a full start to finish story. It is okay to just recall the details of the day, a special event that took place, or even tape a few pictures into their journal that mean something to them. This is all part of the process of creating a brainstorm list or a treasure box of possible future writing ideas. But by all means if they want to write a story they most certainly can.
We will also be creating brainstorm lists and treasure boxes of ideas at school. We will then narrow in on one item and write different genres throughout the year, ranging from personal narratives, to poetry, to writing their own memoirs.
It is very exciting watching your children become more confident and creative writers but it all comes with patience and practice. Each piece they write will be better than the last!! Not only will you see an improvement in their work this year but each year to come will enhance their skills and their overall ability to write!!
The other part that is extremely important to this program, is that the journal be returned to school everyday! The writing journal will be sent home every night to give the students an opportunity to write more but then it needs to return the next day to continue the work or assignments.
We hope you are excited for writing and appreciate all of your support at home to help further your child in the writing process!
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