Editor's Note: This article first appeared in The Old Schoolhouse magazine, Feb. 2013 edition. To visit that site, go to http://www.thehomeschoolmagazine-digital.com/thehomeschoolmagazine/201302/?pg=67&pm=2&u1=friend
As an
editor, writing tutor, and homeschool teacher of twenty years, I am frequently
asked for advice about improving children’s writing skills. Most of the calls I receive are from parents
of high schoolers, while some calls concern college-aged students. Although it is never too late to improve
skills, there are some ways that young parents can ensure that their children
have the best start and the greatest chance at writing success.
First, all
children who are not yet reading independently should have books read to them
on a daily basis. This may sound obvious
to many, but a lot of modern-day parents do not read and do not understand its
value. My daughters have babysat in
homes where there are no books – and I am not exaggerating, as shocking as that
may be. It is simply unfathomable to me
that there are any parents in this country who do not have a stockpile of books
for their children to peruse. This does
not have to be a budget-breaker, either, since our country has thousands of libraries
full of books available for borrowing at no charge. The importance of this
cannot be overstated: Children who are read to develop a love for books, and
tend to have greater and more active imaginations. They are also more curious
and ask more questions, and they are more able to discern good literature,
especially if what is being read is well-written. In addition, parents who take time out of
their busy schedules to read to their youngsters are demonstrating, in a concrete
way, that they highly value books and reading. This is the first and most basic
step that must be taken if parents want to ensure academic success later.
