Somekidsloveit;some hate it, but every child—and adult—needs to know how to put words to- gether in a compelling fashion.
Why? Written communication is directly connected to success in school,
and;later,;in;the;working;world.;Many
experts say the number-one reason people fail in business is because they never
learned to clearly communicate their
thoughts in writing.
Writing well is a gift for some people,
but it’s also a skill almost anyone can
learn, regardless of age. Author Richard
Bach;said,;“A;professional;writer;is;an
amateur;who;didn’t;quit.”;Your;children
may not aspire to become novelists, but
they can improve schoolwork, become
more;valuable;in;the;working;world,;and
have a lot of fun writing stories.
Here;are;a;few;of;the;specific;benefits
children can experience as they learn to
write well:
•;Enhanced;mental;ability
• ;Organized;thinking
• ;Creativity;and;imagination
• ;The;ability;to;persuade;and;convince
others
• ;Management;of;personal;stress
If the last point surprises you, you
should;know;that;there;is;scientific;evi-
dence that proves writing is great therapy
(and cheap!). Experts will tell you that
writing about a problem in your life
breaks;it;down;into;manageable,;bite-size
chunks.;This;is;true;for;kids;and;adults,
so why not arm your child (and yourself)
with a stress-busting tool?
Let’s;say;you;tell;your;son;you;want;him
to;write;five;hundred;words;about;a;given
topic. You can practically hear his groan
already:;“Five;hundred;words!”;He;sees
it as a high mountain to climb, but with
practice he can turn the mountain into
a molehill, and he just might enjoy the
crafting in the process. Here are a few sug-gestions;for;getting;kids;to;enjoy;writing.
1. Find a Wordless Picture
This;works;well;for;young;children,;but
a good wordless picture can also inspire
writers;of;any;age.;Let’s;say;you;show;your
120;Annual;Print;Book;2014;•;Grooming;Great;Writers;www.TheOldSchoolhouse.com
By;Teresa;Ambord
Don’t;Underestimate;the;Critical
Need;for;Writing;Skill
Many experts say the number-one reason people fail in business is because
they never learned to clearly communicate their thoughts in writing.
