Helping your child hone writing skills
Our son is an avid reader and does very well with math and language. However, he struggles when it comes to writing. I am concerned that this will escalate as he moves through elementary school and more writing assignments -- and let's not forget MCAS tests along the way. What can you suggest we do to help our son?
Susan, third-grade parent
My first suggestion is to talk with your son's teacher. Is he or she concerned as well? Writing is a difficult skill for many students, and it takes a lot of practice and patience, but a child's writing can improve with various approaches. For example, teachers often help kids put their thoughts down on paper by using story maps and organizing charts; educators refer to these as graphic organizers. One source for examples of these diagrams is www.eduplace.com/graphicorganizer. Many schools also use the Four-Square method, which teaches children to brainstorm ideas, but also arrange the information in a logical, sequential manner. You can find more information on this method online at www.teachinglearning.com/foursquare.
Another idea: Coax your son to start using a journal. My students write in their journals about a particular topic -- reactions to something they've read, their weekend adventures, etc. Then they exchange journals and respond to a classmate's writing by asking questions and commenting on the subject, almost like having a conversation on paper. Try this at home, exchanging journals with your son and responding back and forth. If he doesn't like that idea, urge him to write letters to friends who have moved or to relatives. I also have students revise one another's work quite often. Your son could act as an editor on a story you've written. His confidence might increase if he realizes he has the skills to help someone else. After attending the Boston Writing Project Summer Institute at the University of Massachusetts at Boston several years ago, I began asking my students to go through steps when they revise someone else's work. First, a classmate points out positive things about their peer's writing, then asks questions about the piece, and finally makes a few suggestions for improvement. I rarely correct every single mistake. That would take the fun out of it. If your son continues to struggle, approach his teacher about having him tested for a possible learning disability; he might need help from a specially trained teacher on different ways to master writing. As a fourth-grade teacher, I know your son's school will prepare him for the MCAS and work with him on his writing. Always remember, one test will never allow people to see the whole child or your son's potential. Talk to his teachers, work with your son at home, and give him time to practice. Let him learn in whatever way works best for him.
This fall, our elementary school-aged kids will be switching from an alternative type school (very small classrooms, no desks, teachers use first names, etc.) to a public school. Any tips on how to make the transition or about changing schools in general?
Cassie, Newton
Hopefully you've already started to prepare them by visiting their new school. If not, do it now. Let them meet the teacher and take a tour of the building so they will be prepared for the environment. Then, continue to communicate with both your children and the school. Talk with your kids to find out what their fears are and help them to realize that, although different, public schools bring new friends and new opportunities. Once school begins, keep in touch with the teachers to see how your children are adjusting. If it becomes difficult, you may want to have them see the school counselor to ease the situation. Also, follow the teacher's lead -- get them the supplies they need, remind them of the Golden Rule (treat others as you want to be treated), and give them responsibilities and guidelines, complete with rewards and consequences. Do your own homework on what is expected in the classroom for both academics and behavior and follow through with the same expectations at home. Elementary school kids are generally very accepting of new peers, so they will have friends and get into the routine in no time.
Ellen Peterson teaches fourth grade at Union Street School in Weymouth. To submit a question, e-mail asktheteacher@globe.com. Include your name, town and e-mail address. Questions, at reader's request, can be printed anonymously.
