Similarly, writing is enhanced with practice. Motivation to keep reading and writing means capitalizing on what truly interests your child. Telling children to "read and write because it is good for you to do it" is like telling them that eating a vegetable that they dislike will make them stronger. They may do it, but they will not enjoy it. Rather, they need to be inspired and motivated by authentic activities that are meaningful and have personal value to them. Listen to conversation you have with your child and his/her questions for clues to what types of reading and writing activities would interest them. Read and write with them and to them on topics that they are interested in. Hooking into their interests, hobbies, and other areas of inquiry is a sure way for increasing their motivation to read and write at home.
The following are a few suggestions for these types of reading and writing experiences:
* If you are preparing for a trip, locate reading materials that relate to the event or
destination. It will not only make your trip more meaningful, but it will provide and
authentic and purposeful reading experience for your child.
- Travel brochures offers great motivation for reading and build anticipation and
background knowledge for what will be seen (and conquered)!
- Look online, or in the library, for information that relates to the upcoming traveling
event and/or activity.
* Take family pictures and allow children to create a picture book with descriptive
sentences to tell the story of their experience. These books will become treasures
of a memorable experience that will be read again and again and can be shared
with others.
* Put you computer to use as an inspiration for keeping in touch with friends and family
through email. Having children sit and write to someone they know will respond is as
big a thrill as getting a letter in the mail.
- Email siblings or cousins away at college.
- Invite your child to email his/her teacher about the weekend or their vacation.
* Computer word processing is often fun for children because it frees them up from the
physical act of writing with a pencil, an act that can sometimes be fatiguing. Children
who familiarize themselves with typing often generate longer stories to print and share
with others.
* Don't forget books on tape for the long car rides you take. They provide a story the
whole family can enjoy and discuss together.
* If you are having a family get together or a neighborhood gathering, have kids design
the invitations and make a list of activities to do and/or the necessities needed for the
big event.
- Writing out grocery lists and shopping lists is a creative way for children to get
involved in responsible situations.