Does your child have the write stuff? When it comes to rearing good writers, the secret lies in journaling. That's right. Diaries may seem like a thing of the past, but there's no denying the benefits of having you child keep a journal. For starters, journaling is a great way for your child to hone her written communications skills. From spelling to grammar to penmanship, it's sure to improve how your child writes tenfold. That in turn will be beneficial for her schoolwork. After all, practice does make perfect. Through journaling your child will have an outlet to express herself and put her feelings on paper. Ensure that your child knows that the journal is for her eyes only. Take your child to pick out her own personal journal. Maybe it will have a cool design or even a lock on it. The same goes for the pen - let her choose.
You want journaling to be something she is excited about. It shouldn't come across as a chore or an unwanted task. Journaling can be started at any age. Encourage younger children to draw pictures and write words about his their days. School-age children can begin with a sentence and a picture. By getting children started at a younger age, it's more likely to become second nature. Make journaling part of your nightly ritual. Journal along with your children to set the "write" example. By journaling yourself, you are setting a good example. Journaling is also a great way for children to let out their feelings. If they're angry, frustrated or sad, writing down their emotions will help ease the pain. It's therapeutic.