A few days ago, I was walking down the hall and asked a fifth grader what her favorite subject was in school.  Over the years, I have asked this question over and over again of students, and the majority of time, the answer was physical education or recess.  But this time, I was pleased to hear a different response.  The student shared that writing was her favorite subject.  When I asked her why she loved writing, she shared that she enjoys expressing her ideas and thoughts on paper.  As a former English teacher, that answer is music to my ears!  But I must admit, it is not surprising since the district embraced the balanced literacy approach, and teachers established writing workshops on their classrooms. 
    Like reading workshop, writing workshop includes a whole class mini-lesson, independent practice, conferencing with students, and a whole class share.  Students move through “units of study” such as memoir, feature article, personal narrative, poetry, informational picture books, and book reviews to learn how to write in that particular genre and analyze a writer’s craft and style.  As they move through the writing process, they experiment with their writing piece.  Based on mini-lessons, students may be asked to write different beginnings, substitute ordinary words with sophisticated language, or collect ideas from their lives for ideas.  Students are asked to create, take risks, and make discoveries. 
    Developing an interest or passion for writing can also be supported at home.  Certainly having the tools and supplies are essential.  Letting your child select a fun writing pen or pencil and a special notebook encourages students to write down their ideas.  Or, suggest they use the computer to create pictures with words or search for sites that have wonderful interactive games and activities for students. 
    Children are often motivated when they see adults engaging in an activity.  Write letters, thank you notes, journal entries, or cards in front of your child.  Ask them to add a line or two or ask them to compose their own.  Not only will they be practicing their writing, but both you and your child will enjoy this quiet time together. 
    There are so many other ways to get children interested in writing.  If your child enjoys music, have them listen to the lyrics of their favorite songs and encourage them to write their own lyrics that are meaningful to them.  If your child enjoys photography, have them take pictures and write poems, stories, or captions.  They can even create a book using the pictures.  Perhaps looking through the family photo albums will inspire them to write funny captions about special events. 
    You might be wondering if e-mail is a good way to exercise their writing muscles. E-mails are not the best way, but they are better than instant messaging because e-mails allow time and space for children to express themselves.  With supervision, children may send e-mails to you or family members who do not live locally
    Finally, celebrate their writing!  Praise them for what they’ve written and put it on the refrigerator, or even better, frame it next to the artwork.  Make a copy and send it to a grandparent or special family member.  If you make a big deal out of their writing successes, then they will know and understand that writing is important and valued.  Who knows…maybe it will even become their favorite subject too!

Kerry Ford