Tips on Editing your Child’s Writing

Does sitting down with your child to edit his writing strike terror in your heart? Do you have visions that resemble something close to a dog fight? Editing your child’s writing does not have to be an emotionally charged event. Actually, I believe you can create a nurturing environment that creates a love of learning. Here are a few of the things I’ve learned over the years to aide in the editing process:

1) Be aware of differing writing personalities.

Your child’s writing will look and sound different than your own writing. Be sure not to impose your writing personality on your child. Allow his personality to shine through. I think this can be the most challenging aspect of the editing process, but it’s well worth the pay off. Your child wants to know his thoughts and feelings that come through in his writing have intrinsic value. As your child ages and matures, so will his writing personality and style. Guide him into the writer he is destined to become.

2) Be sensitive.

Put yourself in the place of your child. Remember, he worked diligently and poured himself into his writing. Immediately pointing out each mistake or being insensitive will not provide incentive for him to become a better writer. This leads into number 3.

3) Praise, praise, praise.

Always find something positive to say about your child’s writing. In fact, make it a priority to say one positive thing for every mistake that needs correcting. You want to ensure your child feels encouraged to keep trying and that he will succeed.

4) Keep spelling separate.

I have a child who struggles with spelling. She gets discouraged when she sees red all over her writing and most of it is from misspelled words. Instead of spending time on all the spelling mistakes during the editing process, I make note of words that are misspelled and work them into her spelling lesson.

5) Limit the focus.

If there are multiple mistakes, choose to tackle one mistake at a time – perhaps one a day. If you cover too much material, it will be overwhelming and little of it will be retained. At the end of the school year, if your child only has 12 papers in his portfolio, but they are well-written and well-thought-out, then it’s worth the time it takes to go through the editing process slowly.

Writing can be a difficult yet rewarding skill to learn. You can turn the editing process into a haven where you correct and guide your child into becoming a wonderful writer. Now, go, edit and inspire your child.

Ruthanne has been homeschooling for just over a decade. She’s passionate about many things ~ the Lord, her principal and students (mother to four boys and a girl), photography, baking and really good coffee. You can find her blogging at www.eclecticwhatnot.com where she shares a few random thoughts and loads of pictures.

Tags: editing, Encouragement, homeschooling, Paper Writing, Spelling Lessons, Teaching Methods, Writing Styles

Related posts:

1. Common Sense Solutions: Stress Free Writing I know what you’re thinking. The title is an oxymoron because writing is a source...
2. Creative Writing I get questions from time to time from other homeschool moms who hate teaching writing....
3. Fun with Photography Featuring Lightroom 2: Easy Editing with Presets Okay, so how many of you read last issue’s column and either purchased Lightroom or...
4. Writing Woes? Do you have a child who likes to write? How about a reluctant writer?...