Have a child who enjoys writing? I bet it is never a problem to get them to sit and write a story or a journal. What do you do with the reluctant writer? Here are some tips to help get your child to enjoy writing.

1. Poetry Swap!

Both you and your child write 5 words on a piece of paper. Now, swap papers and use one another's words to create a silly poem. Adjust the number of words or the topic/theme based on the need to extend or simplify the project for your student.

2. I Remember....

Have your child begin with the statement , "I remember when _____" Then have them write without stopping for three minutes. Remind them not to go back and reread what they've written or edit anything until the time is up. If they finish before time's up?? Begin a new memory.

Follow up:

3. If I were...

Have your child imagine they are someone/something else for the day and write about all of the crazy things that happen to them in a day. Remind them to use details about things they see, hear, touch and experience throughout their day.

4. Shared Story (This takes more than 3 people)

Select someone to begin by writing a sentence on a piece of paper, then passing it to the person sitting next to them. As the paper is passed, each person adds one sentence to the story. This continues until the predetermined number of rounds has passed. Sounds easy, have each person fold the paper over so that their sentences are not seen to the next person as they add a new sentence. Then the story is revealed at the end of the exercise. This can get the whole group giggling before too long.

5. This is the life!

Have your child select an object that he/she carries/uses/sees every day. Write about an adventure this object would have in one day. Remember to use observations that the child has seen before while HE has used this object, to be sure to report it from the object's point of view.

6. Book It !

Show your little author that his/her writing is important to you and bind a sample of their writing. To do this, you can use tag board or cardboard for the cover and laminate, or contact paper the pages to make them stronger. Have your child illustrate a picture for the cover and/or pictures for each piece of writing that will be placed in the book. Make sure to include a title page giving credit where credit is due to the author/illustrator .

These are just a few of the many different ways to engage your young writer in a fun, non - judgmental way. Join them in the fun and begin a family blog where each member of the family takes a turn at posting something that has happened that day. You'd be surprised at how fast their interest in writing will pick up when they can post it on the internet.

Happy Writing!