This blog has moved

You can now find Judith Darling’s Homeschool Writing Blog at http://rdlco.com/blog.

Writing Tip #1 – Picking a topic to write about.

Picking a topic that is within a child or student’s bank of knowledge is key in motivating them to write.  If there is not a bank of knowledge, then the parent or teacher ends up doing all the thinking for the student and that is not the goal.  This is especially crucial when working with elementary students or a reticent writer, so you must try to think of topics that the child knows something about and is interested in.  This alleviates the “I don’t know what to write, or I can’t think of anything,” response when the student is asked to write.  If you are having trouble coming up with topics or prompts and don’t know quite how to proceed once you have the prompt, it might be worth your time to take a look at our creative writing book.  It is designed to make writing an independent and fun experience that does not require parental guidance, because the entire writing process is explained to the student in such a way that it is easy to understand and do.

Welcome to homeschool writing blog.

Hello to all home school parents teaching writing.  I want to offer support to anyone that has a need.  I know teaching writing is difficult and students are resistant, so I have a few ideas on how to do a better job.  I have had 30 years of experience teaching writing under my belt that includes kindergarten through eighth grade in public school, many hours tutoring students that needed help in writing, and now home schooling my own granddaughters.

Weekly I will offer a writing tip that can make your life easier,  plus answer any questions that you might have.  If I don’t know the answer to a question I will research it for you and see what I can come up with.