When grandchildren begin to write they enjoy making marks and scribbles on paper.  After a while they start to write some of the letters and sounds of the alphabet.  They learn to write words.  Eventually they learn to write sentences and are able to create a variety of texts.
 
How can you help your grandchild’s writing at home?

Make writing experiences at home fun for you and your grandchild.

Write in front of your grandchild and discuss what you are writing e.g. shopping lists, cards, letters and notes.

Talk about the different purposes and audiences for writing.

Encourage your grandchild to use a variety of paper types for drawing and writing.

Praise your grandchild for “having a go” at writing words that are new to them.

Encourage your grandchild to write messages for you and other family members.

Help your grandchild to find little words in big words and to write the, e.g. carpet: car, are pet, care far.

Encourage your grandchild to write cards and invitations, and letters to friends, relatives, neighbours and school teachers.

Encourage your grandchild to write signs, poems, favourite recipes and instructions.

Encourage your grandchild to label things that they design and make.

Play word games such as I Spy, Scrabble, Boggle, Scattegories, Junior Pictionary.

Encourage your grandchild to use a word processor or typewriter if available.

Display paintings, drawings, and writing that your grandchild brings home from school.

Encourage your grandchild to develop their own photo album and encourage them to write labels for their photos.

Encourage your grandchild to keep a scrap book or photo album for putting in pictures and writing.

Encourage your grandchild to keep a diary and to write in it whenever possible,

 

If your grandchild is having difficulty with their handwriting or spelling ask your grandchild’s teacher for help.