a few notes on improving kids writing

Just for me, notes from an article aimed at kids in school, here's what I thought I could use:

What can parents do to help their children develop writing skills?

No. 1, teach kids to write because they have something to say, not because it's a dull chore. You don't tell kids to read because the teacher says so, but because they love Harry Potter. Use journals and letters to get kids to write outside the classroom. In this summer of scaled-down vacations — all the greater opportunity to emulate travel logs like those of Lewis and Clark — it's a great opportunity to have kids write for the right reasons.

Also, don't dismiss the importance of handwriting to help kids slow down and think.

What's the most common misconception parents have about teaching kids to write?

Some parents think it's too 20th century, but writing remains extremely important. Our colleges are spending $30 billion a year on writing training. Kids need to be able to write, and the failure to write is hurting kids.

Another misconception — by some teachers too — is that nonfiction is boring, not exciting, but this underestimates the intellectual power of kids.

What's the hardest thing about teaching kids to write?

Loving them enough to make them do things again, to give them feedback that's honest and accurate. Way too many teachers and parents don't have the heart to make kids do things again.