Writing history for kids - learning is more with the praise

The Power of Praise

Imagine spending the whole Saturday afternoon weeding a garden, only to have someone point the weeds unanswered. Yet, sometimes, that's what we do when the kids are asking us to read their story. We focus on the mistakes, 'It's nice dear, but you wrote "elephant" wrong on the second page ... '

The next time you read their writing, try telling your children what they are doing well, (praise) rather than focusing on the errors that leap out at you.

Praise should be specific.

Not vague generalizations like 'that's great', or 'good job' or 'well done'. Genuine praise looks real motives. Here are some suggestions:

and I thought that your character Josephine was very convincing.

o The boys younger brother was funny, made me laugh.

o The scenes tension was excellent, I was nervous as the fire approached.

o The way to use the dialogue really brings the characters alive.

Or I like the way your hero had defects such as nail biting. What makes it real.

Ø Having the girl jumping into the river to save his dog was very powerful.

o The final was a total surprise. I never would have guessed!

As we praise alone (without highlighting the errors) to help children improve their writing?

Well, now they know their strengths - this means that it will continue to use these techniques are praised.

Then, after the praise, you could add a delicate suggestion for improvement:

o The story is a bit 'slow start, because it does not start at point three, space craft when it crashes?

Do you think or if you use the box in the struggle between the two sisters who could make the scene more vivid?

or 'And then I woke up,' is a very common end, you can think of a better one?

or maybe if you did the part where the guys are winning the basketball match a little 'more, which might increase tension.

Finally, always end on a positive note.

That's right, more praise!

and I loved your idea of ​​green ice cream monster, I really enjoyed reading about him. Thank you for showing me your story.

(C) Jen McVeity, National Literacy Champion....