Writing is not only a fundamental skill but also a means of self-expression and communication. By engaging children in various activities that promote writing, we can help them develop their creativity, critical thinking, and language skills. Here are some activities that you can try with your children to promote writing in the early years: 

1. Storytelling and Role-Play 

Encourage your child to participate in storytelling and role-play activities.

This helps them develop their imagination and creativity, as well as their ability to structure narratives. Provide them with props and costumes to make the experience more engaging. You can also encourage them to write down their stories or act them out with their friends. 

2. Journaling 

Introduce your children to the concept of journaling.

Encourage them to write about their daily experiences, thoughts, and feelings. This not only helps them improve their writing skills but also promotes reflection and self-awareness. Provide them with a special journal or notebook and let them decorate it to make it more personal and exciting. 

3. Letter Writing 

Teach your children the art of letter writing.

Encourage them to write letters to family members, friends, or even pen pals. This activity not only enhances their writing skills but also fosters social connections and empathy. Help them address the envelope, affix a stamp, and send their letters via mail. This will make the experience more authentic and rewarding. 

4. Creative Writing Prompts 

Provide your children with creative writing prompts to spark their imagination.

You can give them a theme, a picture, or a sentence to start their story. Encourage them to develop their ideas, create characters, and build a plot. This activity helps them practice their writing skills in a fun and engaging way. Display their finished stories in a prominent place to celebrate their achievements. 

5. Story Starters 

Give your child a story starter and challenge them to continue the story.

This activity encourages them to think critically, develop their writing style, and create coherent narratives. You can find story starters online or create your own. Discuss their story with them and provide positive feedback to boost their confidence and encourage further writing. 

6. Writing Games and Puzzles 

Make writing enjoyable by incorporating games and puzzles.

Word games like Scrabble or Boggle help children expand their vocabulary and improve spelling. Crossword puzzles and word searches engage them in problem-solving and critical thinking. These activities not only promote writing but also enhance their overall language skills. 

7. Collaborative Writing 

Encourage your children to engage in collaborative writing activities with their friends or siblings.

They can work on a story or a poem together, taking turns to contribute to the writing. This activity promotes teamwork, cooperation, and enhances their social and communication skills. It also exposes them to different writing styles and perspectives. 

8. Writing for a Purpose 

Give your children opportunities to write for a purpose.

For example, they can create a menu for a pretend restaurant, write invitations for a party, or make signs for their bedroom door. These activities make writing meaningful and relevant to their daily lives, motivating them to improve their writing skills. 

9. Reading and Writing Connection 

Encourage your children to read regularly. Reading exposes them to different writing styles, expands their vocabulary, and provides them with inspiration for their own writing. After reading a book or a story, discuss it with them and encourage them to write their thoughts or a review. This helps them develop their analytical skills and deepens their understanding of the text. 

10. Celebrate and Share their Writing 

Lastly, celebrate and share your children's writing achievements. Display their written work on a bulletin board or create a special writing corner in your home. Encourage them to share their stories or poems with family members or friends. Celebrating their efforts and providing positive feedback will motivate them to continue developing their writing skills. 

Remember, writing is a journey, and every child progresses at their own pace. Be patient, provide support, and create a nurturing environment that encourages their love for writing. By engaging in these activities, you can help your child develop strong writing skills that will benefit them throughout their education and beyond. 

Happy writing! 

Looking for more literacy activities, top tips and considerations, and top-recommended resources?

Click below to view our Teaching Key Stage One Literacy Resource