It's important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, but there are certain expectations for what a 6-year-old should be able to write. In this blog post, we will provide you with a general guide to help you understand what your children may be capable of at this age. 

Emerging Writing Skills 

At 6 years old, children are usually in the early stages of learning to write. They are starting to understand that writing is a form of communication and are beginning to experiment with letters and words. Here are some key skills you can expect your child to be developing: 

• Letter Formation: Your child should be able to form most uppercase and lowercase letters correctly. However, their handwriting may still be somewhat inconsistent. 

• Spelling: It is common for 6-year-olds to have some spelling errors, especially with more complex words. They may still rely on phonetic spelling. 

• Sentence Writing: Your child should be able to write simple sentences, usually consisting of a subject and a verb. 

• Punctuation: While punctuation may still be a challenge, your child should be starting to use basic punctuation marks such as fullstops and question marks. 

• Storytelling: 6-year-olds often enjoy creating stories and may attempt to write short narratives with a beginning, middle, and end. 

Supporting Your Child's Writing Development 

As a parent, there are several ways you can support your child's writing development: 

• Encourage Writing: Provide your child with opportunities to write, such as writing letters, making lists, or keeping a journal. Encourage them to express their thoughts and ideas through writing. 

• Model Writing: Let your child see you writing and explain what you are doing. This can help them understand the purpose and process of writing. 

• Read Together: Reading regularly with your child exposes them to different sentence structures, vocabulary, and writing styles. Discuss the books you read and encourage your child to make connections to their own writing. 

• Provide Writing Materials: Make sure your child has access to a variety of writing materials, such as pencils, markers, and paper. This will encourage them to practice their writing skills. 

• Offer Praise and Feedback: Celebrate your child's writing efforts and provide positive feedback. Focus on their progress and improvement rather than perfection. 

When to Seek Additional Support 

If you have concerns about your child's writing development, it's always a good idea to consult with their teacher. They can provide insights into your child's progress and offer strategies for further support. Additionally, if your child consistently struggles with writing tasks or shows signs of frustration, it may be beneficial to seek guidance from a literacy specialist or educational professional. 

Remember, every child develops at their own pace, and progress in writing takes time and practice. By providing a supportive and encouraging environment, you can help your child develop their writing skills at their own pace. 

Mighty Writer - Teaching Children to Write 

If you want to take your pupils' writing skills to the next level, consider using Mighty Writer. This innovative resource is designed to make writing fun and engaging for young learners, while also developing their core literacy skills. With Mighty Writer, your pupils will love writing and you'll love the results! 

Want to learn more about the Mighty Writer resource? Download our free Teachers Guide by clicking the link below!