My child hates to revise.

  1. Consider that revision is a goal to work towards.  It is not something which will happen instantly.  Make yearly goals.  Each year, the revision process should become more rigorous.  The reverse is true!  At the beginning , the revision process should be very simple.
  2. Revision is sometimes hated because of the physical amount of writing involved.  Think of ways to keep the writing of separate drafts to a minimum.
  3. Consider revising every three of four writing assignments.  The revision process is important.  But not every piece is worthy of revision. 
  4. You can teach revision without using your child's writing.  Take the sting out of revision by using your own writing or an "anonymous" sample.
  5. If you constantly revise your child's writing yourself, are you telling them: they can't write without help?  Are you communicating that their writing must be perfect all the time.  Will they think they are incapable of personal revision.
  6. If you feel that revision has totally turned your child off to writing, consider taking a break from the revision process for a period of time.  Then institute the process gradually and age appropriately.
  7. Teach your child to type and use a word processing program.  This will make revision easier and help with any hand pain as well.
I don't see any progress!  Are they really getting better?
  1. Children should be practicing every day.  While formal writing assignments need not be given every day, some type of writing must be assigned.  Utilize journals, letter writing, and cross-curricular writing.
  2. Writing is like a sport.  Athletes need to practice daily.  The same principal applies to writers.
  3. When assessing progress, think in general terms.  Compare 10 samples from this year with 10 samples from last year.  You must compare the body of work.    We can't always be at the top of our writing game.  Some assignments will show a lack of interest, focus, or creativity.  Do not judge an entire year by a few poor assignments.
  4. Some topics will be more challenging than others.  When you encounter weaknesses in your child's writing, be sure to remember their strengths.

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