Yesterday I started “Blogging to Read” for my 6 year old. This morning as soon as he got up he asked me if he could “write”. We didn’t have time this morning, but I loved his enthusiasm.
As soon as he got home from school he was asking if he could write. After doing some chores I let him log into his blog and post an entry. Today’s entry was shorter than yesterday’s. He wanted to use a question mark so he wanted to post a question. He then wanted me to post a comment answering his question as soon as he was done. I think that the interaction with family is what will keep this interesting for him.
Now I need to do some research to learn how I can help him write. What kind of questions do I need to ask? What process should I guide him through to start posting longer thoughts? I also have to figure out if/when I should help help him post a picture or two. I am thinking maybe talking about a picture would be a good way to get him going too.
UPDATE
Zavier just came into my office to thank me for setting up his website. He said that it was nice to be able to talk online (his words, not mine). Then Carter came in and asked if I would setup a website for him. He asked me to help him write it.
2 Comments
This is such a cool project. Thanks for the update on how it’s going. I wish I had kids so I could do this with them!
As for a longer thought, perhaps you could give him a picture and ask him to tell you three things about it. (It has to be a picture of something cool, though. Otherwise it’s homework!)
In the grand tradition of our family being opinionated and critical, why don’t you ask him what he would like to change about the world, his school, etc? I know he’s 6, but he is so flipping smart. I bet he would have ideas. Also, I loved to write stories. Maybe he could make one up or talk about one he already knows.