Writing is one of those subjects - like reading and maths - that quietly nags away at many home ed parents. It’s easy to feel the pressure creep in. This usually comes from other people's expectations or worrying about whether your child is 'where they should be.'
Before you know it, meaningful learning can be replaced by less than inspiring tasks just to 'get the job done.'
But writing is brilliant. It's so much more than just a checklist of skills. It's an incredibly powerful way to explore ideas, communicate, express ourselves and make sense of the world. And like any important skill, it needs time to be explored properly.
I’ve learned a lot about writing at home with my kids, and it looks very different from my classroom teaching days. Back then, there was a strong emphasis on specific skills and structures - which are important - but it’s just as important to play around, explore and have fun with it. Plus, being able to choose what to write about makes a big difference (I’m still haunted by memories of ‘non-chronological reports on fish’!🤪)
What I've also discovered is that we don't need to make writing into a big deal for our kids. That's when we get the pushback - and rightly so. I don’t ‘teach’ writing anymore in the traditional sense. Instead, I’ve found that supporting their natural interest, by intentionally creating opportunities for writing to emerge in daily life, works far better.
Ultimately, when writing is connected to their interests, given time to be explored without pressure, and brought into everyday life with real purpose, kids are more likely to enjoy it, take ownership and stay curious to learn more.
So what does this look like day to day?
Here are five simple ways to encourage writing in your day - without the pressure. With a bit of regular intention from us, writing can become just another part of life at home - just something you do. Here's how:
1) Jot it down
I came across this idea in Julie Bogart’s 'Brave Writer' book. It has been the most impactful way of getting a love for writing started in our home. It's brilliant and very simple.
Whenever your child shares something special – a story, a poem, a joke, even a dream or random interesting comment – you write it down. Into a notebook, a Post-it, whatever is nearby. Keep all these little jottings in a book and revisit them often with your kids so they get to see one of the main purposes of writing - sharing thoughts and ideas.
I’ve used 'Jot it down' on and off since my kids were very young, and always see a boost in their motivation to write when I bring it in more often. It's a really quick and easy thing to include in your days, it models the actual act of writing (so important for early writing) and it's fun to pull the book out and re-read their funny poems and stories from when they were little.
There are no rules - just capture their creations - anywhere, anytime. It’s a fantastic starting point for their own creative writing and a great record of their 'voice' over time.
2) Letter Writing
For me, writing letters is still the most personal way to connect other than face-to-face.
Help your kids get into the habit of writing letters - to you, to grandparents and friends, to their favourite author or sports personality - anyone! It's such a purposeful activity, which is key for writing. Set up a letter writing station or box - along with stamps (but maybe stick to 2nd class these days 💰!) - and keep everything you need in there to encourage it regularly.
Let them develop at their own pace, adapting it to the age and ability of your kids. You can start by writing for them, or copying their ideas down, if needed. Narrating and copying is an important part of writing development - no need to push for independent writing if they're not ready, they'll get there with time and confidence. I've also found it to be an effective way to encourage clear handwriting - especially for the envelope!
There’s something very special about receiving a letter - that first reply can inspire them to write more. Plus, writing to favourite authors or experts and getting a reply back is incredibly exciting. In the past, my two have received gifts like signed photographs or books - a great motivator for even more letters!
WARNING: Unless you really don't care what others think and can guarantee you won't pass the pressure onto your kids, I would hold off sending letters to extremely judgmental friends and family if you think the writing will be scrutinised - for your own sanity!
3) Daily tasks
Don't underestimate the writing opportunities hidden in everyday tasks! Shopping lists, meal plans, schedules - these aren’t just chores, they’re chances to practise simple writing - and get a little help staying organised!
It’s easy to rely on your phone to manage all of these things quickly but bringing a few of these tasks back to pen and paper can bring in some simple, quick daily writing that's relevant, low pressured and an important organisational skill too.
Let them see you writing these things, and involve them in the process. Model it, narrate your thoughts, get their input.
Examples of where this works particularly well:
- Get the whole family involved in mealtimes. Planning meals together (one of my least favourite weekly tasks) and posting a shared shopping list - on a wall or chalkboard - simplifies the week and makes everyone feel included.
- Copying recipes is a fantastic way to develop writing skills. Whether from books or online, copying ingredients for a shopping list or a favourite recipe for a family cookbook (like this one) can build accuracy, concentration and get them involved in cooking.
- Schedules & To-Do Lists: Involve them in planning the day or week by creating a daily activity list or weekly planner. A shared whiteboard or large paper taped to the wall is ideal for this.
If you're someone who gets easily overwhelmed with the many daily tasks home ed and parenting require 👋, this can be a great way of delegating the mental load as your kids get more capable!
4) A family message board
This is a great way to write with absolutely no pressure on spelling, grammar or handwriting. It can be a whiteboard or simply paper taped to the wall with little family interactions throughout the week. You can ask questions (quiz style, open-ended or even 'What would you like for dinner today?'), share interesting facts, copy poems or jokes, write notes to each other or even add a challenging puzzle or riddle. Encourage everyone to contribute - early writers might only add a word or two, which is totally fine.
Without regular use this can easily be forgotten about so it requires a bit of intention. We keep ours next to where we eat so we can add to it easily and often.
Not only is it a great way to connect and have fun, you can also build in activities that encourage certain skills without the pressure - playing around with language, number games, critical thinking, creativity and logic.
5) 'On the Go' notebooks
Keep notebooks handy. Let everyone, including you, have their own. Fill them with anything - lists, stories, poems, games, notes in museums or on different topics - and don’t worry about neat handwriting or spelling! When writing for fun or just for yourself, the important thing is getting your ideas down, not perfect penmanship.
When I was teaching, the expectation in school was that every single piece of work had to be neat - even rough drafts. It's a waste of energy and not necessary. There are times for neat, legible writing and there are times for just jotting stuff down that only you need to read.
This is an activity where your modelling works really well. The more I pull out my notebook, the more my kids tend to write in theirs. The kids' ones are filled with lists, things they've copied out, their own little creations as well as doodles and games we've played. It helps to encourage regular writing in a low pressured way and is a great way of seeing their own personal voice and creativity over time - they'll enjoy looking back at their old notes and pictures and seeing how their writing has changed.
Essential Tips for Making This Work
✍️ Focus on Enjoyment, Not Perfection: Let them write freely without fear of mistakes. None of these activities are about perfect handwriting, spelling or grammar. They're a fuss free, low pressured way of bringing writing into the everyday that is owned by your kids - not you. They'll notice when you're too invested in what they're writing! These other specific skills can be worked on separately through games and reading.
📝 Be a Writing Role Model: Kids are more likely to value writing if they see you writing – whether it’s journalling, writing letters or simply making a to-do list. Don't worry if you struggle with it yourself - modelling effort is what matters and even copying out poems or favourite quotes can be enough.
✏️ Make Writing Resources Accessible: Keep sharpened pencils, fun paper, notepads and post-it notes readily available in key areas of the house alongside a good sharpener and rubber. Easy, convenient access means it's more likely to happen.
🖋️ Observe & Support (Don't Correct): Pay attention to where your child might need a little help, model and gather resources but resist the urge to constantly correct - it's hard but so important. A couple of critical remarks is all it takes to stop kids in their tracks and drain the fun right out of it. It's their writing, leave it to them.
🖊️ Keep it Fresh: Rotate writing resources and move them around to keep things interesting and encourage continued use. If a notebook or supplies haven't been used for a while, it might be time for a refresh or a bit more intentional use from you.
Make it fun, make it easy, model it yourself and back off any pressure - over time, you'll see the results.
I’ve written more about how I’ve handled literacy concerns in The Reading & Writing Worry.