Home School Heartbeat Radio Program

How can I get my kids excited about writing? Sometimes it seems like a real chore! Tune in today as Michael Farris talks with a writing expert on this edition of Home School Heartbeat.

Mike Farris:


Today I'll be talking with Dianne Hurst, who's a homeschooling mother of three and a writing instructor. Dianne, tell our listeners why you are so fired up about good writing.


Dianne Hurst:


Well, Mike, you probably know better than most how desperately we need energetic Christian thinkers. And you know, good writing is really nothing more than good clear thinking that's committed to paper. So I'm passionate about writing because I'm passionate about thinking.


Mike:


Dianne, what do you suggest to homeschooling parents to help them get their own children excited about good writing and good thinking, as you've just explained?


Dianne:


Well, to make writing exciting at those early grades-and even on into junior high for some kids-you need to distinguish between penmanship and writing. Many children who are frustrated with the mechanics of penmanship are actually very good writers, and so, you know, you want to have Grandma come over and be a scribe once a month or find some other creative ways to separate those two disciplines. And then another way that comes to mind to make writing fun for your kids is to write with them. Make it a family affair-compose a limerick together or create a story as a family as you drive somewhere. If you want your child to enjoy basketball you go out and you shoot hoops with him. By the same token, if you want to teach your kids to enjoy writing, you need to actually participate with them in the writing process.


Mike:


Dianne, thanks so much. That sounds like great advice. I'm Mike Farris.