In a world where reading and writing are essential skills for success, many parents find themselves grappling with how to teach these skills effectively to their children. Writing, in particular, can be a daunting subject for both parents and learners. It’s a challenge that Jackson Pearce, a published author with 16 titles under her belt, understands all too well. Recently, Pearce shared her insights on how to get children not just to write, but to genuinely enjoy the process.
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Pearce has spent years not only writing for middle grades, teens, and adults, but also teaching writing to children both in-person and online. She recognizes that writing is often perceived as difficult—and for good reason. “Writing is hard,” she emphasizes. “It’s okay for it to be hard. Even I find it challenging, and I do it for a living.” This acknowledgment is crucial, she believes, because it sets the stage for a more compassionate and realistic approach to teaching the craft.
So, what makes writing so challenging? According to Pearce, writing is unique because it straddles the line between art and academic subjects. It’s not just about getting the facts right, as it might be in subjects like math or history. Instead, writing requires a translation of complex thoughts and emotions into words that others can understand and feel. This dual nature can make it overwhelming for children, especially when they feel pressure to conform to adult expectations or standardized rubrics.
Parents and educators might unknowingly exacerbate this challenge by setting rigid expectations for what “good” writing should look like. Pearce points out that many parents have an idealized vision of what their children’s writing should be—often something wholesome and positive. But children’s imaginations don’t always align with these ideals. “Kids might want to write about things that are funny, silly, or even a bit scary,” Pearce says. “And that’s okay. It’s important to let them express themselves without fear of being judged or corrected for their creativity.”
One of the most common obstacles Pearce encounters is a lack of confidence in young writers. Whether a child says they hate writing or simply avoids it, the root cause is often a fear of getting it wrong. This fear can manifest in different ways—some children might produce very little writing, while others might churn out sentences quickly just to be done with it. Pearce advises parents to dig deeper when their children express dislike for writing. “Ask them to rephrase it,” she suggests. “If they say they hate writing, encourage them to say it another way. You might uncover that what they really feel is that they’re not good at it.”
To counter these confidence issues, Pearce recommends incorporating writing into everyday life in a way that feels less like a chore and more like play. This might involve telling stories together, playing writing games, or setting short, manageable writing tasks. She also emphasizes the importance of timing. “If writing is becoming a battle, don’t force it for an hour. Keep sessions short and sweet, especially with younger children. You’re not going to suddenly unlock their love for writing in minute 46 if it hasn’t happened by minute seven.”
Pearce also advises parents to be mindful of their own attitudes toward writing. If a parent doesn’t write or doesn’t enjoy writing, children might pick up on that reluctance. By modeling a more positive, relaxed approach to writing, parents can help foster a similar attitude in their children. “Even if you’re not a writer, show them that it’s okay to write something down just for the fun of it, without worrying about whether it’s good or bad,” she suggests.
In the end, Pearce’s approach is all about balancing the art and the academics of writing. It’s about helping children develop the skills they need for success, while also ensuring that the process is enjoyable and empowering. Writing may be hard, but as Pearce reminds us, “We can do hard things.” With the right support, children can learn to embrace writing as a powerful tool for expression and creativity.