tacticle prodding

We read this book and it had a recipe at the end. Since we happened to have nothing planned after a very busy weekend, we baked ourselves a very large cookie and ate it.

It served many purposes: 

• One – it gave us something to do.
• Two – it fed us until way after lunch time.
• Three – it gave a certain 6-year old the motivation to write.  (What Mother of a 6-year old doesn’t like that?)

He copied the recipe onto a card so we could have it whenever we felt like we needed another Massive Cookie.

Yes, I suggested it, yet he went with it.  A little nudge and bam, off he went to writing.  He didn’t finish right away, he had to go back a few times and I don’t think it’s quite done yet.  But, it’s there waiting for his return.  Maybe we need to bake another.  Wait, we could get on the heavy side if he figures me out.

Some practical (from our life) tips on beginning writing: 

• Ask a friend or family member that writes to write to your child and become their pen pal.  We made a notebook to keep all the supplies needed for writing letters, including envelopes, stamps, pencil, return address printed out and addresses of  friends and family.  
• All my little ones have had access to a white board, dry erase markers and eraser as soon as they can reach them  (it can get messy, but for the most part it’s all wipeble, except for fabric and carpet, and pets, but don’t let that stop you).  From my experience, it gives them their space to draw and they stay away from the walls.  Also, I’ve never had to “teach” them to hold a crayon or pencil.  
• I haven’t stressed the correct way to write or draw just yet.  I want them to be excited about it and have just used non-traditional methods to give them practice. 

What does it take to motivate?  This little activity was a perfect example of a little nudge and then the child’s excitement of the project carried it on.  I’m not an expert obviously, but I’m learning everyday to watch, listen and encourage a little here and there.