Using Technology to Help a Reluctant Writer

We are slowly starting to make progress with getting Honeybun, my reluctant writer, to have confidence in putting stories together. She no longer immediately starts in with the “I can’t do it!” or “I hate writing.”

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With the help of the WriteShop Primary curriculum we’ve been using, Honeybun’s started to do independent creative writing, and doesn’t whine nearly as much as she used to about having to do writing work (though it’s still not her favorite.)

But there is one surefire way to get her excited about writing: technology. All I need to do to get her to write is suggest she use my computer. Because our kids are mostly screen free, the opportunity to work with technology is special and exciting for them.

Here are a few ways we use technology to help a reluctant writer:

Publish eBooks

I started “publishing” Honeybun’s books years ago when we first started homeschooling (starting with her Pilgrim book). I have the girls type out their story in PowerPoint; then they draw pictures which I scan in. We save the whole thing as a PDF file, and it’s ready to be shared with friends and family. Being able to publish her writing has really boosted her desire to write as well as her willingness to edit her writing (the root of most of her writing struggles comes from the fear of a “sloppy copy” which her kindergarten teacher drilled into her little head.)

Get an ePal

Writing back and forth to a friend or relative is fun for anyone. And while a traditional penpal is a great way to get a child writing, an ePal can be just as encouraging for a reluctant writer. For a child who hasn’t yet subscribed to ten million email lists, receiving an email can be as exciting as getting a letter in the mailbox. Plus, when writing to an ePal, they don’t often have to wait as long for a response, so writing digitally can help the relationship blossom faster and stay stronger than when waiting weeks for a response in the mail.

Use dictation software

For some reluctant writers, the struggle is not with coming up with ideas, but rather getting their thoughts written down. Sometimes their hands can’t write as fast as their minds come up with ideas, or they get tired before they’re finished. Dictation software on a smart phone, tablet or through Google Docs (found in the “tools” section) can help a reluctant writer by allowing them to simply speak their ideas and have it all automatically recorded.

Create a website

One of the best ways to use technology to help a reluctant writer is to use their individual interests to guide their writing. So why not let them set up their own website about something they’re passionate about? It would obviously take some parental involvement to get set up and to manage what’s being put out on the internet, but a website is a long-term writing project a reluctant writer can become invested in and that will keep them continually writing.

Make photo books

I began making photo books for all of our European trips when the girls were small, but haven’t done anything with our more recent family trips. So I’ve started letting the girls put together our family photo books. I upload all the pictures and group them on the pages then let the girls format the pictures and add the information on what we did. It’s a great way to help them practice their storytelling and remember our adventures while creating a lasting record of our adventures.

What other ways do you use technology to help a reluctant writer?

For a great homeschool or supplemental writing curriculum for elementary aged kids, check out how we are using the WriteShop Primary program and how to set up a great writing center and check out or purchase the program at WriteShop.com.