-=> Quoting Sandy Colby to Lisa Mcintosh <=-
  > CA> ideas on how to encourage boys in this area. ( Specifically ages 8, 
0
 > CA> and 12)
 > CA> I picked up a book from the library with some wonderful ideas that I
 > CA> have only started to implement. For those who want to know the title
 > CA> it is "Games for writing" by Peggy Kaye Published by
 > CA> HarperCollinsCanadaLtd. 1995
 > CA> ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
 > CA> (that is how it is printed in the book!)
 
 LM>    OH! I'm not the only one with a reluctant writer!!!!!! (My
 >    son is 8 and has yet to string together more than 2 or 3
 >    sentences at time.
 
 LM>    If you find any thing that works for you, please, please,
 >    please, share it!
 SC> Please, please please...don't push him into writing!  You will turn
 SC> him off of it forever.
 SC> He is *only* 8 years old; that is still very young!!
 SC> How about suggesting that he dictate short stories and you write them
 SC> down?  Or letting him type stories on the computer with a word
 SC> processor?
 SC> Many times 8 years old kid don't have the *physical* ability to
 SC> sit and write. (see_Better Late than Early_)
 Something I have found with my 8 year old son is to have him write a
 few sentences without checking the grammar.  Possible have him write
 a set of rules for the school (on his own.  what he sees as appropriate.)
 Or ask him to help you write out the grocery list.  Maybe you could design
 a card on the computer and he could write the sentences for the inside.
 Or maybe write the note to daddy (if there is one) if you are not going
 to be home.  The point is not to make it a real assignment.  Fun writing
 or writing that has a real purpose in life.  Maybe a card to all the
 children in a hospital on a particular floor.  Or help you write a
 letter to friends somewhere else, possible a relative or pen pal.  If you
 make a suggestion and he says no don't push him.  Make the suggestion
 another time or a different suggestion.  He will come around.  Also let
 him see you communicate with letters and writing.  They still are very
 impressionable at this age and when he realizes how writing opens alot
 of doors he will start.  Good Luck!!
 Regina
... A feature is a bug with seniority.
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