Visual kids can literally draw a blank when faced with a writing assignment.

This can be confusing because you know your child has a great imagination. He’s creative, enthusiastic and observant and has a steady stream of adventures and ideas running through his mind. So with all they have going for them, why the writer’s block?

Visual thinkers see and think in technicolor pictures. Pictures are processed all at once. Instantly. Without words.  But writing requires words, not pictures. Words, the domain of the left side of our mind, are processed one at a time, in order, logically and sequentially. This is the complete opposite of how the visual, right side of our mind works.

Our visual thinkers have great things to say and share but need help translating their pictures and rich imaginations into linear and logical words on paper.

Here are three things you can do to help your visual child write their stories:

Build Vocabulary
Because visuals are better at pictures than words – you need to be intentional about building vocabulary and language skills. Read to your kids regularly, have them read to you, watch movies together and talk about what they are seeing.

Share Stories
Encourage them to share their stories – out loud – at home, at school, into the video camera – whatever way they feel safe. This gives them practice putting their visual thoughts into words in a way that’s comfortable for them.

Make Writing Visual
Help visual kids get their thoughts on paper by using notecards, sticky notes and small (less intimidating) pieces of paper. Once they get their thoughts on out, have them create visual outlines by putting the small papers in order.  Now it’s time to write.

Download this free activity I wrote up and start making writing easier for your child.