Once your children have mastered their handwriting, it is time to start some compositional writing. As kids get older they begin to write longer pieces of writing like essays and stories. These pieces need to have an introduction, a body and a conclusion. This takes a great deal of organizational thinking and many children struggle with this, especially visual learners.

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 note cards, 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.

I have created a simple one page activity to help your child get started writing.