You Have to Write
What’s inside...
Offers a book of encouragement and inspiration to young students who feel stressed or blank out at the thought of having a writing assignment. It addresses the fears and concerns of young writers, encouraging them to write about their own experiences and assuring them that it's okay to revise and improve their work. The book is illustrated by Teresa Flavin, providing charming pictures that complement the encouraging message for young readers who worry when they're told to write something.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
8-12
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What kind of story would you like to write about?
How do you feel when you write down your thoughts and ideas?
Can you think of a character you would want to be friends with? Why?
What message would you want to share through your writing?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the book and explore what made it special.
Ask them to imagine they are one of the characters in the book. Discuss what decisions they would make.
Motivate your child to start a small writing project, like a diary or a short story, inspired by the book.
Make a list together of new words learned from the book and use them in daily conversations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-expression
Explanation: The book emphasizes the value of writing as a form of personal expression and individual storytelling.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to use writing to communicate their thoughts and feelings, which can boost their confidence and emotional intelligence.
Example Lesson: Creativity and imagination
Explanation: Through writing exercises and prompts, children explore their creative minds, crafting stories and scenarios.
Real-World Application: This allows them to apply creativity in problem-solving and entertainment, fostering innovative thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Persistence and discipline
Explanation: The story promotes the idea that writing requires effort and sometimes multiple drafts to get right, teaching resilience and patience.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of persistence which can be applied in accomplishing any task, whether academic or personal.
Example Lesson: The power of storytelling
Explanation: It showcases how storytelling connects us to others and passes on experiences and values.
Real-World Application: Children can use storytelling to strengthen bonds with family and friends, and to share and preserve cultural heritage.