Essay writing tests can seem tricky for children—and parents! But with a little practice and support, your child can write with confidence. Here are five easy tips for busy parents to help your child succeed.
1. Collect Story Ideas
Encourage your child to think of ideas for different topics (like a hidden treasure, a surprise visitor, or a fun school trip). Having a list of story ideas ready can make the test feel less scary.
Parent Tip: Talk about things they’ve seen, read, or done to help them come up with ideas.
2. Use a Simple Structure
A good essay needs a clear structure:
Beginning: Set the scene and grab the reader’s attention.
Middle: Develop the story or main points.
End: Finish with a strong ending or summary.
Parent Tip: Help your child plan their essay with quick notes or a simple outline before they start writing.
3. Practice Writing in Timed Sessions
Writing under time pressure can be hard. Help your child practice writing essays within the exam time (usually 20-30 minutes) so they feel more comfortable on the day.
Parent Tip: Set a timer while they write to help them get used to working within a time limit.
4. Build Their Vocabulary
Using interesting words can make essays stand out. Reading lots of books and learning new words will help your child write more creatively.
Parent Tip: Play word games like Scrabble or Word Search to make learning new words fun.
Use the "Mighty Readers New word bank" to record new words, meanings and their use in sentences. available for purchase on Amazon via this link
5. Teach Them to Check Their Work
Show your child how to review their writing to fix any mistakes. This includes checking spelling, punctuation, and sentence flow.
Parent Tip: Give them a simple checklist: Does it have a clear beginning, middle, and end? Are there any repeated words?
Essay writing gets better with regular practice. By focusing on planning, using exciting words, and working within time limits, your child will feel more confident for their upcoming tests.
Start using these tips today to support your budding writer!
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