How do I teach writing, when I am not a confident writer?

As a homeschool parent, you have your strengths. Maybe you’re good at science experiments. Or maybe arts and crafts is your thing. Maybe you’re a math whiz or a history buff or can speak Spanish fluently. 

But for most parents, there’s at least one subject that they just don’t feel comfortable teaching. For most parents, there’s at least one subject that requires them to pore over teacher manuals more than usual. And for many parents, that subject is writing. 

Teaching writing is tricky. There are so many styles, genres, rules, and steps in the writing process to know and teach. 

So, how do you teach writing if you are not a confident writer? 

Here are a few tips and words of encouragement: 

#1 Take comfort in history

Did you know that some of the best wordsmiths in history had little to no formal writing instruction?

• Benjamin Franklin? He learned to write by working in his brother’s printing shop. He would voraciously read the books that came through and learned to write by imitating them. 
• Sarah Josepha Hale? Sarah, the mother of Thanksgiving and “editress” of the Godey’s Lady’s Book, had no formal education, which was the norm for little girls in the early republic. Her mother taught her a few subjects at home, but she read her brother’s college books to learn the writing craft. 
• Winston Churchill? He did have the best education available to young British boys, but he did not excel in school. Her learned to write later in life, by reading the great works of history and by practicing the art of writing himself. 

In our soon-to-be released writing curriculum, we profile these people and many more to teach students the habits of great writers. Hopefully, parents will also take comfort in that some of the greatest writers in history were self-taught. 
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#2: Encourage your child to read

What’s another thing that the above great writers had in common? They were all great readers. They immersed themselves in books. 

Charlotte Mason wrote, "Having been brought up so far upon stylists the pupils are almost certain to have formed a good style; because they have been thrown into the society of many great minds, they will...shape an individual style [by the] wealth of material they possess.”

Here, Charlotte Mason is saying that children learn to write by reading. This is so true. One cannot write well if one does not read. Reading helps students extend their vocabularies. Reading helps students develop varied sentence structures. Reading helps students understand the arc of a story.

Take your children to the library. Stock your shelves with great works. Set up a reading nook. Carve out quiet space in your homeschool day for independent reading time.

It’s true: reading widely covers a multitude of shortcomings!

#3 Give your child access to experts through great curriculum 

Though students can learn much through reading, they can still benefit from some formal writing instruction. There are so many resources available to homeschool families. Find a quality writing curriculum written by a professional writer. It then becomes the curriculum author’s job to teach your child the steps of the writing process. Parents who are not confident writers can take that burden off their shoulders. 

#4 Learn along with your child 

By choosing an expertly written curriculum, the parent can learn along with the child. This is a great learning together opportunity that can provide benefits to all. By learning together, the parent will also be equipped to provide encouraging feedback on writing assignments. 


#5 Use community resources

• Do you have a local homeschool co-op that offers writing classes?
• Do you have a homeschool mom friend who is skilled at writing? Can you swap one of your skill areas for writing instruction?
• Does your local library offer writing seminars?
• Are there any local writers’ groups?
• Can you hire a writing tutor?

Chances are, if you do a little digging, you will easily come by some excellent writing resources in your very own neighborhood. 

#6 Your child’s writing journey will not end with high school graduation

You do not have to teach your child everything he or she needs to know by age eighteen. Remember that becoming a writer is a lifelong journey. Your child's writing will continue to improve with age and practice. 

So rest assured, homeschool parents. Your child can become a great writer, even if writing is not your strong suit. Focus your efforts on providing opportunities, and don’t stress over providing instruction. 
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