Videos

For Jules Feiffer, the great fun in creating a book is in the counterpoint between what the text says and how the illustrations react.

After illustrating the Phantom Tollbooth Jules Feiffer never thought about doing children’s books again, until he had his own kids and that changed everything.

Does your child want to do anything but write? Would they rather do chores than put a pencil to paper? Here are three tips for kids who don’t like to write. Watch as Jules Csillag, MS, a licensed speech-language pathologist and learning specialist, shares tips for parents on how to make writing an enjoyable activity. These writing tips for kids — from how to pick the right topics to utilizing assistive technology — will help to make writing easier and fun. “Most people write because they want to communicate something. And kids have a lot to communicate, so we need to support them in that,” says Jules. 

Texting and “text speak” can be used to help build foundational reading skills such as word recognition and phonological awareness. 

Writing online, through blogs, wikis, or discussion forums can boost student motivation for writing and help students learn to adapt writing for different audiences, tasks, purposes, and disciplines.

Reading experts explain why parents should create opportunities for their children to write.

Writing expert William Van Cleave explains that understanding how sentences work helps to improve both reading comprehension and writing.

Children’s author Carmen Agra Deedy has some ideas on how to jumpstart ideas for young writers. 

Kyley Pulphus suggests a few ways for parents to encourage their children to find comfort and expression in writing. 

Teachers help Kyra—the only blind child attending her public school—meet her full potential.