5 minute read
Word from Dad
Hammer
and Nails
But I was a preschooler. I didn’t know what leverage was and I wasn’t strong, either. More often than not, I grabbed the handle near the head and bashed away. Regardless of my skill or strength, I wanted to be like my dad, and he used tools all the time.
Filled with restless energy, he spent hours in his basement workshop, even giving menial chores to my brother and me. When I got big enough, he gave me a scrap of wood, a small hammer and a handful of nails. “Just for practice.”
Actually, it was preparation. When Dad built a speedboat in the basement, Bob and I helped. He drilled countersunk holes, and we filled them with a drop of glue before setting the screws for Dad to tighten.
When my brother and I set up a shade tree mechanic area beside the garage for our bicycles, we learned about wrenches and screwdrivers. Although I didn’t plan it, this was my introduction to the oil and grease I’d learn to dislike once I had to maintain my own cars.
Dad passed on many things to me, but his restless energy wasn’t one of them, and I never had my own workshop. When my first son was born, he became my shadow and wanted to do everything I did, which meant he “helped” in household maintenance, holding tools, handing me nails and screws or simply watching. One day, when I thought he was old enough, I led him out to the garage and handed him a small board, a handful of tacks and a claw hammer.
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how to improve your child's Writing Skills
As a writer, I look back on my youth and realize my mother had a lot to do with my love of this activity that has blossomed into my lifelong career. She bought me a diary at a very early age, and I spent hours writing every thought in there. As the middle one of three sisters, I always had something to say about them, what was happening in school and how I hated having to move all the time. My dad was a traveling veterinarian inspector, so we sometimes moved every nine months! Writing became a form of solace for me. And because we lived in Louisiana and the South where it rained a lot, I remember sitting, watching it rain, and reading and writing!
On that note, a great way to foster children’s writing habits is to start young. A crayon can be used to draw picture stories about how they feel, and as they get older, you can supply them with fun notebooks or journals to fill with their words.
Word games are a good idea—and make sure there are no put-downs or teasing if someone doesn’t get the right answer right away. Make things simple. For example, have children write every word that is associated with summer. Sunshine, swimming, baseball, watermelon, Popsicles … give them ideas and let their imaginations soar! Tape these lists on the fridge so kids can add to it! Crossword puzzles are great, too, and little ones will like the “write the word” game, where they search for items and write down the word when they find each item.
Another way to encourage kiddos to write is to write yourself. Leave notes in special places, such as the lunchbox, the sock drawer, under their pillows or inside the cookie jar, with nice thoughts like, “I love you,” “You knock my socks off,” “Eat your heart out” or “Dream big.” The more creative the better. Your kids will love the surprises! When they see you write, they’ll write. Even something as simple as a grocery list or letter to the teacher, holiday cards or thank you notes. Look for ways to involve your kids in your writing. Regular reading is the stepping-stone to better writing and helps children strengthen their writing skills. It expands their vocabulary and shows them different ways of using words, so they can use these words in their own writing. Another fun idea is to experiment with writing materials other than a pen or pencil! Sidewalk chalk on the driveway, finger painting or a wall writing tray are all fun writing activities.
Create a special writing space, such as a corner in your house, devoted exclusively to writing. Be available to help with spelling or proofreading. Keep a journal by your child’s bed with a special pen. When you prioritize writing time, you make it easier for your children to improve their writing skills.
Connect kids’ interests to encourage them. Does your daughter have a favorite book series? Or maybe your son is obsessed with dinosaurs. Whatever their interests, link them to writing. Have your daughter write a new short story about her favorite characters or let your son create a story all about dinosaurs.
Is your child a fan of technology? Use that to advantage by having your young writer create a blog. This activity can help him improve his writing skills by encouraging frequent writing in an appealing, high-tech mode.
By making writing a part of your family’s daily routine, you cultivate an important lifelong skill. Show lots of interest in your children’s writing and stories. Ask questions, celebrate when they bring home a good piece from school and encourage, encourage, encourage!
Judy Goppert lives in Lee’s Summit. She enjoys drawing on her personal experiences to write about the nuances of everything wonderful about life.
