Why some kids have trouble writing their ideas

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  • Quick tip 1

    Make practicing fun.

    Encourage kids to practice writing about topics that interest them. That could be a “how-to” on their favorite hobby. Or the agenda for the weekend. Low-pressure writing tasks can feel less like work to kids and even make writing fun.

  • Quick tip 2

    Be a scribe.

    The physical act of getting words on paper or typed out is often a barrier to writing. Have kids say out loud what they want to express. You can write or type it word for word.

  • Quick tip 3

    Try graphic organizers.

    A blank screen or empty paper can make writing down ideas feel overwhelming. A structured outline or template can help kids come up with ideas and organize writing assignments.

  • Quick tip 4

    Make a plan together.

    Kids may put off a writing task until the last minute. Or they might worry about how long it will take, so they avoid it altogether. Have kids look at the task and help them decide how much time it needs. Then schedule that time and build in a break.

  • Quick tip 5

    Praise the effort.

    Struggling with any skill can make kids feel like they’re not smart. And it can be especially frustrating for kids who want to write but have trouble with it. Celebrate small wins and praise their efforts as kids work on writing tasks.

Some kids have a hard time putting their thoughts “on paper.” They struggle to come up with ideas, organize thoughts, or figure out how to start or finish a piece of writing. Teachers often call these written expression skills. 

When kids have trouble with written expression, it doesn’t mean they’re not smart, or that they’re not interested in writing. Many kids who struggle are trying as hard as they can. They may just need more practice and better support.

When young kids have trouble with writing, it could be their age. Not all kids develop writing skills at the same pace. And the differences can be even greater for kids who are young for their grade.

Sometimes kids struggle because they haven’t been taught important writing skills in school. This includes harder skills like how to organize a research paper. Or the basics, like when to use a comma or period.

Some kids have learning and thinking differences that cause trouble with writing. One is called written expression disorder. It refers to difficulty organizing and expressing thoughts in writing. Or they may have trouble with mechanical writing skills like handwriting. Kids who struggle with focus can also have trouble writing.

Reading challenges like dyslexia can cause trouble with writing, too. That’s because reading and writing are language skills that work together. Learn about signs that kids struggle with reading. 

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