Writing has always been a challenge for all children, homeschool and traditional alike. Whether due to language-based struggles, lack of motivation and content engagement, or socio-emotional issues, some students find the writing process more fraught.
For homeschoolers who experience anxiety or have difficulty when asked to write about themselves or their opinion, it can be extremely difficult to find ways to manage those feelings. This article explores how to support homeschool children who become overwhelmed and stressed when asked to write about their opinion. It offers practical tips, ideas, and strategies that can be used to help your child manage their emotions and participate in successful writing activities.
What Causes a Homeschool Child to Freak Out When Writing About Their Opinion?
Writing can be a challenge for many students, homeschooled or not, but some students find it significantly more stressful. There can be a variety of reasons why a homeschool child may refuse to write and get upset upon the suggestion. Generally speaking, the underlying challenge can often be divided into language-based, content-based, and socio-emotional issues.
Language-based issues include difficulty with basic grammar and spelling, an inability to properly structure their thoughts, or problems with fluency. Content-based issues include a lack of enthusiasm for the topics due to being unfamiliar or uncomfortable.
Lastly, socio-emotional factors involve anxiety, self-esteem, and confidence issues that make writing about their opinion more nerve-wracking.
How to Help Your Homeschool Child When Asked to Write About their Opinion
When a homeschool child experiences difficulty with writing activities, it is important to provide them with the right kind of support. Here are a few strategies to help your child manage those feelings and write successfully:
1. Talk it Through Together
In many cases, simply talking things through can be helpful when it comes to understanding the root cause of a child’s stress or fear. Ask your child to tell you why they feel overwhelmed or worried.
Find out what specific challenges they’re struggling with and what might help them feel more confident. Creating an open, supportive, and non-judgmental dialogue can make your homeschool child feel more comfortable and confident about discussing their concerns. If your child is reluctant to open up, try to gradually build trust by offering encouragement and a safe place for them to talk.
2. Break it Down Into Manageable Steps
For homeschool children overwhelmed by the task of writing, breaking it down into smaller, easier-to-tackle pieces can be very helpful in avoiding burnout or giving up. Discuss the goal of the activity and the steps you’ll need to take in order to successfully complete it. Figure out the task delivery ( handwritten versus typed, for example) and the layout, including margins, font size, and font type.
Going through the entire process step-by-step will help your child gain a better understanding of what is expected of them, and provide structure and confidence.
3. Set Reasonable Expectations and Consider Alternatives
Be realistic with your expectations for your homeschool child. Remember to be aware of his or her current skill level and any limitations.
Instead of pressuring your child to write the essay, consider exploring alternative ways to engage with the same topic. Suggest using a recording device or an online tool like Padlet to write down thoughts on a particular issue. Do a mind-mapping activity to brainstorm ideas or make a presentation or video to express their opinion instead.
Conclusion
Being asked to write about one’s opinion is challenging for many students, homeschooled or not. To help your homeschool child overcome anxiety and feelings of angst when asked to write, it’s wise to create an open and non-judgmental environment; break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps; and be realistic with expectations.
Remember to explore alternatives to writing and consider the advantages of these methods. With these strategies, your child may find the writing process less stressful and more enjoyable.