Writer's block is a condition experienced at one point or another by every writer, whether they are a young student attempting their first short story or a seasoned professional with multiple bestsellers under their belt. Fortunately, there are some easy ways to help your child with writer's block. The writing and reading enrichment tutors at FasTracKids/JEI Learning Center serve young learners in the Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York and have helped their students tackle this frustrating issue. 

3 Ways to Help Your Child With Writer's Block

1. Have Your Child Explain the Assignment in Their Own Words

It's easy to feel overwhelmed or out of ideas when reading a teacher's description of a writing assignment. First, have your child break it down. Let them put the assignment description in their own words, taking it sentence by sentence or even word by word if necessary. This lets you make certain your child is processing the assignment correctly and understands what is being asked. Also, talking aloud can generate a discussion between the two of you about possible ideas and directions for the assignment.

2. Encourage Writing First, Not Editing

Proper spelling, good grammar, and smooth syntax are important when teaching writing and reading enrichment skills. But if writer's block is an issue, the most crucial thing to do is to get your child writing. Once they start, give them free rein to keep writing, assuring them that any bumps in the road (uneasiness about spelling, questions about grammar, and wondering how a sentence sounds) can and will be ironed out later.

3. Put on Some Music

Music is an excellent way to stimulate creativity and get our brains to start thinking outside the box. Put some background music on to get your child "unstuck" from the grip of writer's block. You could even select a music genre based on the type of assignment that needs to be written. Classical or new age music may help writing a book report or essay, while writing an adventure story could be complemented by a rousing film score or some up-tempo pop music.

Writer's block can be a frustration that impacts a young learner's creativity and self-esteem; having ways of fighting it will ensure an appreciation of writing, storytelling, and the written word. If your child needs help with writing and reading enrichment, trust FasTracKids/JEI Learning Center interactive programs. You can contact them by calling (347) 987-4450, visiting their website, or connecting on Facebook or Twitter.