Let’s face it: teaching writing at home isn’t easy, especially when your middle schooler is resistant or anxious about putting words on paper. Curio understands that struggle, and we’ve created resources to help your homeschooler become more comfortable with writing—and maybe even enjoy it.
Here are three tips for easing the stress around writing, along with some tools Curio offers to help.
1. Keep It Low-Stress (for Them and for You)
Writing is a huge task, especially for young learners. It’s not just putting words on paper—it’s coming up with ideas, organizing thoughts, and dealing with grammar and spelling on top of everything else. No wonder it can feel overwhelming! One way to lower the pressure is to break writing into small, manageable steps. For instance, maybe today’s only goal is brainstorming, and actual writing can wait until tomorrow.
Curio’s printable resources give students a bit of structure so they don’t feel like they’re free-falling, but they’re flexible enough that kids can write about topics that interest them. This way, they’re focusing on things they enjoy, and with time, writing becomes less of a chore and more of an adventure.
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And if you’re looking for ways to make giving feedback easier, try using Google Docs. It allows you to edit together but separately—your child on one screen, you on another—so they don’t feel like you’re breathing down their neck.
2. Connect Writing to Topics They Already Like
One reason kids resist writing is that it doesn’t seem relevant to their lives. But what if they could write about things they actually care about? This is where Curio’s cross-curricular approach comes in. We’ve developed writing prompts that tie into all kinds of subjects, from financial literacy to weather, ocean studies, and even desert survival scenarios.
Think about it this way: when writing connects to other subjects, like science or geography, it starts to feel more purposeful. Plus, students often remember information better when it’s part of a bigger picture. With Curio’s resources, writing isn’t just about language skills; it’s about discovering and exploring new interests.
So, if your middle schooler is currently obsessed with marine life, try a writing exercise on oceanography, or if they’re into survival stories, ask them to create their own survival plan for a desert adventure. When writing feels like an extension of what they’re naturally curious about, it’s amazing how much easier it becomes.
3. When in Doubt, It’s Okay to Outsource
There’s no shame in reaching out for help. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, a student’s writing struggles need a fresh perspective. And that’s okay. Curio offers an online class called CurioWrite that’s designed just for this.
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CurioWrite is a once-a-week class where students get personalized guidance on writing paragraphs, compositions, and eventually essays. It’s a good option if you feel like you’ve hit a wall or your child needs someone else to help them get through those trickier stages of writing development.
CurioWrite provides structure and feedback without the pressure of traditional grading, so students feel safe to experiment and grow in their writing. Outsourcing this part can give you both a bit of breathing room, and sometimes that’s exactly what everyone needs.
Homeschooling Resources That Fit Your Family’s Needs
Homeschooling a middle schooler who’s reluctant to write can be challenging, but you’re not alone. Curio has built resources that are flexible, practical, and tailored to make learning—and teaching—writing a little less overwhelming. With a combination of low-pressure tools, relevant topics, and options to bring in outside help when needed, you can give your middle schooler the chance to build confidence and develop their writing skills at their own pace.
Remember, writing is a skill that takes time and patience to develop, and every writer—even professional ones—gets frustrated sometimes. Hang in there, and don’t be afraid to try new approaches. After all, it’s about the journey, and you’re both in it together.
