“Mom, I wish I could fly sometimes,” my younger son blurted out to me one morning.
“Is it because you want to soar above the clouds freely like a bird?” I replied with a big smile on my face, my mind swirling away with lofty visions.
“I want to fly so I can go back to Hawaii, but not spend so much time on a plane. Plus, the food is so good there!” he responded. “I want to fly to space too and see the ISS and visit the astronauts. I want to see how they live there and bring them food and stuff.”
“What if you could fly?” he asked me in return as I downed my second, maybe third, coffee of the morning.
“Hmmm… first I’d need superhero powers to help me overcome my fear of heights and then maybe I could go with you to visit the astronauts in space? I would love to see Earth from way up there amongst the stars of the Milky Way. Do you think it’s really made of milk?”
So, that’s how we started our joint effort in writing down our thoughts in a collective book. Our “I wish I could….” themed notebook with the bright blue cover sits next to all the writing instruments you could ask for. Highlighters, pens, pencils of all shapes and colours, ready at a moment’s notice—ready to doodle away and jot down your thoughts at any time. No pressure; I’m not that kind of mom outside the required homework routine, but a little nudging doesn’t hurt. Creative thinking is so important, as many of us already know. It’s a skill that can be helpful in so many career paths, but, in all honesty, I really just want to capture these moments and dreams for the future to look back on someday.
When we started, I didn’t position it as something that we “had” to do, but rather something that was for enjoyment and because “your thoughts are important to me,” I told him. There is no wrong or right here. Just let it flow! And I would tell him that when he’s done, be sure to leave a question for the next person to answer. (It’s in our nature to want to go back to see how others respond, plus it keeps the conversation going).
Handwriting is becoming a lost art in itself, don’t you think? When was the last time you had received a handwritten letter in the mail? That’s why I’m fighting for the write! Educators and researchers have been telling us that learning to write by hand sparks creativity and can help kids become more thoughtful, inquisitive, and confident learners. Studies have shown that writing by hand also helps improve kids’ school performance, makes them better readers, and develops idea composition, expression, and fine motor skills. In an interesting summary presented at Handwriting in the 21st Century? Educational Summit in 2012, it was estimated that 25-33% of students are struggling to achieve competency in writing skills. According to the summary, students are becoming increasingly reliant on communication on digital devices and some educators have shifted their focus from handwriting instruction to teaching keyboarding instead. While necessary, we also can’t afford to lose the benefits of handwriting.
There’s a movement happening now that encourages everyone to make handwriting a part of every child’s daily life, and we’ve taken up the fun challenge! What is it? The BIC Fight for Your Write movement simply wants to remind Canadians that handwriting matters. Their website is offering fun weekly writing challenges for families. This week, kids were encouraged to include specific words in their next story. Not only does it encourage creative thinking but is also great for developing minds to help build a positive foundation for the future. All it takes is 15 minutes each day for kids to help foster the love of writing. We’ve done a few already and it’s been fun for parents too!
Every week until September20, 2016, parents are encouraged to visit www.BICFightForYourWrite.ca to become a “Handwriting Hero” by participating in BIC’s weekly handwriting challenges. You can also visit their Facebook Page #BICFFYW. For every submission, BIC will donate $10 to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada with a minimum donation of $5,000 and a maximum donation of up to $10,000. Each submission will also enter you into a Grand Prize draw for the chance to win $5,000 towards your child’s education and enter you in a weekly draw for a chance to win amazing BIC Stationery prize packs. No purchase necessary!
Do you have a preference when it comes to writing instrument? I really wish we had gel pens when I was a kid! Having checked out a variety of pens and pencils while shopping with my son, I soon realized that the type you choose matters in fostering the love of handwriting at home and in the classroom. BIC Extra-Fun Striped Pencils are eye-catching in their two-toned colour striped barrels and have break-resistant leads that are durable. They also have latex-free erasers and are PMA certified non-toxic. For smooth writing experiences, we opted for the BIC Gel-ocity Original Gel Pens that are available in five fun colours. The variety is incredible and we all have our favourites! BIC Stationery Products are available in retailers across Canada.
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