Why some kids can speak but can’t write (motor load + planning)
Speaking and writing use different mental muscles. Many children can tell a story easily but freeze when asked to write because handwriting, spelling and planning combine to overload working memory. Speaking first reduces the planning burden — the words are already shaped in the child’s head.
The bridge method: Say it → Shape it → Write it
Use a three-step bridge. Say it: child tells the idea aloud. Shape it: parent or child shapes the sentence using a simple frame. Write it: child copies or writes one sentence. This method keeps writing short and builds confidence by turning speech into a scaffolded writing task.
DIY story cards (how to make in 5 minutes)
Take index cards or cut paper into small cards. Write a character, a place, and a problem on separate cards (12 total). Add a few action cards (finds, loses, helps). Keep the cards colourful and store in a small box — ready to grab for quick practice.
Week 23 plan (7 days, 12 minutes/day) — day-by-day
Short daily sessions focus on speaking first, shaping, and writing one or two sentences.
Day-by-day (exact)
- Day 1 — Make story cards & pick one character + place (12 min). Tell the story aloud.
- Day 2 — Say it (12 min): child tells a 2-sentence story; parent repeats clearly.
- Day 3 — Shape it (12 min): use a sentence frame to shape one sentence; child copies it.
- Day 4 — Write it (12 min): child writes one sentence from the shaped line; praise effort.
- Day 5 — Expand (12 min): add one adjective or short detail to the second sentence.
- Day 6 — Game day (12 min): play pick-a-card talk or 3-sentence story.
- Day 7 — Share & celebrate (12 min): child reads aloud two sentences and picks a favourite card.
Sentence frames that help (who/what/where/when/why) — kid-friendly
Give simple frames: “Who + did what + where.” “I saw + who + do + what.” Use prompts like: Who? What happened? Where? When? Why? These short frames reduce cognitive load and make copying easier.
Games (8–12): pick-a-card talk, 3-sentence story, because chain
- Pick-a-card talk — draw three cards and tell a short story.
- 3-sentence story — beginning, problem, ending.
- Because chain — each person adds a line starting with “because”.
- Story relay — family adds one sentence each.
- Character swap — change the character and retell.
- Picture prompt — pick a card and draw a quick scene.
- Silent storyteller — act the card, then narrate.
- 3-word summary — sum the story in three words.
Troubleshooting (child says 1 word, repeats, freezes when writing)
If the child gives only one word, expand with a gentle question: “Who did that? Where did it happen?” If they repeat, encourage a change: “Can you make the next one new?” If they freeze when writing, offer to write the shaped sentence and ask them to copy one short part — or dictate into a voice note and transcribe together.
How to level up (add adjectives, conjunctions, dialogue)
Once one-sentence writing is comfortable, add small upgrades: one adjective per sentence, a conjunction (and/but/because) to join ideas, or a short line of dialogue in quotes. Level up slowly and celebrate each added element.
Done checklist + Week 24 family showcase teaser
- I made story cards and picked three.
- I shaped and wrote one sentence.
- I played one story card game.
Finish with praise: “I liked how you told that part — great idea.” Week 24 will guide hosting a family showcase to celebrate progress.
12 sample story card ideas (characters/places/problems)
- 1 — A lost kitten in a busy market
- 2 — A friendly robot at the school library
- 3 — A magic tree in the playground
- 4 — A secret note found on a bus
- 5 — A picnic where it starts to rain
- 6 — A small chef who burns a cake
- 7 — A brave child who helps a neighbour
- 8 — A lost key and a helpful dog
- 9 — A mysterious sound at night
- 10 — A day the playground disappeared
- 11 — A birthday surprise that goes wrong
- 12 — A map that leads to a small treasure
Parent scripts (“Tell me first. I’ll write it once. Then you copy one sentence.”)
Short scripts to guide the bridge: “Tell me the story first — just say it like a movie.” “I’ll write one sentence exactly how you said it. Now you copy that sentence.” Praise specifically: “Great choice — that made the picture so clear.”