Family Write-In: Inviting Caregivers to Write Alongside Their Children

“Just try it! It doesn’t have to be perfect!”
A second grader giggled as she tried to get her dad to draw their pet dog on a piece of writing paper.
This is what happened when I invited caregivers to write alongside their students.

This was novel. I’ve hosted writing celebrations before—where students proudly share their work—but I had never invited adults to actually sit down and write. Just the thought made me nervous!

Nevertheless, we got our RSVPs, and now it was up to the students to prepare.

Getting Ready: The class discussed what adults might struggle with during our Write-In. We brainstormed potential questions and responses on this anchor chart. The longer we talked, the more excited kids became about being writing coaches!

The Reality: Even with all the prep, the wary adults who entered the room defaulted to safe ground—looking at student work rather than picking up the pencil themselves. Most adults shied away when asked to write a story! They settled for something more comfortable: reviewing their child’s work.

This reflects how challenging the act of written expression feels for so many, offering new insight into my students’ home lives. I ask my students to write every day—yet many of the adults they go home to are hesitant, even fearful, of writing themselves.

I get it. When I first joined communities like Two Writing Teachers and learned that teachers should write too, I wasn’t exactly excited. But I also know how much there is to gain.

So I made an announcement:
“Second graders, it’s time to show all you know! Can you help your adult craft some writing today?”

The adults chuckled nervously. There was lots of movement around the classroom as writers gathered tools and paper.

As I walked between pairs, I saw adults holding the pencil and kids coaching. Some kids and adults shared the pencil and crafted a piece together. I heard lots of conversations about writing—and some laughter, too.

Students as Teachers: To teach a skill to someone else, students need metacognition and higher-order thinking skills. Teaching adults how to solve workshop problems, in turn, reinforces students’ ability to solve those same problems.

Watching kids lead reminded me how much they know—not just about writing, but about perseverance and collaboration.

While the event required vulnerability and bravery from the adults, it sent a clear message:
We can all be writers.

If you’re looking for a way to build community and confidence, try hosting your own Write-In!