By Erin Moffet
Why Your Child Draws the Same Thing Over and Over (And Why It's Good)
Repeating a drawing is not a rut. It is the quiet, important work children do to build skill, confidence, and a visual vocabulary.
Read articleLatest articles
From the Rooted in Writing team
By Erin Moffet
What My Third Graders Taught Me About Why Kids Stop Writing
A teacher reflects on the research, classroom choices, and sense of safety that help children keep writing with confidence.
Read article
By Erin Moffet
Fine Motor Skills and Writing Readiness — What Every Preschool Parent Needs to Know
Writing readiness starts long before a pencil: learn how everyday play builds the hand strength and coordination children need.
Read article
By Erin Moffet
10 Screen-Free Activities That Build Early Writing Skills in Preschoolers
Ten playful, screen-free activities that build the hand strength, coordination, and creative confidence behind early writing.
Read article
By Erin Moffet
How to Make Handwriting Practice Fun for Your 4-Year-Old — Without Worksheets
Make handwriting feel like play with low-pressure, purposeful activities that meet four-year-olds where they are.
Read article
By Erin Moffet
Dictation Do’s & Don’ts — How to “Be the Pencil” Without Taking Over
Dictation helps children become authors when adults capture their exact words, protect their voice, and leave room for ownership.
Read article
By Erin Moffet
Invented (Phonetic) Spelling — The Stage Parents Worry About, but Kids Need
Sound-based spelling is real literacy work. Learn how to protect the message, celebrate attempts, and add conventional spelling calmly.
Read article
By Erin Moffet
Scaffolding Writing at Home — Gradual Release Without Power Struggles
Use temporary, thoughtful support to help a child move from “I do” to independent writing without taking over.
Read article
By Erin Moffet
The Home Writing Center — Essential Materials + A Setup That Actually Gets Used
A calm, accessible writing center turns writing time into everyday play, choice, and meaningful communication.
Read article
By Erin Moffet
Letter Reversals (b/d, p/q) — What’s Normal and What Actually Helps
Letter reversals are often a normal stage of learning. Support directionality gently, practice consistently, and keep confidence intact.
Read article
By Erin Moffet
Handwriting Practice That Actually Helps Writing (Without Killing Creativity)
Handwriting practice should serve the writer: keep it short, playful, multisensory, and separate from creative composing.
Read article
By Erin Moffet
Help Without Hijacking — How to Support Emerging Writers and Build Confidence
Support emerging writers with questions, choices, and specific encouragement while keeping the pencil in the child's control.
Read article
By Erin Moffet
The Easiest Way to Build Writers — Sprinkle Writing Throughout the Day
You do not need a curriculum moment to raise a writer—tiny, useful writing invitations throughout the day add up.
Read article
By Erin Moffet
The “Red Pen” Trap — Why Correcting Spelling + Handwriting Too Early Can Backfire
Protect the joy and meaning of early writing first. Mechanics will come, but confidence is the soil they grow in.
Read article
By Erin Moffet
“My Kid Hates Writing” — Motivation Fixes That Don’t Rely on Bribes
Help reluctant writers feel choice, capability, and connection by making writing smaller, more meaningful, and more human.
Read article