top of page
Search

Are the children recording messages on WhatsApp? Here's how to encourage them to write on their own (without causing frustration)


"Teacher, I'll record, and Google will write..."


Not long ago, one of my students sent me a voice message on WhatsApp. It wasn’t unusual – many of my students prefer recording messages instead of writing.


When I explained to her that I couldn’t listen to voice messages during the day because I’m constantly working with people, I asked her to send me a written message.


And then she replied: "I’ll record, and Google will write."


Her response made me smile. Today’s kids are truly more sophisticated than we are – they know all the technological shortcuts, use advanced tools, and find creative solutions for everything. And that’s wonderful!


But this is exactly where our role as parents and teachers comes in – to remind them that sometimes, the longer and "simpler" path is the one that teaches them the most.


Why is it important for them to write on their own?


Writing is not just a technical skill – it’s a tool that develops thinking, creativity, and the ability to express oneself. When a child writes on their own, they learn:


✏️ To organize their thoughts – writing requires thinking about structure, order, and ideas.


✏️ To practice proper reading and writing – basic skills that are important in all areas of life.


✏️ To deal with mistakes – spelling errors are part of learning and help the child improve.


✏️ To be independent – even if technology offers quick solutions, it’s important to know how to do things on our own.


How to respond to spelling mistakes in a respectful and educational way?


Spelling mistakes are an integral part of the learning process, and it’s important that our response encourages the child to keep trying and doesn’t make them feel embarrassed or frustrated. Here are some examples of respectful and educational responses:


✔️ If the word is unclear:


"I didn’t understand what you wrote. Did you mean...?" Then provide 2-3 options. For example:


If the child wrote "I love playing cards" but wrote "cardes," you could write:


"I didn’t understand the last word. Did you mean 'cards,' 'dogs,' or something else?"


✔️ If there’s a clear spelling mistake:


Instead of correcting directly, you can gently ask:


"I see you wrote 'friendes.' Did you mean 'friends'? That seems to fit the sentence."


✔️ If the child is frustrated by their mistakes:


"Mistakes are part of learning, and that’s totally okay! The more you write, the better you’ll get. I’m here to help you."


✔️ If the child is making a special effort:


"Great job writing on your own! I can see you put in effort. Let’s look at a few words together and see how we can improve them for next time."


So how can we help children write on their own?


✔️ Open conversation – ask the child why they prefer recording instead of writing. You might discover things you didn’t know about their challenges or preferences.


✔️ Practice writing in a fun way – if writing is difficult, try encouraging the child to write in creative ways: keeping a journal, word games, or even short and funny WhatsApp messages.


✔️ Boost their confidence – if the child is afraid of spelling mistakes, remind them that it’s okay to make mistakes and that we all learn through practice.


✔️ Balance technology with independent learning – explain to the child that technology is a great tool, but there are things we need to practice on our own to improve.


✔️ Lead by example – if we send written messages, children will learn that it’s part of everyday communication.


And finally – patience and understanding


The transition from voice messages to writing is a process. It’s important to remember that the goal is not to "force" the child to write but to help them develop diverse communication skills that will benefit them now and in the future.


Our children are smart, creative, and sophisticated – but sometimes, it’s the simple things that teach them the most.


The parent’s example of full and clear writing


When we talk about learning and communicating with children, it’s important to remember that our children learn from us not only the content we convey to them but also the way we conduct ourselves. If we want our children to write in an organized, clear, and complete manner, we need to show them by example – even when we write them messages, assignments, or small notes.


Why is it important to write in a full and clear way?


Children learn what they see – children absorb our behavior. If we write them messages with abbreviations, spelling mistakes, or emojis instead of words, they might think it’s okay to write like that at school or elsewhere.


For example: Instead of writing: "What’s up? We’ll come soon 😊," you can write: "How are you? We’ll be there soon."


Strengthening language and writing – full and clear writing helps children understand the importance of proper phrasing and using rich language. It not only improves their writing but also their thinking.


A message of respect – when we write to children in an organized way, we convey the message that we respect them and our communication with them.


How to set an example in writing?


Full writing without abbreviations – instead of writing "What’s up? Talk later," write: "How are you? We’ll talk later." – This way, the child learns to use proper and complete language.


Using complete sentences – instead of writing "Bring the notebook," you can write: "Could you please bring your notebook?" – This not only teaches the child to phrase complete sentences but also conveys a message of politeness and respect.


Avoiding excessive use of emojis – while emojis are a fun way to communicate, it’s important not to rely on them instead of words.


For example: Instead of writing: "👍 Do it now," write: "Great job! Can you do it now?"


Handwriting when possible – if there’s an opportunity, write the child notes or handwritten messages. It not only strengthens the personal connection but also shows the child the importance of clear and organized writing.


How does this affect the child?


Boosting self-confidence


When the child sees that the parent invests in clear and organized writing for them, they feel valued and significant.


Improving writing and expression skills


The child learns to write similarly to what they see, which improves their writing and phrasing abilities.


Developing communication skills


Full and clear writing helps the child understand how to communicate effectively and respectfully.


Our example as parents is a powerful educational tool. When we write to children in a full and clear way, we’re not just sending them a message but also teaching them how to communicate, think, and express themselves respectfully and accurately.


Our children are constantly learning from us – even from the smallest things. Organized and clear writing is a simple yet meaningful way to show them that we trust them, respect them, and believe in their abilities.


The transition from voice messages to writing is a process.


It’s important to remember that the goal is not to "force" the child to write but to help them develop diverse communication skills that will benefit them now and in the future.


Our children are smart, sophisticated, and quickly adapt to the technological world – and that’s wonderful. But to ensure they succeed in a world where writing and reading are still critical skills, it’s important to help them find the right balance.


What do you think? Do your children prefer recording or writing? Share in the comments! 💬


 

Thank you for reading!I invite you to stay connected and join our community:

See you in the next post! 🌟


 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page