Parent Tip: Switching to a formal voice
How to help your child develop a formal voice without gimmicks.
One of the writing challenges kids face is learning to notice the difference between a formal and informal voice. Most kids write as they speak: in an informal voice. Even when they write essays, this is their default. Indeed, Elementary school-age kids generally have no idea that there is a difference between a formal and informal voice, just as they may assume that Crocs are appropriate to wear to a fancy dinner. We introduce the idea of formality in our Level 1 lessons so that children learn to notice its elements, including contractions, word choice, etc. We also delve further into the concept in the style lesson in Level 2, as well as in our general feedback throughout that level, but we are most focused on teaching kids to notice and switch between levels of formality in Level 3, when our students write many essays.
Middle School Slide
One of the interesting wrinkles in this process is that many tweens and new teens become more attached to using an informal voice right around middle school. These kids are often doing their best to fit in with their peers, who speak and write in a voice that’s about as formal as pajama pants. In some ways, this middle school slide helps them notice the difference between a formal and informal voice. But it also means that you may see more writing turn up with deliberately and overly informal writing.
Part of a draft essay from a tween who was also in the process of adapting to the style and speech common at his middle school. Note the slang and generally informal disposition. Credit: E.S.
How to Help
We recommend pointing formality out to your child and being clear that there is a difference between an informal and formal voice, and that your child should tailor their level of formality to their audience. Texting with friends? Be as informal as you want. Writing for school? Then pretend you’re having lunch with the Queen. This means being more aware of how you’re writing: be more discriminating.
What you don’t want to do is kill your child’s exuberance or have them learn to hate writing. If your child is into shoes, use the shoe analogy: “This is a Crocs text. I love what you have to say, but can you make it a high heel/concert shoe/etc. text?” Use whatever shoe will appeal to their particular sensibilities. We like this approach because it also reminds kids that this change is a disposition choice, and is not about using gimmicks. Ask your child how they behave differently when they’re wearing Crocs versus their fancy shoe. What does this tell them about how they write?
The shoe analogy is a helpful prompt because “formal” will look different for different kids and different writing situations. Some kids who try to make this switch like to use “one” in all their texts because it sounds quite formal. “One” may be a good choice for some texts, but it can be awkward and inappropriate for others. This is why it’s more effective to teach kids to consider their audience as they write than dictate a specific formula (or, worse, gimmick) for all formal occasions; many kids also rely on formal-sounding transition words that are effectively hot air when this is their approach.
The edited version of the draft text from above. The text is a bit more formal (a “formal sneaker” voice), though the student is still writing in a young, bouncier tone. Do not expect your child to make an immediate and full switch to a formal switch. This is almost always a gradual process, just like growing up. (Also, yes, there are still some spelling errors in the edited text.) Credit: E.S.
This is the edited essay by a child who is a year older than the one who wrote the above essay. As you can see, this child has made the switch to her “high heel” voice. Her writing used to be just as informal as the previous author's—perhaps more. This young writer is now quite proud of being able to use a formal voice and still infuses her writing with her unique personality, but has to be careful not to lean on the use of “one.” She’s learning that there are many types of heels and other formal shoes. Credit: J.D.
Help your child develop a formal voice. Enroll in June Writers Academy today.
