Kids can still write this summer, without you nagging them! Here are some fun ways that will get them writing, perhaps without them even knowing it’s actually good for their writing skills!!
1. Lists!
Lists are a great way to keep kids writing! It also has value in providing them with a fantastic tool to remember things, help with time management and organization.
Lists are wonderful for all ages. For younger kids, it provides a simple structure that they can easily figure out. Lists are straight forward, easy to read with no paragraphs or complex sentences needed.
For older kids, again, simple but also provides an important lifeskill that will ultimately help them organize their day and things to do, later in life.
Where to start?
You can make a list out of anything and everything, that’s the glory of it!
- grocery lists (let them write things down for you)
- reading lists
- summer bucket list
- things to do that day/week/month/year
- chores
- places you want to visit someday
- Favorites or Top Ten (or how many ever you want them to write) movies, books, friends, T.V. Shows, toys, coolest things they’ve ever seen, things in nature, articles of clothing they have, classes…it is seriously endless.
I hope this jumpstarts your list-making! And as always, they’re watching you so start making your own lists and they will soon follow.
2. Notes and Home Mailboxes!
Writing notes to family members is super fun! My family and I write notes to each other all the time and I think it keeps us connected, laughing (lots of joke-telling) and the best part is- the kids don’t even realize they’re practicing their writing.
The kids usually put our notes on our bedside table, under the pillows, or leave them by the coffeepot (yeah, we go there often). But we always put theirs in their mailboxes.
Yes, mailboxes, sort of. They have their own little mailbox system upstairs in the hallway. It is nothing fancy. They found a couple of slightly broken plastic drawer bins I had brought home from my classroom (because teachers don’t throw anything away) and set them up.
They wrote their names on it and were good to go! They also made a directions sheet, in case we couldn’t figure how to use it ????♀️
3. Coloring
You may be thinking why coloring? Coloring has so many benefits and many of them coincide with writing:
- Helps with focus
- Improves fine motor skills needed for writing
- Develops hand strength
- Encourages self-expression
- Gives practice for pencil grip
- Nurtures Creativity
All of these are essential for writing. I have a daughter (10 years old) that colors every night before bed and she frequently creates stories from them.
Coloring, doodling and sketching are all fantastic ways to get kids started with writing. Click here for a FREE STORY (The Very Brave Little Fish) WITH COLORING PAGES.
4. Prompts
Prompts are kind of hit and miss for kids. Some kids love them and they can be a great way to spark new ideas and creativity.
Other kids don’t like the pressure of coming up with something or finishing something that’s already been started.
There are lots of summer writing prompts online for FREE if you search for it. I mean A LOT. Try it out.
5. go outside
Studies have long shown that going outside can make you healthier and happier. But did you know it can also spark creativity and inspiration?
When outside, children are able to use their 5 senses which develop their brains to generate ideas, take risks, problem solve and use their imagination. In Balanced and Barefoot, by Angela J. Hanscom, states that being outside helps children to “form important neural (brain) connections.”
All this contributes to better writing, whether it be simply enjoying writing, looking at writing from a new perspective, or coming up with something to write about. A change in scenery can be the change needed to get your kid writing again!
Try it out! Summer is the perfect time!
6. journaling
One of my most FAVORITE WAYS TO GET KIDS WRITING!
Whether it’s writing in a gratitude journal or just writing about your day in a diary or journal, I am a HUGE proponent of kids journaling. It has changed my life, my kids at home, and the kids in my classroom.
Did you know journaling, especially gratitude journaling has countless benefits? Click HERE to get a FREE GRATITUDE JOURNAL IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH.
Numerous studies have shown how important gratitude is for children:
- increase in concentration/engagement in school
- increased self-esteem
- ability to cope better with stress
- decrease in aggressive behavior
- more optimistic/happy
- better sleep
In addition, writing by hand in a notebook or journal will be beneficial in many ways as well:
- increase in memory
- improve mood
- activates the brain to help with comprehension
- increase in creativity (think doodling)
- deepens thinking
- the act itself reduces stress
- improves focus and attention
Now, do you see why it’s my favorite? Give it a try and see the difference it can make in your life and your child(ren)!
7. A Writing course!
Now, I realize kids may not want to take a class but listen…it’s a class on how to write your very own Newspaper AND it’s taught by another kid!
We can vouch for The Homegrown Newspaper since Kinley and Brecken have taken it and it’s super fun. It’s not a class where there’s homework or a timeline, you just go through the videos when you want and follow the steps to create a Newspaper. It’s pretty cool and 10-year-old Dylan (overseen by his parents) does a fantastic job.
Click here to find out more. The peer-to-peer approach has had amazing results! It’s definitely something different that can get your kid excited about writing!
8. Use fun tools to write!
Summer is a fantastic time to write “outside of the box”. Think messy, think writing in the dark, think fun! Many of these are for beginning writers but doing these types of activities will help them to love words and the process of writing. Here are some ideas:
- Sidewalk Chalk
- Trace words in shaving cream
- You can buy some glow-in-the-dark paint to write with. Use on paper or your sidewalk.
- Write in the sand at the beach
- Learn Calligraphy
- Use a Fun Glow in the Dark Drawing Board like Kidy Stars.
Just remember…
*Don’t edit any of their work, unless they ask. Kids get enough critiquing during the school year. Let them just write for fun.
Thank you so much for reading Summer Writing Ideas for Kids! We’d love to know how you’re using these strategies and if you have any other great suggestions that have worked for you this summer!
Until next time…
Resources:
- Balanced and Barefoot: How Unrestricted Outdoor Play Makes for Strong, Confident, and Capable Children by Angela J. Hanscom and Richard Louv
- We, of course, recommend our Gratitude Journal Printables: My 5 Little Things or My 10 Little Things. They’re also available in Spanish: Mis 5 Cositas y Mis 10 Cositas.
- However, if you prefer a hardcover book, the 5 Minute Journal for Kids has gotten great reviews and the adult version is used by numerous CEOs, athletes, and celebrities.
- The Writing Course the girls are in right now is the Homegrown Newspaper. Find out more information HERE.
k and B’s Summer Resources:
- Spanish Dual Language Summer Coloring Book
- ¡Lotería! Summer Themed Bingo Game!
- Beach Day Fun Spanish Writing Activities: Un Día en la playa
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON GETTING KIDS TO WRITE, LOOK AT THESE HELPFUL WAYS!
I love the sounds of the Homegrown Newspaper as a way to encourage kids to get into and enjoy writing. I think peer-to-peer teaching also helps foster a sense of “I can do this!”
Thanks for sharing!