writing idea

Found Poetry with Recycled Magazines

Reuse your old magazines and create found poetry from the words and phrases you discover on their pages. Found poetry takes kids on a treasure hunt for wonderful words and phrases. Then, they will use those words and phrases to find a poem; to write a “found” poem by collaging together something in a new, poetic way. […]

Write a Family Newsletter

Many of you send out or post family updates around the holidays. But this year, why not have your children write your family newsletter? In my writer’s workshop a few years ago, my students spent time learning the basics of the newspaper, writing using the 5 Ws, and writing a family newsletter. It’s something you […]

Experiential Stuffed Animal Writing Idea For Kids

Get your imaginations ready for a fun experiential writing adventure! You’ll be taking your best friend (aka. favorite stuffed animal) for a walk and narrating the story as it might happen if your friend were real. This kind of doing and writing is great for young writers for many reasons such as: SENSORY DETAILS: Descriptions can include […]

Writing Inspiration: How to Get Ideas for a Story

The picture book, Any Questions by Marie-Louise Gay, is the author’s answer to children about the writer’s journey — how to get ideas for a story. It’s an interactive experience because you get to write part of a story, too and is beautifully illustrated with water color and ink. Gay writes that children often ask her where does a story start. […]

Photo Story Starter Idea for Kids

I have the easiest writing idea for you to use with your kids . . . take photos of dolls or figurines for a story starter idea! It all started when my daughter said, “What should I do, mom?” I replied, “Why don’t you take those Easter chicks and make up a story. Take photos and then […]

Make Your Own Note Card Book

Make your own book with this quick and easy handmade book idea. All you need are large notecards and a stapler. And, for illustration help, consider using Mudpuppy’s sturdy stencils for kids. We think they’re indestructible! Make Your Own Book Fold large notecards in half. Take your stapler and staple in the crease at the top and the bottom. See […]

Collaborative Story Writing for Kids (in the Digital Age)

Our teenage babysitter gave us the BEST writing idea — and my kids took off with it! A Collaborative Email Story Writing Idea In a collaborative story, each person takes turns telling the part of the story. 1. Pick the Writers Invite trusted friends, babysitters, or family members to write the story with you. If your […]

Do You Love I Spy Books? How to Make Your Own!

Do your kids love the I Spy books by Jean Marzollo and Walter Wick? Want to make your own? Try making your own I Spy book pages as a fun art and writing activity. To do this you’ll gather props, take pictures, and work on the computer. Make Your Own I Spy Book We choose to […]