written by homeschooler, writer, and mother, Patricia Zaballos Writing Idea for Kids: Ultimate Guides Ultimate guides are well-loved around here. Currently Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Ultimate Guide has been found sprawled in various settings around the house, attesting to its popularity–with my ten-year-old son, Theo, anyway. An ultimate guide is simply a rather cockily titled … [Read more...]
Project: Pet Rock (Craft and Writing Activity)
Help your kids adopt the easiest pet ever -- a ROCK! (I know. Why didn't you think of this before?) Once your child adopts a rock, he can dress it up, name it, and give it a home! Not only that, add literacy learning with this funny and fun writing project / activity. Use Laura Numeroff's 10-Step Guide to Living with Your Monster as a mentor text from which you'll help your child write her own … [Read more...]
Beautiful Book of Writing Prompts
Image and Imagination: Ideas and Inspiration for Teen Writers by Nick Healy and Kristen McCurry captivated me from first glance. The book is filled with gorgeous photographs, beautiful design, and interesting writing prompts. What's more, I think it can be used for writers of all ages, not just teens. Beautiful Book of Writing Prompts The authors (and the title) suggest this book is only for … [Read more...]
Writing Contests for Kids (and Other Ways To Get Published)
I've been searching for writing contests for kids for my daughter and her friend. Many kids, like mine, want to write for an audience; they'd love to be published. This round-up of opportunities might just help give young writers their first chance. Let me also suggest that you temper your kids enthusiasm with a bit of reality. It's a tricky thing because you don't want to be a killjoy but you … [Read more...]
Gifts for Young Writers
It's always a challenge to get kids to write at home, isn't it? Special writing materials and inspiration help. Peruse through this list of gifts for young writers to see if our kids would like any of these ideas -- maybe you'll get your kids to write more than you even imagined! Gifts for Young Writers Rainbow Notepads MudPuppy Elephant and Peacock Perfect for the youngest of writers, this … [Read more...]
Write a Novel in November! NaNoWriMo Kids
Yesterday I sat in on my daughter's 5th grade lunch writing club while her teacher explained NaNoWriMo -- National Novel Writing Month -- for kids! The kids can't wait to start writing. Because every day of November, they'll be writing toward an amazing goal: a novel! Write a Novel in November! NaNoWriMo Kids Homeschool parents, this could be your writing curriculum for November. Don't you … [Read more...]
Geography and History YouTube Channels for Elementary
Recently, I shared the best STEM / STEAM YouTube channels. Now let's look at the best geography and history YouTube channels for elementary kids, ages 5 - 11. Geography YouTube Channels Global Wonders DVD Series This channel only has a few movies but it's worth mentioning since you can buy the DVDs if you enjoy the content. Are We There Yet? National Geographic This channels is as good … [Read more...]
Celebrate the National Day on Writing With Author Kate Messner
If you're an elementary teacher or English language arts & literacy teacher of grades 3–5, you'll want to know about this amazing literacy opportunity for your classroom! Do your students know that published authors go through the same writing process as student writers? (brainstorming, researching, planning, drafting and editing . . . ) Celebrate the National Day on Writing With … [Read more...]
New Patricia Polacco Book! Miss Keller and the Thesaurus
If you've been a fan of Patricia Polacco like me, you'll know that she loves to share the stories of marvelous teachers, many of which were her own growing up. Her newest book, An A from Miss Keller, is a story about the teacher who transformed Patricia into a writer. It's a beautiful, bittersweet story that you can use at home and in the classroom to teach about friendship and writing. New … [Read more...]
Writing Workbooks for Kids
How are your kids doing this summer with writing? If you want to sneak in a little writing each day, try the Education.com writing workbooks. We haven't tried these, my kids are doing other writing activities (see this list of ideas for writing) but if your kids enjoy prompts and workbooks, you might consider these options. The workbooks are written by teachers and only $7.99 each. Each is … [Read more...]
Summer Writing Ideas for Kids
If you've downloaded my free Summer Brain Camp printables, you'll see the page of choices for summer writing ideas. Today I want to make sure you have the links for these fun summer writing activities. Hopefully, these ideas will motivate your kids to write this summer --or anytime. For me, writing has been a gift. It's a way to express my feelings, and more importantly, it's a way for me to … [Read more...]
Summer Printable for Kids
Download this amazing free summer learning printable for kids that will guide them in reading, writing, and math learning. (And prevent the summer slide & summer learning loss!) Summer Printable for Kids Stick the printables into a 3-ring binder or just staple the packet. (I like the binder because then I can add math worksheets and handwriting worksheets.) I added colorful dividers that I … [Read more...]