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 writing contests for kids and opportunities might just help give young writers their first chance at publication. Let me also suggest that you […]
Continue ReadingWriting
Punctuation Hunt Learning Activity for Kids
written by Terri of Creative Family Fun Need a fun, learning punctuation activity for your kids? Punctuation is a very important part of writing. And for some kids, it can be a bit hard to master. Sure, a period goes at the end of a sentence, but those commas can be tricky. I wanted my beginning […]
Continue ReadingFree Printable Christmas Mad Libs
Do you love fun and silly family activities? My kids were cracking up last week as I reminisced about the footy pajamas I got every year for Christmas . . . with butt flaps. Remember those? (Super classy!) That’s why I decided to include the jammies idea in a Christmas mad libs type letter. It’s a free printable and should be […]
Continue ReadingInteractive Notetaking 101: Benefits, How-To, and Materials
Disclosure: This post has been sponsored by FIVE STAR® School Supplies. All thoughts and opinions are my own. While many students may prefer technology, the research shows that handwritten notetaking is better for synthesis and retention. Which is why I LOVE interactive notetaking for this reason and the depth of learning it encourages. Learn more about […]
Continue ReadingThe Best Picture Books About Writing a Story (For Writing Workshop)
Teachers and parents, use these picture books as mentor texts to model the process of writing a story. Some of these books show how writers get ideas. Others show the challenges of plotting and drafting the words in a story. All are about a part of the process of storytelling and make for […]
Continue ReadingWrite 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 […]
Continue ReadingSpark Creative Writing with Storybird
Storybird provides artwork and templates for children to write picture books, longform books, and poetry. It’s a cool community site with lots of opportunities to spark creative writing. Teachers can use the site with students. Or parents and children can use it on their own at home. Spark Creative Writing with Storybird Click on CREATE to get started. […]
Continue ReadingJournal Prompts for Kids
Kids sometimes need journal prompts to get started writing. Not all kids do. And not all kids need a prompt every time they write. It’s important to be flexible. However, your child is struggling with what to write, try a prompt or a book like Journal Sparks. You can always, always, always suggest that your child write about […]
Continue Reading