For many learners, writing is their least favorite subject. Today, I’m sharing 25 of my favorite ways to make writing fun {yes, and even a little handwriting fun is mixed in, too}.
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25 Ways to Make Writing FUN!
1- Read rich literature of all genres to your child. Talk about how the author used this “fancy” word instead of a “boring” word. Point out the climax of the story and how the author resolved the problem. Help your child see that they can piggyback on or use these ideas in their own writing.
2- Give them the freedom to just write/draw without over-correcting spellings, letter formation, etc. There will be times when these things are important and need to be corrected, but sometimes kids just need a “judgment-free” zone.
3- Let them write about things that interest them. So what if he just wrote his 5th book on playing soccer? At least he’s writing! If his written works all start sounding the same, suggest that he write about the rules of soccer, how his team won their last game, or even a soccer poem.
4- Provide resources, such as a sight word folder, a book you’ve just read together, labels around your house, sight word cards, or a kids’ spelling dictionary. You can find TONS of fun and hands-on spelling ideas and resources right here on my blog!
5- Write for authentic purposes (letters, thank you cards, pen pals, a grocery list, etc.). And while they’re writing those letters, it’s the perfect time to teach them the conventions.
6- Allow them to use invented spelling in a developmentally appropriate way. {The key to this is to hold them accountable for what they know.}
7- Not every misspelling or incorrect convention has to become a “teachable moment” or mini lesson. Sometimes kids just want someone to encourage their creativity, not nit-pick their every mistake. Ouch.
8- Treat them as a “real” author by putting the books they’ve written on the bookshelf to be read, right along with all your other books. One of the goals of Preschool & Kindergarten Writing Lessons as well as Simple Writing Lessons for Primary Grades was to give you practical lessons for teaching writing in this manner.
The Measured Mom’s Writing Workshop Pack is also a fantastic resource for the classroom OR at home!
If you’re looking for a full-blown writing curriculum that teaches writing this way, check out WriteShop!
9- Give them an audience for their writing. Find ways for them to share what they’ve written. Often times writers are frustrated because they do not have someone to write TO. Kids need an audience. A reader. Someone who will respond to their creation, ask questions, or comment. Give them feedback.
That audience or reader can make writing more authentic and much more meaningful to young writers. This is why I think letters to others are a great tool. There’s a built-in audience just by nature of writing a letter.
10- Don’t overuse it! Kids don’t need to write a summary, fill out a worksheet, or answer questions in a Reading Response Journal every time they’ve read a text. These things are good things in moderation, but sometimes a simple discussion between the two of you will suffice. This is true for every child, but especially struggling readers.
11- Organize your home for writing or provide some fun writing manipulatives {see the list of fun writing tools below}
12- Create a writer’s toolbox for your child. This makes for a GREAT birthday present!
13- Provide writing prompts {with limits}. I’m not a huge advocate of writing prompts, but I think creative writing prompts can spark an idea sometimes. If you’re looking for some creative prompts for K-2nd grades, I have some for every month of the year.
Make Writing Fun with Writing Tools
These are some of our tried and true writing tools. We have had most of these in our home for 10+ years and they’re still going strong!
By the way, all of these make GREAT gifts for kids!
14- Magna Doodle is mess free and the “pen” can’t get lost! Woohoo! We also have a portable Magna Doodle that’s a better size for the car.
16- Aqua Doodle {mess free}
17- Crayola Wonder {mess free}
18- Crayola Explosion {mess free}
19- art easel – grab some chalk and write away
20- bathtub crayons
21- Crayola makes awesome markers and crayons for glass surfaces {we’ve used ours on the windows in the house as well as mirrors}.
22- dry erase boards and markers– you can buy some or make your own with shower boards {found at your local hardware store}, Crayola makes washable dry erase markers
23- highlighters– kids of all ages {even 5th graders} like to use highlighters!
24- Work mazes and puzzles. We took our Puzzle Buzz Magazine, pulled them apart, and made a puzzle/maze book that young kiddos have enjoyed over and over again. Just slip the pages into plastic sleeve protectors, place in a notebook, and use dry erase marker. So easy!
25- Use a simple writing “desk”. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE our collapsible lap desks. Each of my kiddos has one. They are sturdy, have storage inside, and fold up to store easily. Plus we can take writing anywhere because it travels well!
What are some of your favorite ways to make writing fun? Share your ideas in the comments!
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Enjoy writing!
~Becky
*First image from Adobe Stock.
*Font by KG Fonts.
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