Here's some ways you can keep your kids writing skills sharp this summer:
- Get them into journaling. Let them pick out or decorate a blank notebook. Perhaps set aside some time each work where each member of the family writes in their own journal. Be an example for your kids on this one!
- Have your kids make grocery lists, packing lists or to-do lists.
- Encourage young ones to write their names or perhaps make labels for household items.
- Write letters to family members. Perhaps every few weeks your kids could prepare a newsletter of sorts detailing things you've done over the summer. Email and blogs are great, but wouldn't grandma love a handwritten note from her grandchild?
- Scrapbooking is a great way to encourage writing. Either you or child can crate pages and then let them add the writing from their own perspective.
- Leave notes hidden around the house for your kids and encourage them to do the same.
Earlier this month, I posted ideas for keeping your kids math and reading skills sharp this summer. What are your ideas? Come on over to the forums and share!
photo by orbitgal via flickr
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Princess (7) just finished 1st grade and I really wanted to keep her writing skills up/help her improve this summer. I read a lot of advice that suggested journaling etc. But she didn't seem very interested, and I didn't think I could get her to continue all summer without a fight.
Journaling seemed so static-you write and that's it. Then I came up with a brilliant idea. I set her up her own private blog (invitation only) and then let her post her journal online. We sent invites to the blog to family and close friends (I also sent them an email telling them what it was all about). I figured that having people she knew and loved commenting on her posts would provide good positive feedback, which would then encourage her to continue.
Boy oh boy was I right! She has spent HOURS writing her little 2 and 3 sentence posts-and she is so totally thrilled when grandma or an aunt comments. It's the first thing she wants to do every morning now!
Great ideas! My son will read for hours, but getting him to write is a real chore.