You know that expression about not being able to write one's way out of a paper bag? I don't want it to apply to my children. But, who does? Every school will tell you it's important to keep kids writing over the summer, but depending on your children, that might be easier said than done.
Writing, at least for my kids, seems to be something they'll do happily enough if they have something they really want to say about a topic or story idea that floats their boats. Boring assignments, however, sink boats, turn you into a nagger, and just make everyone miserable. Fortunately, there are resources we can all turn to when the best topics we can give our kids is, "What I Did on My Summer Vacation," and "Why I Love Having a Sister."
To encourage your passionate writer, or get your reluctant writer to write something...anything this summer, try steering the kiddies to the following resources:
http://www.kidsonthenet.org.uk/ This site gives kids plenty of tips on writing, a place to share their work and read the work of others.
http://www.brucevanpatter.com/ Bruce Van Patter has a way with words, drawing, and kids! The author and artist visits schools with fun programs that get kids to use their imagination. He appeared at my kids' school this past year and they came home talking about it more than any other school program. Van Patter's site has amazing activities and jumping off points for creating stories and teasing the imagination.
Unjournaling: Daily Writing Exercises that are NOT personal, NOT Introspective, and NOT Boring (by Dawn DiPrince and Cheryl Miller Thurston) has truly wild writing opportunities that will tickle kids rather than make them roll their eyes. (See link below)
One of my kids is a really enthusiastic writer. Trouble is, her handwriting makes it impossible to read her prolific fiction. Tomorrow morning, she's getting treated to Handwriting for Kids (http://www.handwritingforkids.com/) where I can actually custom-design handwriting worksheets with any words I want and print them. My idea is to get her interested by using fun, familiar words like her dolls' names, family members' names and wacky sentences.
