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    • comprehension
      • activating schema
      • connecting
      • inferring
      • predicting
      • questioning
      • retelling / summarizing
      • visualizing
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    • environmental print
    • fluency
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    • spelling
    • word building
    • word consciousness
    • vocabulary
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    • creative writing
    • grammar
    • informative writing
    • tripod grip
  • math
    • computation
    • counting
    • numbers
  • science
    • animals
    • plants
    • science experiments for kids
  • Activities
    • birthdays
    • cooking
      • new for us foods
    • crafts
    • foundations
      • colors
      • critical thinking
      • fine arts
      • listening
      • pretend play
      • sorting
      • speaking
    • holidays
      • new year’s
      • valentine’s day
      • president’s day
      • st. patrick’s day
      • april fool’s day
      • easter
      • mother’s day
      • teacher appreciation
      • father’s day
      • july 4th
      • halloween
      • thanksgiving
      • christmas
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7 ways to get kids writing (and cool writing prompts for kids!)

home / Best Of Teach Mama / 7 ways to get kids writing (and cool writing prompts for kids!)
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Friends.

It’s summer, and if your kids are anything like mine, they want to be outside and they want to be at the pool.

get kids writing teachmama.com

Or, okay. ย They want to be on their iPads playing Minecraft or the computer playing Animal Jam.

So writing–actually putting the ole pencil to the paper–is far down on their list of fun things to do while school’s out.

But I’ve got a few ideas for you to get our kids writing again. A few fun, totally cool, ways.

Honestly, the kids and their neighbor buddies helped me put this list together. So it has to work, right?

The cool thing is that beyond this list of seven ways to get kids writing you can always pull out the cool writing topic cards. Print them out. Let your kids pick one, two, or a few, and give ’em a few new pens.

You may be surprised at what happens.

Here’s the skinny. . .

7 Ways to Get Kids Writing (and Cool Writing Prompts for Kids):

In no particular order. . .

get kids writing | name | teachmama.com

It amazes me what happens when you ask kids to write their names.

They love it.

They really, truly do.

And sure, it’s not high-level thinking or super creative writing; rather, it’s just writing. Just plain writing.

Leave a bunch of writing tools on the table with a pile of blank paper, and ask kids to:

  • write their first name
  • write their full name–first, middle, last
  • write their nickname
  • write their dream name (this will surely result in giggles. . . tell them that as an example yours is ‘Queen Mom’)

*******************************

 

get kids writing | list | teachmama.com

Kids love to make lists.

If you’re working on something in the kitchen, ask your child to write a quick grocery list for you as you dictate items. Tell them that spelling does not matter and to give each word their best guess.

Or get children into the habit of writing a ‘to-do’ list at the beginning of each day or every Sunday.

It’s good to have a plan.

And kids writing their plans, checking items off as completed, and keeping everything together in one notebook is a great way of chronicling progress!

get kids to write | teachmama.com

get kids to write | teachmama.com

 

*******************************

get kids writing | journal | teachmama.com

Often journaling is best done when modeled.

The children I know who regularly journal have parents who also do a lot of journal writing.

That’s not to say that everyone has to go out and start spending hours a day writing in a journal, but perhaps your family could either begin each day with a journal entry or wind down each day by writing for a few minutes.

get kids to write | teachmama.com

Consider getting your kids into journal writing by:

  • starting a Family Journal, where everyone adds one sentence about his or her day
  • leaving a journal on the counter and using it as a way to communicate
  • giving everyone a topic at the beginning of the week, and each person takes one day to reflect upon it
  • using a journal to stay in touch with long-distance family or friends.

The possibilities are endless. Just know that there’s something really cool about keeping a ‘family record’ of sorts this way.

 

*******************************

get kids writing | letter | teachmama.com

There is honestly nothing like getting an old-fashioned letter in the mail.

And no child can deny this!

Give everyone the challenge of writing one letter each week for 52 weeks. Can you imagine how much fun that could be?

Or if that’s too much, sit down together and write one letter–one teeny, tiny letter–to a family member.

The connections are invaluable.

get kids to write | teachmama.com

 

*******************************

get kids writing | free | teachmama.com

I have always found that if kids have the correct writing utensils, they’re more inclined to write.

Really. When I was in the classroom, I kept jars of fun pens and pencils on my shelves, window sills, and desk–and they were all free for kids to use each day.

Kids had favorites, and they’d come right in, grab one, and get down to business. Then they’d return them at the end of class.

Studentsย wrote. They completed their work. They were ready to learn.

And the more kidsย write, the better their ideas flow.

 

Seriously. Leave out a bunch of cool pens and pencils, some tablets, and notebooks. And see what happens.

You may be surprised.

*******************************

get kids writing | recipa | teachmama.com

Sure, kids can follow a recipe by following directly from a cookbook, but how about adding in one small step?

Have them write their shopping list–the ingredients needed to create their dish–and then write down the directions?

Children are less likely to miss a step in the cooking process when they recopy the recipe, and they’re also getting some much-needed writing practice.

Try it!

 

get kids to write | teachmama.com

 

*******************************

 

get kids writing | creative | teachmama.com

 

Sometimes all kids need is a little bit of a push to get their creative ideas flowing.ย 

You can give them that push with these Cool Daily Writing Prompts for Smart & Creative Kids.

We’ve come up with 14 pages of four cards each–so a total of 56 cool writing prompts that are bound to get your kids writing.

Topics that give them a chance to stretch their brains, think about steps, consequences, and favorites, and get their pens or pencils on the paper.

Use these cards by:

  • printing out all of the cards and leting ’em at the topics
  • picking oneย card each day
  • having kids choose a card for another person, then sharing stories
  • encouraging kids to keep a continued notebook of their journal responses and ideas
  • giving kids a chance to write, edit, revise, and then share their writing with friends or family.

 

get kids to write | teachmama.com

 

You can download theย Cool Daily Writing Prompts for Smart & Creative Kids here:

Please, if you share this post–and we hope you do!–link to this post instead of the card attachment page! Thank you!

*******************************

Did you know that the more kids write, the better readers they become? That writing boosts confidence and sparks creativity?ย 

It does.

Handwriting also:

  • improves cognitive development
  • builds self-confidence
  • betters school performance
  • helps reading skills
  • sparks creativity
  • sharpens critical thinking skills

 

Check out these other fab posts about getting kids writing:

  • at-home writing center
  • authentic writing: power notes to nana
  • 1-hand summary
  • teach left-handed kids to write
  • stop, observe, and write!
  • everyday journal writing — and tons of topics!
  • hello, teacher! notes
  • FUN ways to learn spelling words

 

Cheers, and happy reading during this incredibly exciting journey!

A few more literacy-related posts worth reading. . . (click on image to read!)
what to say when kids make reading mistakes teachmama.com.png
5 things to never say to emerging reader
literacy terms every parent must know
talk to kids about books
how to help kids choose just right books
Want a little more help with all things literacy? ย 
Follow amy mascott @teachmama’s board literacy on Pinterest.

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About amy mascott

teacher, mother, dreamer. lover of literacy, fun learning, good food, and three crazy-cool kids. finder of four-leaf clovers | dc metro ยท http://about.me/amymascott
tweet with me: @teachmama

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This one right here was ours from last year, and we โค๏ธ LOVED it!

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Good-bye to the ole, crappy, tinfoil chocolates. Weโ€™re taking fun, new, and different candies each day of the month!

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I showed how I was doing with the LEGO Flower Bouquet (๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒบ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŒผ) and how many other awesome sets are 15% off and FREE SHIPPING (yayyyyy!!) over on @zulily ๐Ÿ’œ. 

Check it out. Theyโ€™ve got a ton of sets to choose from, like 
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๐Ÿ’œ toys

๐Ÿค books or magazines 

๐Ÿ’œ pantry items, snacks, & treats

๐Ÿค haircare or cosmetics 

๐Ÿ’œ pet toys, treats, or accessories 

๐Ÿค personalized gifts

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๐Ÿ’œ just about anything you can imagine!

Follow my stories for the deals and steals for families and educators, or check the Zulily Highlight!

Especially nowโ€”as we move into the exciting holiday seasonโ€”I will more frequently share items, and they will MOVE QUICKLY! 

So make sure you are checking in regularly, and pleaseโ€”if you are looking for specific items and a specific price point, let me know! 

I am happy to do some research to help you out!

๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’œ

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Want to check it out for yourself? zulily.gfpv.net/teachmama
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is only $34.99 on Zulily WITH an extra 15% off!

Stock upโ€”think: teachers, daycare providers, classrooms!
AND birthdays, holidays or rainy days!

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From a tween I know and love: The *click* of the magnetic blocks is so satisfying, and honestly, theyโ€™re just really fun and relaxing to use. 

๐ŸŸฆ๐ŸŸช๐ŸŸง๐ŸŸฉ

hereโ€™s the link that will get you AN ADDITIONAL 15% off โ€”> zulily.gfpv.net/JrDdbE

And remember: FREE SHIPPING ON orders of $89+

#ad #linkinbio #besttoysforkids #dealoftheday

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THE perfect gift for the tweens and teens in your life: zulily.gfpv.net/gb2NAA

@zulily #ad #giftsfortweens #giftsforteens
View
Open
Celebrate, we will! โ€˜Cause life is short but sweet for certain. . . 

What a weekend. So incredibly proud of all of these talented athletes!

๐Ÿ† 3rd in the state of Maryland for @sherwoodcheerleading ๐Ÿ’™๐Ÿค

UMD Womenโ€™s Basketball won todayโ€” great job by @marylandcheer โค๏ธ๐Ÿ’›๐Ÿ–ค

#lovethesegirls #cheerweekend #marylandlife #lifeinmaryland #moco
View
Open
This Sugarfina Advent Calendar is what your teens want. 

$33 shipped TO YOUR DOOR w my 10% off and FREE SHIPPING!

Normally itโ€™s $60! 

I have been sharing my fave, super-COOL, Advent Calendars for teens and adults in my stories today!

This one right here was ours from last year, and we โค๏ธ LOVED it!

It is made by @sugarfina and each day we were surprised with FABULOUS sweet treats! 

Good-bye to the ole, crappy, tinfoil chocolates. Weโ€™re taking fun, new, and different candies each day of the month!

Grab it here: zulily.gfpv.net/MX9Ngn

#linkinbio @zulily #adventcalendars #adventforteens
View
Open
Hey #MoCo Voters, Itโ€™s #ElectionDay2022! 

Do you need a ride to the polls? If you do, @VOTE411 and @lyft has got you covered! 

So, #NoExcuses. Get out there and make your voice heard!

#VotePlan #VoteReady #expectus #MomsDemandAction #appleballot #MCEA
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Get out and VOTE. 

Please. 

Not sure where to vote? https://www.vote.org/polling-place-locator/

#midtermelections #getoutandvote๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ #linkinbio
View
Open
Did you have a chance to join my IG live today?

It was a rainy, gross Sunday here in Maryland, and I shared one of my top picks for the holidaysโ€”> LEGO but for BIG KIDS. 

Or GRANDPARENTS. 

Or PARENTS. 

Actually ANY grown-up who likes to unplug once in a while and CREATE. 

I showed how I was doing with the LEGO Flower Bouquet (๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒบ๐Ÿ’๐ŸŒผ) and how many other awesome sets are 15% off and FREE SHIPPING (yayyyyy!!) over on @zulily ๐Ÿ’œ. 

Check it out. Theyโ€™ve got a ton of sets to choose from, like 
Marvel, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Friends, Disney, Mario Brosโ€”you name it. 

Find them here: https://zulily.gfpv.net/jWqkmn

Fab prices + free shipping = BIG WIN. 

#linkinbio #ad #LEGOforgrownups #everyonelovesLEGO #holidaypicks
View
Open
LEGO at 15% off and FREE SHIPPING! 

Check out the AWESOME set that is PERFECT for teens, grandparents, and ANY grownup who likes to create! 

This bouquet will last forever!

๐ŸŒผ๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒบ๐Ÿ’

Use this link โ€”> zulily.gfpv.net/jWqkmn

#bestgiftsforkids #grandparentgifts #ad #LEGOforgrownups @zulily
View
Open
WHAT HAS ARRIVED FROM @zulily !?

Since Zulily carries such a vast array of items, it could be ANYthing: 

๐Ÿ’œ boutique-style clothes or shoes

๐Ÿค brand-name clothing & shoes

๐Ÿ’œ toys

๐Ÿค books or magazines 

๐Ÿ’œ pantry items, snacks, & treats

๐Ÿค haircare or cosmetics 

๐Ÿ’œ pet toys, treats, or accessories 

๐Ÿค personalized gifts

๐Ÿ’œ houseplants, seeds, or bulbs

๐Ÿค basics for kids through adults

๐Ÿ’œ craft supplies and kits

๐Ÿค furniture or home goods

๐Ÿ’œ designer handbags, sunglasses, or belts

๐Ÿค luxury items and gifts

๐Ÿ’œ sports equipment 

๐Ÿค sports gear for ALL fansโ€”NFL, MLB, NCAA, you name it

๐Ÿ’œ small appliances & kitchen items

๐Ÿค towels, sheets, blankets, linens

๐Ÿ’œ home storage & organization items

๐Ÿค coats, hats, scarves 

๐Ÿ’œ just about anything you can imagine!

Follow my stories for the deals and steals for families and educators, or check the Zulily Highlight!

Especially nowโ€”as we move into the exciting holiday seasonโ€”I will more frequently share items, and they will MOVE QUICKLY! 

So make sure you are checking in regularly, and pleaseโ€”if you are looking for specific items and a specific price point, let me know! 

I am happy to do some research to help you out!

๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’œ๐Ÿค๐Ÿ’œ

#zulilypartner #linkinbio #ad #holiday #giftgiving bestgifts

Want to check it out for yourself? zulily.gfpv.net/teachmama
View
Open
๐ŸŸฆ๐ŸŸฅ๐ŸŸฉ๐ŸŸจ

THE best toy for kidsโ€”and classrooms!โ€”is on sale right now. 

The 101-piece PicassoTile Building Set (WITH CARRYING CASE!)
is only $34.99 on Zulily WITH an extra 15% off!

Stock upโ€”think: teachers, daycare providers, classrooms!
AND birthdays, holidays or rainy days!

This is a toy that I cannot recommend highly enoughโ€”perfect for littles through elemor middle school. 

From a tween I know and love: The *click* of the magnetic blocks is so satisfying, and honestly, theyโ€™re just really fun and relaxing to use. 

๐ŸŸฆ๐ŸŸช๐ŸŸง๐ŸŸฉ

hereโ€™s the link that will get you AN ADDITIONAL 15% off โ€”> zulily.gfpv.net/JrDdbE

And remember: FREE SHIPPING ON orders of $89+

#ad #linkinbio #besttoysforkids #dealoftheday

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