Fun Activities for Teaching Kids Writing

Allow children to tap into their creativity with writing activities that are relevant to their lives and interests.

Writing teaches children to think critically, tap into their creativity and work independently. When presenting writing lessons to children, it's important to make the activities fun and engaging while reinforcing the skills necessary for children to become proficient writers. Allowing children to choose their own topics when writing will increase their interest in the subject and make the job of teaching writing a bit easier.

Idea Machine

One of the hardest parts of writing is coming up with an initial idea. Create a die using a cardboard box wrapped in butcher paper. On each side of the die, write a different first sentence. Have children write a short story using the first sentence rolled on the die. For older children as an extension activity, create a second die listing a fiction genre such as mystery, thriller or adventure story. Have the class use both the first sentence die and the genre die when creating their paragraphs. Then have children read their paragraphs aloud.

Change the Ending

Read a familiar story to your class, such as "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." Do not finish the story; instead, encourage children to dream up an alternate ending. Give children a time limit to finish this assignment, such as 20 minutes, before they take turns reading their endings aloud. As an extension activity, allow children to illustrate their alternate endings.

Persuasive Writing

Have children dream up an idea for a new product. Assign the class a five-paragraph essay to outline their product, its uses and benefits, and its cost. Tell children to write persuasively, as if they were trying to convince an audience to purchase their new product. As an extension activity, allow the children to use recyclable materials to create their new product. Videotape 30-second commercials, written by the children, for each product created. This project can be collaborative or independent.

Guided Journal Writing

To encourage daily writing, assign journal writing activities to your class every day. Allow time each day in class for children to write in their journals. Post a question or scenario each day to which children can respond, or allow children to write freely if they have an idea of their own. Open-ended questions that can guide journal writing include: What three things would you take to a deserted island and why? What do you want to do for a career as an adult? What do you think would happen if we lived on the moon? Write a dialogue between a frog and a fly.

References

• Teach Kids How: Teach Your Child to Write