New Novel Studies for Kids & Teens Learn More
Your student has finished a novel. Now what? It’s time to put all that awesome reading to work and dig a little deeper; that’s what! There are many, many ways to explore the themes and characters in a book post-reading. What’s important with a post-reading activity is not to squelch the interest the book brought […]
When it comes to writing, imagery is an important literary device for kids to understand and use. Imagery brings a writer’s ideas to life. It helps them paint a picture with words. I love helping young writers create imagery and watch their writing bloom. They see the difference a good descriptive word adds and are […]
Winter, the season of chilly winds and snowstorms. The season of icicles, sleds, snow people, and my personal favorite, the invitation to stay inside, sit by a fire, get cozy, and write! (Looking to dive right in- below, you’ll find my favorite winter writing prompts.) For some, like my daughter, winter brings pure delight. For […]
It’s storytime. If you’re just looking for Blogging Tips and Tricks, scroll down. I started blogging in 2009. My oldest was three, I was teaching full-time, and documenting my journey as a mom was a respite from Thomas the train and grading. Twenty minutes here or there, I’d post a picture and sweet anecdote about […]
Creative writing is one of the best ways to help students learn and like to write. This creative writing class will not only help build skills but will also build your child’s confidence. Raise your hand if you have a child who loves to write!! Raise your hand if you have one who would rather […]
Play is one of the best ways to teach and encourage writing. It takes away the pressure and fear writing can sometimes offer. Games and creative writing activities encourage kids to experiment with language, storytelling, organization, and ideas. Through play, writers learn spelling, vocabulary, how to create imagery, develop a plot, and even revise. Play […]
For a kid who loves writing, a new pen and a notebook, the possibilities of a blank page might be all they need for inspiration. For other writers (reluctant, new, or feeling stuck), those same tools can feel overwhelming, and no matter the writing prompts or encouragement, the page is going to remain blank. Thankfully, […]
Every year I wrap up books and journals and fill stockings with fun pens and pencils. This year will be no exception. I’m on the lookout for fun ways to encourage reading and writing. Below are some of the best writing-related gifts I’ve found to help grow young writers. Gifts to Encourage Writing “If you […]
Every semester I lead writing workshops for adults and children, and we often begin by setting intentions for our writing practice. No matter how much we love to write, we have to check in with ourselves to make sure we’re actually writing. Life can get busy, and it’s easy to forget or neglect the things we […]
Do you remember learning how to spell? I have vague memories of spelling lists and spelling bees. We’d line up against the chalkboard and, one by one, find our way back to our seats. I was usually the first in the class to sit down. Like math, I believed you were either good at spelling […]
Are you a listmaker? My daughter and I love lists. Like really love them. I don’t know about her, but for me, the act of making a list grounds me. All the items, bulleted or numbered, and organized in rows gives me direction. I don’t have to remember it all. My seven year old recently […]
Writing, especially revision can be tricky. Maybe we’re pressed for time, or we’ve looked at a document so much our brain sees what we want to write instead of what we’ve written. Maybe we’re not sure where a comma or a semicolon should go, or we are learning how to write. Regardless, grammar and mechanics matter […]
At the beginning of each school year, my students, homeschooler, and I create a Writing Territories List.* I want them to begin the year by setting intentions for themselves, not as students, but as writers. I always create a Writing Territories list with them. I use my list to offer ideas and to share pieces […]
What mother doesn’t love a poem from a child they love. I’d take one any day. Don’t get me wrong, pasta necklaces, coupon books, and playdough projects are sweet, but a poem is something to keep forever. There are all sorts of ways to create a Mother’s Day poem.  Below you’ll find prompts for kids of […]
