Let’s talk tips about writing skills! Did you know this is the biggest concern amongst parents who homeschool? Here are some tips to help!

#1: Make it routine.

With anything we want to work on, routine is ever so important. The term “use it or lose it” is a real thing! So make writing a part of your routine. So no matter where they are in skill level, if they are over the age of 7, make writing a part of your daily doings. At our house we make a daily checklist and the kids write out what they’d like to accomplish every day. I also have them create shopping lists, write a small note for our gratitude jar and sometimes they write out prayers when they feel the urge.

#2: Encourage reading often. This is directly related to writing, even though it may not seem like it. Reading what interests them will help build their vocabulary, learn sentence structure and grammar rules. I can get you the hook up on books, but also consider places like the library or find a lending library near you. Here is a map to search, but remember to ask your neighbors too- they might know someone who didn’t register on this site: https://littlefreelibrary.org/map/

#3: Use a journal that they find fun and interesting.

Using a journal they find fun, engaging and interesting is key! Even if they make it themselves! A journal that they want to use will keep them coming back every day. The book feature of this week “My Year in Nature“ is a fantastic pick! But there are others in the series and PLENTY to find online. My kids enjoy making them on canva.com and then printing them a month at a time. After the month is up, they are ready to change it up and make a new one. This covers technology, art and writing skills! WIN WIN WIN.

#4: Sign them up to have a pen pal- OR write notes to a friend or parent.

In my house we have those journals that are used between parents: GIRLS: https://amzn.to/3xH6YDD

BOYS: https://amzn.to/3vZK3D6

I LOVE having these with my kids! It’s a great way to learn about each other and build a relationship on trust and understanding. Once they are full, we buy another journal. My kids look forward to seeing them on their nightstands after I fill out my part and I’m just as eager to see the journal on my nightstand!

If you are looking more for a penpal outside of your circle, here is a site that may be helpful to find someone suitable: https://mightykidsacademy.com/the-best-places-to-find-a…/

PLEASE MAKE SURE IF YOU ARE DOING THIS, YOU KEEP THEIR SAFETY AT THE FOREFRONT AND CHECK EVERY LETTER IN AND OUT.

#5: Let them draw, color, paint, do mazes, word searches etc.

I’m sure there are kids out there that don’t like art, but I’m willing to bet that majority of kids just want to use their time creating, doing mazes, making games, drawing, painting etc. This is an easy way to get your kids holding a pen/pencil/paint brush… It’s like I say “A book is a book and reading is reading. The source doesn’t matter as long at it’s age appropriate.” This goes the same way. When my kids were little they couldn’t wait to hold crayons and scribble. Now that they are older, painting with paint markers, making jewelry and writing notes is their favorite. Anything to get that grip strengthened, their fine motor skills working and creativity sparked is fair game! We have a lot of fun options at PaperPie and I know of plenty of others, too! – If you’d like recommendations, please reach out! I love helping you on this journey!

What other tips do you have to share? Let’s help each other out!

Talk Soon,
L