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Tina Robertson

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

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Summer handwriting worksheets are perfect to keep fine motor and other writing skills sharp throughout the summer break. Or, if you school year-round, it gives your child a fun change of pace for their handwriting practice. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips. 

To really embrace the summer theme, we are also creating a summer writing station.

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

And the beauty of it is that you can customize it for preschoolers all the way up to high school by personalizing it with challenging worksheets and inviting supplies.

Why would you want to make your child write through the summer?

There are plenty of reasons why you should, if not every day at least a couple times a week

BENEFITS OF SUMMER HANDWRITING WORKSHEETS PRACTICE

  • Strengthens hand and finger muscles.
  • Enhance dexterity and coordination.
  • Prevents summer learning loss.
  • Enhanced Cognitive Development.
  • Boosts memory and recall.
  • Improves focus and attention.
  • Preparation for the next academic year.
  • Makes the transition back to writing tasks smoother.
  • Encourages journaling and storytelling.
  • Provides an outlet for self-expression.
  • Build confidence in writing abilities.
  • Fosters a sense of accomplishment.

Also, look at more homeschool writing curriculum and tips.

MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

The best writing practice utilizes handwriting skills and creative writing, maybe even some grammar.

So, I have gathered up a little of each as they work hand in hand.

15 FREE SUMMER HANDWRITING WORKSHEETS

  1. Try Summer Writing Topics For Kids if you or they are at a loss for writing ideas and stop the stall.
  2. My Free Under the Sea Worksheets : Dive into the Ocean’s Wonders give your child practice with writing,drawing, and unscrambling.
  3. Tracing the Free Print Handwriting Worksheets for ABCs of Summer Fun daily is great practice, whether it’s on paper or you laminate them and use dry erase markers.
  4. What screams summer more than Ocean Themed Writing Prompts? A great way to get the creativity going.
  5. How about a free worksheet Summer Writing Challenge Calendar that gives an idea for each day.
  6. Summer Writing Activity
  7. Free Printable Summer Tracing Worksheets for Preschool
  8. Preschoolers can color and practice simple letter formation using Summer Alphabet Worksheets.
  9. For older children you will want to work on a skill like Cursive Summer Tracing Words Challenge.
  10. With just a little bit of writing the Summer Word Scramble is a great quick practice idea.
  11. Use these free Editable Writing Sheets for name practice, sight words, or any summer words you would like. If you have a vacation planned you can sneak in some words related to that.
  12. Free Printable Summer Theme Pre Writing Practice Tracing Paths for Toddlers & Preschoolers are for pre writers, great practice for developing fine motor skills and hand eye coordination.
  13. Easy and straightforward these Summer Months Coloring and Writing Pages familiarize younger children with summer months.
  14. A Summer Goals Printable Worksheet is good for elementary through high school.
  15. A blank Summer Bucket List that can be colored as well is a perfect blank slate for practicing writing while making summer plans.

Finally, look at how to make this fun summer themed writing station.

HOW TO MAKE A SUMMER HANDWRITING STATION

You will need:

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

First, begin by cutting out summer patterned scrapbook paper the size of your acrylic drawers and line them to create a fun backdrop for the season.

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

To add another layer of fun you can let your child decorate the drawers with themed stickers as well.

When the next season comes along you can simply apply a bit of heat with a hair dryer to loosen up the adhesive and remove them, swapping them out for new ones.

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

In one drawer place writing paper that is for whatever level your child is at, primary, wide, college-ruled, etc.

HOW TO MAKE A HANDWRITING STATION

You could also include some handwriting worksheets.

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

In the other drawer add some envelopes, postcards, stickers, post-it notes, pencil sharpener etc…

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

Finally, fill up the sand bucket with pencils, markers, and pens in fun colors and different sizes.

You can just pop this on top for an inviting summer themed writing station.

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

You can change out the stickers, use different types of paper, and include fun prompts like one of the worksheets listed above each week during the summer to keep it fresh.

Think about adding fun erasers, scented markers, and other items other than basic pens and pencils to make the writing station more inviting.

You might also occasionally include a treat or coupon for one like “go out for ice cream” once their handwriting practice is done.

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

Now that you have set  up a writing station that is summer themed your child can use it to write:

  • thank you notes for gifts received
  • postcards to friends and family
  • a short story
  • letters to pen pals
  • out favorite song lyrics
  • a summer menu for the week
  • a review of a book or movie

Then, use it to practice:

  • letters or numbers
  • their name and address
  • common sight words
  • short sentences

Finally, keep a summer journal, create a summer bucket list and write out each activity and creating a comic strip with captions give you a variety of activities.

Hands on Writing Activities | How to Make an On the Go Pencil Pouch

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This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Hands-on writing activities make an otherwise boring subject fun and interesting. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips. 

Also, I have an on-the-go pencil pouch idea as well as many others.

We live in a technology-soaked world and it definitely has its place.

Hands on Writing Activities | How to Make an On the Go Pencil Pouch

But the benefits to fun and engaging hands-on writing activities are many and I am not only going to share the whys but some fun how tos as well.

How much fun is it to get a handwritten letter or sign your name in cursive for the first time?

We want to develop these skills, so your child has the option later.

Our on the go pencil pouch that we are going to put together today is a great way to not only pass the time on short or long trips but encourage your child to practice their writing skills.

These can also be brought into restaurants, doctors, offices, and more to pass the time while you wait.

HANDWRITING TOOLS

Next, look at more handwriting tools.

10 Writing Tools For Kids

Using the right tools when teaching handwriting or composition is important. Add some of these to your writing day.

Slant Board for Writing Adjustable Tilted Writing Board Sloped Surface to Improve Handwriting Legibility

Metal clip and portable design: equipped with metal clips to fix book paper, convenient for writing and painting; The writing board surface and support frame can be separated, making it easy to carry and allowing you to learn or create anytime, anywhere.

Micron Fineliner Pens - Archival Black Ink Pens - Pens for Writing, Drawing, or Journaling

Precise archival pens create fade resistant, waterproof, bleed free marks for drawing, artwork, journaling, and more

LEGO Stationery Pen Pal - LEGO Black Gel Pen and Classic Minifgure

Some pens are more comfortable to hold and write with than others. This can make a big difference for reluctant writers who may be more likely to give up if their pen is uncomfortable.

One Page A Day Handwriting Practice Paper for Kids

Your child or student will love to practice and learn their English printed letters and numbers on this lined and traceable manuscript paper made for basic language, printing, teaching, and learning. Created for grades one, two, and three, manuscript writing, they’re perfect for the classroom or home use and simplify handwriting, teaching, and learning through a visual format and self-correction. Put your school-age child on the path to consistent and quick development of standard printing with daily participation and education in handwriting exercises. You’ll likely see fast improvement in just a few weeks. This method works! In no time at all, your child will move from beginner’s status to improving to excellence.

Graph Paper Notebook 1 Inch Squares:

Occupational therapists use it for promoting spatial use, line use, helping children develop consistent letter size, and slowing down.

Special Supplies Egg Pen-Pencil Grips for Kids and Adults Colorful

Grips can help to reduce stress and anxiety related to writing because they can make writing more comfortable and easier,which can lead to a more positive experience.

Pencil Holder Grip Posture Correction Training Writing Aid.

Ergonomic Design: Three-finger grip for correcting faulty pen grip.

Pen or Pencil Weights | Handwriting Aid for Children, Elderly, or Special Needs. Assists with Penmanship Issues Due to Autism, Tremors, Grip Strength or Fine Motor Skill Disability

Fix Handwriting Problems: Adding 1.5oz weights to your pen or pencil can assist with various handwriting issues. The weighted pencil can help control its direction and stabilize your handwriting.

LCD Writing Tablet with Stylus

A simple LCD Tablet is erasable and makes a great on the go practice tool while driving in the car, waiting at the doctor, or for dinner.

Desk Chalkboard Wood Sign Chalkboard Double-Sided Chalkboard with Wooden Base

I always keep a personal chalkboard for morning time, travel, and random practice times.

BENEFITS OF HANDS-ON WRITING ACTIVITIES

Improved fine motor skills- Writing by hand requires the use of small muscles in the hands and fingers, which helps to develop fine motor skills. These skills are important for many everyday tasks, such as buttoning clothes, tying shoes, and using tools.

Enhanced cognitive skills-Writing by hand helps to improve cognitive skills such as memory, attention, and problem-solving. This is because writing by hand requires the brain to process information in a different way than typing.

Increased creativity-Writing by hand can help to increase creativity,  it allows for more fluidity and expression than typing.

Reduced stress-Writing by hand can help to reduce stress because the act of writing is calming, meditative, and a tactile experience.

Improved focus- It can help to improve focus because it requires the brain to focus on the task at hand.

Also, look at more homeschool writing curriculum and tips.

MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

Hands on Writing Activities | How to Make an On the Go Pencil Pouch

10 EXCITING HANDS-ON WRITING ACTIVITIES

  1. Alphabet Letter Letter Formation cards are a great way to practice writing and letter recognition before they even touch a pencil.
  2. I think these Editable Name Coloring Pages | Student Names Activity | Printable Sheets are a fantastic way to develop fine motor skills in a unique way, and who doesn’t love to see their name featured?
  3. Start small with the Rainbow Pencil Control Exercises that help children develop writing legibility.
  4. Ancient Japan for Kids: Fun and Simple Handwriting Activity- Write out of the “norm”, rather than practicing your basic alphabet shake things up by having your child take their time to practice Japanese characters. This will still give them fine motor practice and will require even more concentration and patience while writing the more difficult characters by giving a fun twist.
  5. Tools like this Dashed Handwriting Lines Practice Roller Stamp can make handwriting fun and put kids in the driver’s seat by letting them create their own writing guidelines.
  6. Put together this simple Rainbow Salt Writing Tray before they even pick up a pencil to develop letter recognition and motor skills.
  7. While The Best Part of Me was designed for a classroom setting, it would lend itself wonderfully to a homeschool writing project as well.
  8. Young children working on prewriting skills will use the messy sticky Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing along with 11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers.
  9. Colorful and repetitive Rainbow Words are solid practice for fine motor skills but also spelling practice as well.
  10. Instead of popping a video up on the screen when traveling, put together an on the go writing kit for extra practice. Continue reading to find out what I would put in it and how to maximize its effectiveness.

ON THE GO WRITING POUCH

You will need:

  • Writing pouch
  • Pencils
  • Pencil sharpener
  • Fun pens
  • Erasers
  • Small notepad
  • Post it notes
  • 3×5 cards
Hands on Writing Activities | How to Make an On the Go Pencil Pouch

First, you need a fun writing pouch, I was able to find everything I needed at Dollar Tree to put it all together.

Hands on Writing Activities | How to Make an On the Go Pencil Pouch

Include a small lined notebook, be sure that it fits inside.

Hands on Writing Activities | How to Make an On the Go Pencil Pouch

Add pencils, fun colorful or scented pens, erasers, and of course a pencil sharpener.

Hands on Writing Activities | How to Make an On the Go Pencil Pouch

Now beyond those basics for a young child learning to write things like basic cvc words you can write them neatly on 3×5 cards for them to copy.

To increase your child’s familiarity with common words, develop vocabulary, and encourage handwriting practice, change up the words on these cards with every trip.

For older children, you can draw a picture at the top without writing the word so that they can recall it on their own and write it out.

A simple doctor visit? Pencil in doctor and nurse to help familiarize them with the words in writing. Headed to see Mount Rushmore? President, mountain, and South Dakota would be perfect. Disney? Mickey and pals of course.

Tuck your filled pencil pouch into the glove compartment or the back of the seat pocket so that it is ready to go.

Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities

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I have a free 30 printable writing prompts for simple writing activities. The free printable prompts are for grades prek to high school to give you ideas for all your children. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips. 

And one of the best ways to improve the writing process and foster creativity is through writing prompts.

Prompts take all the stress out of what you write about.

Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities

It allows writers of any level to focus on their creativity, their thoughts and personal expression.

Those reasons are the very ones we want to teach our children to write for.

Not to seek a grade, not to please other people with their topics but kids should write for their own intrinsic value.

And just what are writing prompts?

Writing prompts are short, thought-provoking statements or questions which spark creativity.

WRITING PROMPT BOOKS FOR KIDS

Next, look at these books to help spark ideas for your children.

5 Writing Prompt Books & Story Starters

Use these fun books and story starters to stir the imagination of your writer.

Story Starters: Helping Children Write Like They've Never Written Before

Karen Andreola's charming book is part of The Gentle Art of Learning series. It has all the right ingredients to inspire even the reluctant writer or the student who has experienced discouragement. Karen's JUMBO book of Story Starters encourage children to write in ways they have never written before. Karen's carefully-crafted story starter suspends a student in the middle of a predicament. He is then faced with the question; What happens next? This is his cue to expand and embellish the story however he wants. He learns to write freely; with imagination and zest - and with far more boldness than he may be accustomed to. The action-packed stories are especially appealing to boys. Thumb through the pages to choose whatever story or illustration catches your fancy. Karen has written a large selection to satisfy the varied interests of both boys and girls. To spark even more curiosity, each story is illustrated with one or more engaging, and often amazing, 19th century pictures. The settings are sometimes: intense, sometimes funny, sometimes sweetly domestic, but always pose a challenge. Here is your child s opportunity to: rescue those in danger, comfort the sick, cheer the lonely, laugh with the ridiculous, tame the wild, and do battle for good! Awaken the dormant writer in your child with this lively approach to creative writing.

The Storymatic Kids – Writing Prompts for Young Writers – Storytelling Games – Teacher Tool

  • Gazillions of Writing Prompts: Make writing fun with 360 storytelling prompt cards and story starters for kids; A creative, family-friendly activity that little and big kids can play together; Age 5 and up, up, up; A gift for writers of all ages

    • How to Use: The basics are super easy: combine yellow character cards with blue complication cards and let your imagination take over; Includes a booklet with creative prompts and non-competitive storytelling games; Play by yourself or in a group

    Writing Prompts for Kids: A Creative Writing Workbook To Inspire Young Writers

    Writing stories is one of the best ways for children to give focus to their creativity while learning and having fun. With this fabulous book, your child will find all the guidance and help they need to hone their writing skills and create amazing original stories.Packed with ingenious and inventive writing prompts, this guide inspires kids to channel their inner author. Every child should be encouraged to give free rein to their imagination… These story starters give them the help they need to put pen to paper and create something truly magical.

    101 Story Starters for Teens: Creative Writing Prompts to Kick Your Imagination into High Gear (Story Starters for Kids)

    Take your writing skills to the next level with these fun and creative story starters for teens. This workbook contains over 100 creative writing prompts for teenagers in middle school and high school. Kids in grades 8-12 will get plenty of ideas for their next Language Arts class, short story assignment, or storytelling project.

    Whether you're using this book in the classroom or at home, these story starters will banish blank-page anxiety and kick your teen's imagination into high gear. It's great for teachers, parents, students, aspiring authors, and anyone who loves to write exciting young adult stories.

    The Ultimate Writing Prompt Book for Kids Ages 8-12: a creative workbook to boost literacy skills and spark imagination while exploring exciting story themes and genres.

    This fun, stress-free workbook is much more than a collection of prompts—it helps kids develop strong writing skills, ignite their imagination, and build confidence in storytelling! With engaging prompts and creative exercises, young writers will explore different genres, experiment with new ideas, and discover their unique storytelling voice.

    Then, look at more simple writing activities.

    MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

    Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities

    ABOUT THE 6 PAGE FREE PRINTABLE WRITING CHALLENGE

    Next, look at what is included in this free printable writing challenge.

    • 1 preschool writing challenge page for 30 days
    • 1 elementary writing challenge page for 30 days
    • 1 middle school writing challenge page for 30 days
    • 1 high school writing challenge page for 30 days
    • 2 pages rewards and incentives for preschool to high school

    HOW TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE WRITING CHALLENGE

    Now, how to grab the freebie.  It’s a subscriber freebie.

    That means when you sign up to follow me, you get my emails in your inbox and you get this freebie.

    1) CLICK HERE ON THIS LINK TO SIGN UP ON MY EMAIL LIST & TO GET THIS FREEBIE.

    2) Grab the freebie instantly.

    3) Last, look for all my emails in your inbox. Glad to have you following me!

    8 Best Handwriting Games For Kids Ages 8-12 Will Love

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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    I have 8 of the best handwriting games for kids ages 8 to 12. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips. 

    Also, I’m including one that I made up that is grab and go.

    As a homeschooling mom, I’m sure there’s already one thing you’ve found out for sure. It is a lot easier to get your kids to do schoolwork when you make it fun and engaging. 

    While there is absolutely nothing wrong with copy work, repetitive cursive practice, worksheets, workbooks, and the like, switching it up sometimes with games can help your child enjoy what is sometimes a dreaded task.

    8 Best Handwriting Games For Kids Ages 8-12 Will Love

    While I have listed ready to buy or make your own handwriting games I also want to share a game I made to encourage writing.

    It also helps build focus, spelling skills, and a little friendly competition.

    It also helps build focus, spelling skills, and a little friendly competition.

    You can do this game in print or cursive with numbers, letters, words, or even sentences.

    And you just need a couple of sheets of paper and dice so it is perfect for morning time, table time, on the go, or anytime you need a quick practice session.

    MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

    Then, look at more activities.

    And look at this other fun easy game.

    8 Best Handwriting Games For Kids Ages 8-12 Will Love

    DOUBLES WORD GAME

    You will need a lined piece of paper in whatever line spacing your child is working in.

    After deciding what word or phrase or or whatever it may be that you are writing one person picks up a pencil and begins writing it neatly but quickly as the other person rolls the dice.

    Once the other person gets a double the person writing stops and lays down the pencil and then swap pencil for dice with the other player.

    The other player now begins writing while the other person attempts to roll doubles.

    The “winner “is the first person that reaches the designated number of times that you’ve agreed to write, so say 10 or 15.

    You can be the judge of which ones do not count if they were written to be sloppy or as long as they’re legible, let them all count.

    Another variation is to pull a scrabble tile out and race to write as many words as you can that begin with that letter while the other player  tries to roll doubles.

    Finally,while some of these games are obvious as being handwriting games some you may have to see my vision on the why and how.

    Just remember to get creative with your practice and giving children confidence in spelling and working on fine motor skills long before they begin to write sentences will build a strong foundation for handwriting.

    HANDWRITING GAMES FOR KIDS AGES 8-12

    8 Handwriting Games For Ages 8 to 12

    Your kids will love these handwriting game to mix in with your writing day.

    BLANK SLATE, The Game Where Great Minds Think Alike

    This game is simple and requires some writing, a great way to work in print or cursive practice.
    You just need to pick a Word Cue card, write the word you think best completes the phrase, and try to match it with someone else's word.

    Rory's Story Cubes Spark Imagination with Limitless Storytelling! Creative Game for Kids

    While these can also be used to tell verbal stories, they are wonderful for rolling and having your child write out a paragraph or entire story based on the random roll of the dice.

    Boggle Classic Game | Word Search Games | Ages 8+ | 1 or More Players | Portable Travel Size | Fun Family Dice Games for Adults and Kids

    Shake up the letter dice in the box and into place, then try to make words out of any connected dice, write your words in print or cursive until the timer runs out. Not only
    is it good handwriting practice but it will help with concentration, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills, visuo-spatial skills, pattern recognition, and processing speed.

    A Little Wordy

    A silly game by the makers of Exploding Kittens this is another game that requires some writing,making it perfect for disguising handwriting practice.

    Photo Credit: literacylearn.com

    Spelling Practice Printable Board Game (Free)

    Practice spelling words, handwriting, and play at the same time using this free printable board
    game.

    Bananagrams: Multi-Award-Winning Word Game

    Spell words from the tiles for your child to copy, pull random letters and have them list as many
    words beginning with that letter as they can, or let your child create silly made up words with random tiles and then copy them to paper.

    Photo Credit: alwaysexpectmoore.com

    Sight Word Board Game

    For the younger kids spelling or sight words this handmade sight word board game is a great way to customize it specifically to their level and needs.

    Pictionary Board & Drawing Game

    Drawing is wonderful practice for handwriting through building fine motor skills, spatial awareness,improving creativity, confidence, and learning about details.

    Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

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    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    Make a penner to hold medieval writing utensils with me. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips. And look at my 4 Week Free Middle Ages Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more activities.

    The penner activity is fun. It can get your child interested in medieval writing or writing in general.

    You can absolutely sew your penner together and use real leather to make it more realistic if you prefer.

    Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

    I opted for an easier and less expensive glued version.

    And I think it still came out really cool and nice enough to be an accessory for a medieval costume.

    Leather penners were used to hold medieval scribes writing tools such as quill pens, penknives, bone folders.

    Too, they were often strung together with an ink well.

    The term penner can refer to both the leather tool holder as well as the scribe that did the work themself.

    A medieval penner’s work was highly valued.

    MEDIEVAL WORK BY PENNERS

    They were most often used to illustrate religious texts and to add beauty to secular works.

     Some of the works they would write were:

    • Religious texts- such as bibles, prayer books, and missals.
    • Secular texts-chronicles, histories, and legal documents.
    • Literary texts- poems, plays, and romances.
    • Scientific texts- medical treatises and alchemical texts.
    • Philosophical texts-commentaries on Aristotle and Plato.
    • Musical texts- manuscripts of music.
    Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

    Many penner’s were scholars and intellectuals who played an important role in the preservation and dissemination of knowledge during the Middle Ages.

    MEDIEVAL WRITING UTENSILS AND THEIR USES

    Medieval traveling scribes used a variety of tools to create their beautiful works. The first was a leather penner to hold the tools, which of course we will be replicating today.

    Look at the tools found inside of the penner:

    • Quills: Quills were the most common writing implement used by medieval penner’s. They were made from the hollow shafts of feathers. Typically made from geese or swans. Quills were sharpened to a point. Then dipped in ink to write.
    • Ink: Medieval inks were made from a variety of materials, including soot, berries, and plant extracts. Inks were often colored to create different effects, such as red for headings and initials.
    • Parchment: Parchment was the most common writing surface used by medieval penner’s. It was made from the skin of animals, such as sheep, goats, and calves. Parchment was expensive, but it was also durable and long-lasting.
    • Bone Folders: Bone folders were made from the bones of cows or deer or even elk. They were used to create sharp creases in fold pages.

    Scribes often wrote in a Scriptoria, which were workshops where penner’s worked, typically located in monasteries and cathedrals.

    The workshops were equipped with desks, chairs, and tools.

    Then, look at more activities.

    MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

    Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

    Finally, look at how to make a penner.

    HOW TO MAKE A PENNER FOR MEDIEVAL WRITING UTENSILS

    You will need:

    • 2 8 x 12 faux leather sheets
    • Scissors
    • Permanent marker
    • 3 empty paper towel or toilet paper tubes
    • Pens with nibs or feather quills
    • Leather string or cording
    • Jumbo craft stick
    Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

    First, I used a couple of taped empty toilet paper tubes to give our holder a little more structure.

    You want to make sure that you make the overall length of your tubes, including the lid a little longer than your supplies, for me 2 rolls was perfect.

    Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

    Cut another tube about 3” tall to create the lid.

    I happened to end up with one roll that was slightly larger than the others, making it the perfect size to slide over the holder.

    If yours are all the same you can cut the lid one from one end to the other and tape it together just slightly larger than it was.

    Cut two circles from your faux leather a bit larger than the circumference of your rolls.

    Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

    Use hot glue to secure one end of the holder and place the other on one end of the lid. Trim off excess so that it is the exact same size as the roll.

    Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

    Wrap the leather around the holder about 3” down on one end and secure in place with hot glue.

    Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

    Roll the leather around your lid and again trim it to the exact length.

    Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

    Your lid should now slide right over the holder perfectly.

    Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

    Now cut 4 small rectangles, about ¾ of an inch long, these hold the cording in place.Add hot glue to either end, bend them a bit and place on either side of the lid and holder, lined up.

    Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

    Slide a 20”-24” piece of leather cording through each side, through the channels you made and tie a knot in each end, secure with hot glue inside the small leather looped pieces.

    Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner

    The lid will now be able to slide up and down the length of the cord to open it without it being lost.

    Just like scribes would have done back then.

    Slide your tools inside, I used a jumbo craft stick as a bone folder and some of the dip pens from a calligraphy set.