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Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School

April 4, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have 50 free writing prompts for middle school to help get the creativity flowing when your child doesn’t know what to write about for the day. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips. 

You can choose from them daily, twice a week, or just when they need a little creative push and a fun idea.

To help give them some ownership in the writing prompts we are also going to let them decorate a jar to hold them all.

Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School

There are many benefits to having your child write daily, no matter what type of homeschooler you are unit study, classical, Charlotte Mason, or unschooler.

Besides when using writing prompts middle school kids get a break from thinking what to write about and focus on how to write it.

Simply put, the more a child writes the better he becomes at organizing his thoughts.

Look at some more benefits of writing daily.

BENEFITS OF DAILY WRITING

  • Improves writing skills.
  • Enhances creativity.
  • Clarifies thoughts and emotions.
  • Boosts memory and cognitive function.
  • Reduces stress and anxiety.
  • Facilitates problem-solving.
  • Strengthens self-discipline.
  • Increases productivity.
  • Encourages self-reflection.
  • Provides a sense of accomplishment.

The beauty of assigning writing is that you can decide how many words, how many paragraphs , how neat, etc your child should have in their daily creative writing.

But they get to make it their own.

MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

Also, look at more tips and activities.

  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 1
  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 2
  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 3
  • Cursive Matters; Handwriting Style Doesn’t + Free Resources
  • 5 Creative Ways to Boost Handwriting in Older Kids
  • Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)
  • Faith-Neutral Homeschool Grammar and Writing Program
  • 3 Ways to Choose the BEST Writing Curriculum (for a Growing Homeschool Family)
  • Why It Is Hard to Teach Homeschooled Kids Writing But Not Impossible
  • Homeschool Writing Program For Middle and High School Students
  • The Best Writing Tools For Students: Improve Their Writing Efficiency
  • Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids
  • Powerful Paragraphs: Free Give Me A Paragraph Form (Editable)
  • 8 Best Handwriting Games For Kids Ages 8-12 Will Love
  • Hands on Writing Activities | How to Make an On the Go Pencil Pouch
  • Discover the Best High School Writing Courses & Recommendations
  • How To Choose Writing Curriculum For Struggling Writers & Recommendations
  • Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School
  • Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner
  • Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities
  • Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station
  • Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics
FREE WRITING PROMPTS FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

Also, look at how to make this jar to store the free writing prompts.

HOW TO MAKE A WRITING PROMPTS JAR FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL

You will need:

  • Printed or handwritten writing prompts (add your email at the bottom by clicking on the link or graphic to grab the freebie instantly)
  • An old book
  • Clean, smooth jar
  • School glue
  • scissors
Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School

First, cut strips of words, sentences or paragraphs from an old book.

This is going to feel criminal but you can use an old book that is falling apart or grab a cheap one from Dollar Tree. You could also use a newspaper or magazine.

Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School

Make a mixture of half water and half school glue.

Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School

Paint the glue mixture on the jar, working in sections.

Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School

Apply your strips, pressing into glue

Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School

Brush more of the glue mixture over the top of each strip as you add it.

Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School

Repeat until the majority of the jar is covered, set aside to dry.

Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School

Now, you can take these 50 prompts and whatever other ones you come up with and print them out leaving a line of space between each.

Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School

Cut them out in strips and roll or fold them up.

Add them all to your jar and replace the lid.

Finally, look how to grab the freebie.

HOW TO GET THE FREE 50 PRINTABLE WRITING PROMPTS

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!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Language Arts Tagged With: composition, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, languagearts, middle school, middleschool, writing, writing prompts

Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids

April 3, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Calligraphy writing for kids can be a great way to get them excited about writing in general and has so many benefits. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips.

Calligraphy is the art of writing beautifully and expressively.

In addition to being a creative outlet, calligraphy can also help kids improve their writing skills overall.

Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids

If your older child is a reluctant writer, calligraphy can be just the method to get them interested in writing.

They may put more effort into their handwriting through the beautiful artwork it creates.

To get you started on your own calligraphy writing for kids journey I have included some resources.

For example, practice pages, tools, tips, the benefits of writing calligraphy, and a review of a set I found that has everything you need and more.

Then, look at the benefits of calligraphy.

BENEFITS OF CALLIGRAPHY FOR HANDWRITING

Increased Confidence. Mastering the art of calligraphy can boost self-confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment.

Improved Legibility. Calligraphy emphasizes the importance of clarity and precision in letterforms, which can lead to improved overall legibility. It teaches kids how to control their pen or pencil. This is an important skill for all writers, as it helps to create legible and consistent handwriting.

Motor Skill Enhancement. The repetitive nature of calligraphy exercises helps to strengthen fine motor skills and coordination.

Increased Focus and Concentration. Calligraphy requires a high degree of focus and concentration, which can help to improve attention span and reduce stress.It can help kids improve their focus and concentration. When kids are focused on creating beautiful letters, they are less likely to be distracted by other things.

Creative Expression. Calligraphy allows for artistic expression and self-expression through the creation of unique and visually appealing letters.

Relaxation and Mindfulness The slow and deliberate movements involved in calligraphy can promote relaxation and mindfulness, making it a therapeutic activity.

Improved Hand-Eye Coordination. Calligraphy requires precise hand-eye coordination to create smooth, flowing lines and shapes.

Improves fine motor skills through holding the pens properly and carefully forming their letters.These skills are essential for many everyday activities, such as buttoning clothes, tying shoes, and playing musical instruments.

Historical and Cultural Appreciation. Learning calligraphy can provide an appreciation for the history and culture of different writing systems.

It can help kids develop their appreciation for language. When kids learn about the history and traditions of calligraphy, they gain a greater understanding of the written word.

There are endless possibilities and  kids can experiment with different styles and techniques to create their own unique works of art.

Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids

Then, look at some fun ways to practice calligraphy.

CALLIGRAPHY RESOURCES

  1. 25 Free Practice Sheets For Calligraphy (+ Tutorials)
  2. Hand Lettering 101: A Step By Step Calligraphy Workbook
  3. Quill Feather Dip Pen Set
  4. Vintage Watercolor Paper
  5. Modern Calligraphy Series
  6. How to Prepare Calligraphy Nibs
  7. Outschool Modern Calligraphy Basics 101: Modern Calligraphy Class for Beginners
  8. 150 Short Quotes for Lettering and Calligraphy Practice

MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 1
  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 2
  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 3
  • Cursive Matters; Handwriting Style Doesn’t + Free Resources
  • 5 Creative Ways to Boost Handwriting in Older Kids
  • Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)
  • Faith-Neutral Homeschool Grammar and Writing Program
  • 3 Ways to Choose the BEST Writing Curriculum (for a Growing Homeschool Family)
  • Why It Is Hard to Teach Homeschooled Kids Writing But Not Impossible
  • Homeschool Writing Program For Middle and High School Students
  • The Best Writing Tools For Students: Improve Their Writing Efficiency
  • Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids
  • Powerful Paragraphs: Free Give Me A Paragraph Form (Editable)
  • 8 Best Handwriting Games For Kids Ages 8-12 Will Love
  • Hands on Writing Activities | How to Make an On the Go Pencil Pouch
  • Discover the Best High School Writing Courses & Recommendations
  • How to Use Handwriting Without Tears Homeschool Multisensory Program
  • How To Choose Writing Curriculum For Struggling Writers & Recommendations
  • Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School
  • Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner
  • Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities
  • Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station
  • Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics
  • Best Strategies To Improve Handwriting And Overcome Challenges

Finally, look at this gorgeous writing kit that will breathe life into your writing day.

CALLIGRAPHY WRITING FOR KIDS REVIEW

I found this beautiful calligraphy writing set for kids on Amazon that includes not only the calligraphy basics but more,

It has a feather dip pen but also a glass dip pen, a wooden dip pen as well as 6 different colored bottles of Ink.

And an ink and pen holder, metal wax seal stamp, 2 bottles of wax sealing beads, glass cup, wax melting spoon, letter opener, and 17 different sizes stainless steel replaceable nibs.

Also, it has 1 round white wax, a vintage envelope, and vintage writing paper all in a lovely gift box.

Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids

I am by no means a calligraphy expert and just began learning myself but did learn a few things along the way to help me.

Hold your pen at a 45℉ angle to the paper.

Start with simply practicing making lines and squiggles just to get used to the weight and shape of the pen and the way the ink moves on the paper.

Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids

Write your words or phrases in pencil so that you don’t have to worry about the letter formation.

Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids

Clean your nibs in a cup of warm water and then wipe dry with a cloth or paper towel.

Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids

Test out different nibs to see what each does and its thickness.

Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids

Use a light hand on the upward strokes and press harder on the downward strokes.

You can practice with regular pens or markers by writing your words and going back to thicken what would be the downstrokes to give it the look of calligraphy.

If your child takes to calligraphy writing, invest in some good paper, pens, and maybe some tutorial books to encourage that new interest.

You will see above I linked wonderful resources for practice, instruction, and some supplies as well.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Language Arts Tagged With: composition, hand writing, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool, writing

How To Choose Writing Curriculum For Struggling Writers & Recommendations

April 2, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

I have tips on how to choose writing curriculum for struggling writers. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips.

Let’s look at some of the possible reasons for your struggling writer.

And how to choose a curriculum to address those needs so that they can succeed.

How To Choose Writing Curriculum For Struggling Writers & Recommendations

Math and writing are the two subjects that most homeschool families say cause the most grief on a daily basis.

Writing can be a challenging skill for many students, but it is an essential skill for success in school and beyond.

Struggling writers will need extra support to develop their writing skills.

UNDERSTANDING THE WRITING PROCESS

Writing is a complex process that involves many skills and brain functions, including:

  • Conceptualization
  • Fine motor skills
  • Language processing
  • Spatial perception
  • Working memory
  • Organization.
  • Orthographic coding

There are many reasons why a child could be struggling with writing.

For example, it could be a lack of understanding of grammar and structure, poor grasp on vocabulary, writer’s block, lack of ideas, and lack of interest in the subject or topic.

How To Choose Writing Curriculum For Struggling Writers & Recommendations

But sometimes it is more than a child who isn’t trying or needs a little extra lesson in grammar, creative writing, or vocabulary.

HOW TO CHOOSE WRITING CURRICULUM FOR STRUGGLING WRITERS

For example, it can be a learning disability.

Children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia or dysgraphia may have difficulty with reading, writing, and spelling. They may also have trouble with memory and organization.

Dysgraphia is a neurological condition where someone has difficulty turning their thoughts into written language for their age and ability.

And to think even with consistent exposure to adequate instruction and education.

It is very common to come hand in hand with adhd, autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, selective language impairment, and developmental coordination disorder.

Symptoms of dysgraphia can include:

  • Difficulty forming letters and words.
  • Poor handwriting.
  • Difficulty with spelling.
  • Difficulty organizing thoughts on paper
  • Slow writing speed.
  • Lack of fine motor coordination in general.
  • Avoiding writing activities.

Dyslexia is a learning disability that affects how a person reads, writes, and spells. It is caused by differences in the brain that impact how language is processed.

People with dyslexia are often bright and creative, but they may struggle with traditional methods of teaching.

This obviously makes writing a challenge!

Here are some of the common symptoms of dyslexia:

  • Poor handwriting
  • Difficulty with reading, writing, and spelling
  • Slow and labored reading
  • Difficulty sounding out words
  • Confusing letters and words
  • Difficulty with rhyming
  • Difficulty with following directions

MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 1
  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 2
  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 3
  • Cursive Matters; Handwriting Style Doesn’t + Free Resources
  • 5 Creative Ways to Boost Handwriting in Older Kids
  • Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)
  • Faith-Neutral Homeschool Grammar and Writing Program
  • 3 Ways to Choose the BEST Writing Curriculum (for a Growing Homeschool Family)
  • Why It Is Hard to Teach Homeschooled Kids Writing But Not Impossible
  • Homeschool Writing Program For Middle and High School Students

  • The Best Writing Tools For Students: Improve Their Writing Efficiency
  • Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids
  • Powerful Paragraphs: Free Give Me A Paragraph Form (Editable)
  • 8 Best Handwriting Games For Kids Ages 8-12 Will Love
  • Hands on Writing Activities | How to Make an On the Go Pencil Pouch
  • Discover the Best High School Writing Courses & Recommendations
  • How to Use Handwriting Without Tears Homeschool Multisensory Program
  • How To Choose Writing Curriculum For Struggling Writers & Recommendations
  • Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School
  • Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner
  • Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities
  • Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station
  • Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics
  • Best Strategies To Improve Handwriting And Overcome Challenges

Writing Curriculum For Struggling Writers

Are you looking for a writing curriculum for struggling writers when it's more than just a lack of effort and interest in writing?

Dyslexia Games

Dyslexia Games by Thinking Tree breaks it down to the very basics and takes the approach of using logic and puzzle games to “trigger” the "artistic" right side of the brain into reading and writing.

Learning with Literature

Intelligent children, while they want to be obedient, often have a hard time writing if they don't find the topic relevant to their life or just plain interesting. I love to customize each part of a child's homeschool curriculum to their unique personality and interests when possible.

This includes handwriting, creative writing,grammar lessons and all other parts of solid writing instruction.

For handwriting here are many workbooks that are topic specific like Cursive With The Hobbit, Anne of Green Gables and more.

Growing with Grammar: Grade 3 (Student Manual)

Growing With Grammar lets children work independently to improve grammar skills, it is easy to check for parents, and can be incorporated 3 times a week.

Gross Me Out Mad Libs: World's Greatest Word Game

We have used Mad Libs many times over the years to make learning parts of speech fun and yes just downright silly. It really helps the lessons stick with repetitiveness and creates a core memory too with all the laughter.

Daily Word Ladders: Reproducible Word Study Lessons That Help Kids Boost Reading, Vocabulary, Spelling & Phonics Skills--Independently!

Word Ladders are a fun daily practice tool to boost reading, vocabulary, spelling & phonics skills. A sheet a day also helps with critical thinking and decoding skills which will give them confidence and in turn help with writing.

Word of the Day: 366 Elevating Utterances to Stretch Your Cranium and Tickle Your Humerus

A word of the day calendar for kids is something fun for them to look forward to each morning while building their reading and vocabulary skills.

Photo Credit: www.goodandbeautiful.com

Creative Writing Notebooks

I love how The Good and The Beautiful Creative Writing incorporates creative writing exercises in a simple and non overwhelming way. Created for grades 3-8 it covers a wide age range and teaches skills like adding sensory descriptions, generating ideas, using gestures to show emotion, creating engaging characters and plots, writing dialogue, overcoming writer’s block, and much more! The notebook contains five sections: Descriptive Writing Practice, Writing Exercises,Story Starters,Poetry, and Full Stories.

Learning Without Tears

It may just be that your child is struggling with print or cursive writing and is so focused on getting that right they are struggling with getting their thoughts down on paper. 

Give them confidence in their writing with a curriculum that helps them develop the skill.

Handwriting Without Tears has been a staple for many families for years for good reason, for its structured format, multisensory approach, and engaging activities.

It is intended for Pre-K through 5th grade but I think it would still have benefits in the older grades for a child that needs more handwriting instruction, their books cover print and cursive instruction.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Language Arts Tagged With: composition, hand writing, handwriting, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, languagearts, teachingwriting, writing

The Best Writing Tools For Students: Improve Their Writing Efficiency

April 1, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Improve your child’s writing efficiency with the best writing tools for students. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips.

No matter what the challenge is there are tools to help.

There is no magical item that will suddenly make your child enjoy writing or improve it overnight.

The Best Writing Tools For Students: Improve Their Writing Efficiency

However, there are many more aids now than ever before. Many were not available when I first started.

There are so many wonderful aids that can be used to help over time.

Writing requires visual coordination, core strength, fine motor skills, and hand strength.

Is your child’s handwriting sloppy, they struggle forming letters correctly or holding a pencil properly after much instruction?

They may benefit from occupational therapy for handwriting problems. But before you do that, try some of my tried-and-true tips.

But the right tool may be as simple as enticing them with new pens, paper, or they may need a little extra help with grip or the angle of the paper.

MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 1
  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 2
  • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 3
  • Cursive Matters; Handwriting Style Doesn’t + Free Resources
  • 5 Creative Ways to Boost Handwriting in Older Kids
  • Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)
  • Faith-Neutral Homeschool Grammar and Writing Program
  • 3 Ways to Choose the BEST Writing Curriculum (for a Growing Homeschool Family)
  • Why It Is Hard to Teach Homeschooled Kids Writing But Not Impossible
  • Homeschool Writing Program For Middle and High School Students
  • The Best Writing Tools For Students: Improve Their Writing Efficiency
  • Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids
  • Powerful Paragraphs: Free Give Me A Paragraph Form (Editable)
  • 8 Best Handwriting Games For Kids Ages 8-12 Will Love
  • Hands on Writing Activities | How to Make an On the Go Pencil Pouch
  • Discover the Best High School Writing Courses & Recommendations
  • How to Use Handwriting Without Tears Homeschool Multisensory Program
  • How To Choose Writing Curriculum For Struggling Writers & Recommendations
  • Energize Creativity: Free Writing Prompts for Middle School
  • Medieval Writing Utensils: Journey Through Time & How To Make A Penner
  • Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities
  • Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station
  • Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics
  • Best Strategies To Improve Handwriting And Overcome Challenges
The Best Writing Tools For Students: Improve Their Writing Efficiency

Take a look at the key items below that I think can help make a difference for your struggling writer.

WRITING TOOLS FOR STUDENTS

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.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Language Arts Tagged With: composition, hand writing, handwriting, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, languagearts, writing

Interest-Led Learning Made Easy: 12 Free Topics to Keep You Inspired All Year

March 24, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Whether you’re following an interest led learning model, unschooling or child-led, you’ll love this newest free printable I have today. Also, look at my page Homeschool Learning Styles to learn more about learning styles.

Through the years the terms interest-led learning, child-led learning and unschooling hasn’t really changed. It’s that the homeschool education world has finally caught on.

In my mom’s time the only way for a child to learn was through traditional curriculum. Or rather that was the view touted then.

Interest-Led Learning Made Easy: Free 12 Topics to Keep You Inspired All Year

Interest-led learning is a homeschool approach which prioritizes a learner’s personal interests and passions ahead of any curriculum.

Some families use curriculum, others not so much. But all families use resources which interest their families.

For example, they can utilize online learning, living books, life experiences, YouTube, classes, and dictionaries.

Also, they may use reference books, games, history enactments, science labs, interview professionals, or ordinary people who are knowledgeable, have much experience along with a passion for a topic.

As you can see there are many ways for a family to pursue topics that they want to know about instead of what is laid out in a curriculum.

So, I have created a free printable to give you a year’s worth of topics that your passion filled child may want to learn about.

RESOURCES FOR INTEREST-LED, UNSCHOOLING OR CHILD-LED LEARNING

But first, I have rounded up some resources on various topics which may interest your child.

16 Interest-Led, Child-Led & Unschooling resources

Because you can use a variety of books on topics that interests your child, I've included some subjects you child may find delightful.

The Water Cycle!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Drip―Drop―Splash! Water is essential to all forms of life. So let’s learn all about it! The Water Cycle! With 25 Science Projects for Kids captures kids’ imaginations with a deep look at the world of water. Combining hands-on activities with history and science, The Water Cycle! invites kids to have fun learning about the water cycle, water resources, drinking water and sanitation, water pollution and conservation, water use, water folklore and festivals, and the latest in water technology.

Skulls and Skeletons!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

What would happen if you had no bones? You might fall over flat on the floor!

Bones are those hard parts of our bodies that make up our skeletons and skulls, and we need them in lots of different ways. In Skulls and Skeletons! With 25 Science Projects for Kids, readers learn about the bones in their bodies and why we can’t live without them. And bones aren’t just good for humans―many animals can’t live without them! But do all animals have bones? No, they don’t! And why do fish look so much different from birds, even though both have bones? Organisms use their bodies in different ways to successfully live in different habitats. For example, a bird’s light bones are great for flying, but would not support them deep in the ocean.

Weather and Climate!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

What’s it like outside? Is it a day for building a snowman, constructing a sandcastle, or planting a garden? Weather and Climate! With 25 Science Projects for Kids introduces kids ages 7 to 10 to the fascinating world of meteorology and all of the ways what’s going on in the atmosphere above our heads can affect us here on the earth! Plus, discover how weather and climate change are linked but not the same, and figure out ways to be part of the solution to the problem of global warming.

The activity in our atmosphere plays a critical role in our lives and in the health of our planet. Today’s weather determines what clothes you wear and what you are going to do after school, while the local climate influences what kind of car your parents drive, what kind of house you live in, and―believe it or not―what foods you eat!

Rivers and Streams!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Did you know that without rivers, human life might not have developed as it did? We might be a very difference species if it wasn’t for rivers, as would the other plants and animals who depends on rivers and streams for food, transportation, water, and power!

In Rivers and Streams! With 25 Science Projects for Kids, readers ages 7 to 10 dive in and discover how rivers change the shape of the land while plants, animals, and humans change the shape of
rivers. Through fun facts, engaging content, and essential questions, kids learn about the vital role that rivers and streams have played in human history and explore the ways rivers and streams might affect our future. Science experiments that promote critical thinking and creative problem solving encourage kids to make their own discoveries about the waterways they might pass every day.

Kitchen Chemistry: Cool Crystals, Rockin’ Reactions, and Magical Mixtures with Hands-On Science Activities

Bring chemistry to your kitchen with a book that offers hands-on science activities that can be done with ingredients from your pantry and the refrigerator!

What’s going on when you cook in the kitchen? Science!

In Kitchen Chemistry: Cool Crystals, Rockin’ Reactions, and Magical Mixtures with Hands-On Science Activities, readers ages 9 to 12 discover that the cooking, mixing, and measuring you do in the kitchen all has its roots deep in science―chemistry to be exact!

Explore Rivers and Ponds!: With 25 Great Projects

Explore Rivers and Ponds! with 25 Great Projects, introduces kids to the fascinating world of freshwater habitats and the creatures they contain. Combining hands-on activities with ecology and
science, kids will have fun learning about the freshwater biome, including lakes and ponds, streams and rivers, and wetlands. Entertaining illustrations and fascinating sidebars illuminate the topic and bring it to life, while Words to Know highlighted and defined within the text reinforce new vocabulary. Projects include assembling an ecologist’s field kit, creating a fishless aquarium, pouring casts of animal tracks, and building a watershed replica. Additional materials include a glossary, and a list of current reference works, websites, museums, and science centers.

Robotics!: With 25 Science Projects for Kids

Where was the last time you saw a robot? Did you read about one in a book or see one in a movie? Maybe you saw one in a video game!

Some people think robots exist only in our imagination, but actually, robots are all around us right now. Robotics! With 25 Science Projects for Kids offers readers ages 7 to 10 an introduction to the history, mechanics, and future use of robots! Readers explore the history of robotics and discover how the first types looked and moved and what people expected they could do. Compare these early robots to those we have today, some of which don’t even have bodies! Kids discover how robots have changed as decades have passed and see how they now look, think, sense, move, and do things.

Gutsy Girls Go For Science: Astronauts: With Stem Projects for Kids

Hands-on space science projects help launch kids ages 8 to 11 into learning about fearless female astronauts who broke barriers across space and gender in this full-color book full of real-world connections!

Do you dream of going into space? Do you wonder what it’s like on the moon? In Gutsy Girls Go for Science: Astronauts with STEM Projects for Kids, readers ages 8 through 11 explore the lives of some of the world’s most amazing female astronauts, including Bonnie Dunbar, Sally Ride, Mae Jemison, Sunita Williams, and Serena Auñón-Chancellor―all pioneers in the field of space exploration. Their hard work and dedication to science and experimentation gave the world much new knowledge about space, biology, and more. These brave women took risks and pushed the limits of what we know about life in space.

Energy: 25 Projects Investigate Why We Need Power & How We Get It

Energy is a vital part of our lives. It powers our computer, lights our home, and moves our car. It also costs a lot of money and pollutes our environment. In Energy: 25 Projects Investigate Why We Need Power and How We Get It, kids ages 9–12 learn about the history and science of the world’s energy sources, from nonrenewable fossil fuels such as oil and natural gas to renewable sources such as solar and wind power.

Zoology: Inside the Secret World of Animals (DK Secret World Encyclopedias)

This visual reference book starts with the question "what is an animal?" and takes you through the animal kingdom - mammals, reptiles, birds, and sea creatures. It uses a unique head-to-toe approach that showcases in spectacular detail special features like the flight feathers of a parrot, the antenna of a moth, or the tentacles of coral.This visual encyclopedia is filled with clear and fascinating information on everything about the social lives of animals. Read exciting stories like how animals communicate, defend their territories, and attract mates.

The Animal Book: A Visual Encyclopedia of Life on Earth (DK Our World in Pictures)

This inspiring children’s reference guide welcomes you to the animal kingdom where you can meet more than 1,500 species, ranging from ants to zebras and everything in between. Stunning pictures bring you face to face with giant predators you know and love, including polar bears and tigers, as well as mysterious microscopic life, including amoebas and bacteria.

Space A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

From the Moon, Sun, and planets of our Solar System to space exploration, black holes, and dark matter, this completely revised and updated children’s encyclopedia covers all you need to know about the cosmos. The most up-to-date images from space agencies such as NASA and ESA combine with info panels, timelines, interviews, diagrams, and activities you can do at home to help you understand the majesty and wonder of space. 

Backyard Biology: Investigate Habitats Outside Your Door with 25 Projects

BIOLOGY IS THE STUDY OF LIFE. Life is everywhere, thriving in the city and in the country, teeming in ecosystems around the planet—in deserts, oceans, and even the Arctic. And life is right outside your door! Backyard Biology invites children ages 9 and up to investigate living things —especially in yards, parks, nature areas, and playgrounds. Trivia and fun facts bring animals, plants, and microorganisms to life, in all their wonder.

Inventions: A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

This stunning visual guide explores and explains the greatest inventions, ideas, and discoveries throughout the ages, and introduces their inventors. From fire, stone tools, and the wheel to ploughs and paper, discover the first inventions that shaped societies and grew mighty civilizations and empires such as those in ancient Greece, ancient Rome, and ancient China.

The Arts: A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

From the first strokes of paint on prehistoric caves to contemporary street art in the 21st century, every artistic style and movement is explored and explained in stunning detail. Special features celebrate the lives of groundbreaking painters, sculptors, and photographers, from Dutch master Johannes Vermeer to photography pioneer Julia Margaret Cameron. Many best-loved pieces of art are showcased in iconic images. Marvel at Leonardo da Vinci's mysterious Mona Lisa, the most famous painted lady. March alongside China’s statues of the Terracotta Army, and gaze in awe at Barbara Hepworth's stunning Pelagos sculpture.

Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia (DK Children's Visual Encyclopedias)

From the shimmering surface to the darkest depths, this breathtaking visual encyclopedia presents our blue planet as never before. Stunning photography, accessible information, and fascinating facts are spilling over in this essential guide to the oceans. Take a dip in all the world’s waters to experience their incredible diversity. Make a splash in the icy Arctic waters before warming up in the tropical Indian Ocean. Experience the super size of mighty whales compared to swarms of tiny krill. Cast your eyes to the skies to see circling sea birds before diving down to meet mysterious creatures of the deep. 

Next, look at some hands-on activities which are a huge part of learning.

These activities will pair with the topics I’ve included in the free interest led printable of 12 topics.

HANDS-ON ACTIVITIES FOR INTEREST-LED LEARNING

  • How to Make a Cool Greek Mythology Triorama With Kids
  • Greek Mythology Unit Study and Greece Lapbook & Fun Hands on LEGO Zeus.
  • How to Create a Minecraft-Like Paul Bunyan Craft With Graph Paper
  • 8 Earth Day Facts | How to Make a Recycled Robot
  • Free Weather Unit Study for Kids Who Love Hands-on Learning
  • Fun Facts About Mold Fossils & 4 Types of Fossil Activities For Kids
  • Exploring Space and Astronomy Free Unit Study
  • Exciting Books About the Great Barrier Reef| Faux Coral Craft
  • Free Homeschool Volcano Unit Study
  • Ancient Civilizations Unit Study

Finally, look at how to grab this freebie.

Interest-Led Learning Made Easy: Free 12 Topics to Keep You Inspired All Year

HOW TO GET THE FREE YEAR OF CHILD-LEARNING PRINTABLE 12 TOPICS

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!

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Tips for Learning Styles Tagged With: child led, freeprintables, interest led, learning styles, unschooling

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