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.

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.
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.
Precise archival pens create fade resistant, waterproof, bleed free marks for drawing, artwork, journaling, and more
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.
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.
Occupational therapists use it for promoting spatial use, line use, helping children develop consistent letter size, and slowing down.
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.
Ergonomic Design: Three-finger grip for correcting faulty pen grip.
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.
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.
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
- 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

10 EXCITING HANDS-ON WRITING ACTIVITIES
- Alphabet Letter Letter Formation cards are a great way to practice writing and letter recognition before they even touch a pencil.
- 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?
- Start small with the Rainbow Pencil Control Exercises that help children develop writing legibility.
- 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.
- 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.
- Put together this simple Rainbow Salt Writing Tray before they even pick up a pencil to develop letter recognition and motor skills.
- While The Best Part of Me was designed for a classroom setting, it would lend itself wonderfully to a homeschool writing project as well.
- Young children working on prewriting skills will use the messy sticky Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing along with 11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers.
- Colorful and repetitive Rainbow Words are solid practice for fine motor skills but also spelling practice as well.
- 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

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

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

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

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.
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