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hands-on

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

April 17, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

To celebrate spring, I’m sharing some spring science experiments middle school. Also, look at my page How to Successfully Homeschool Middle School and 4 Weeks Free Spring Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas for more ideas.

Also, we are creating an amazing display for a simple flower dissection but level it up a bit for middle schoolers.

This flower dissection display is wonderful for a home project but can be used for co-op presentations or just to take the ordinary to something more extraordinary while learning.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

The structure and functions of flower parts all contribute to the intricate process of pollination.

Pollination is essential for plant reproduction and what better way to learn about each one than to dissect and label each.

You can use real flowers if you like or faux silk flowers so that they keep longer.

Try to choose flowers that clearly display the plant’s structure like lilies, tulips, daffodils, alstroemerias, and gladiolus.

By attracting pollinators, producing and receiving pollen, and protecting the developing seeds, flowers play a vital role in the life cycle of plants and the ecosystem.

Let’s look at the role of each part of the flower and where it fits into this

PARTS OF A FLOWER

Sepals: Often green and leaf-like, sepals form the outermost layer of the flower bud.

Their primary function is to protect the developing flower inside from drying out, damage, and pests. In some cases, sepals may be brightly colored and resemble petals, aiding in pollinator attraction. Once the flower blooms, sepals may remain as a support structure or wither away.

Petals: The most visually striking part of a flower, petals are often brightly colored or uniquely shaped to attract pollinators. Their colors, patterns, and sometimes even ultraviolet markings serve as signals to guide insects, birds, and other animals to the flower’s reproductive organs.

Some petals produce scents to further entice pollinators, while others have specialized structures to facilitate landing and pollen collection. In some flowers, petals may also play a role in protecting the reproductive organs from the elements.

Stamens: The male reproductive organs of a flower, stamens are responsible for producing pollen grains, which contain the male gametes. The number, shape, and arrangement of stamens within a flower can vary greatly, often reflecting adaptations for specific types of pollination.

Each stamen consists of two parts:

  • Anther: The sac-like structure that produces and releases pollen.
  • Filament: The stalk that supports the anther, positioning it for effective pollen dispersal.

FLOWER PARTS

Pistil/Carpel: The female reproductive organ of a flower, the pistil (or carpel) houses the ovules, which, after fertilization, develop into seeds.

A pistil typically consists of three parts:

  • Stigma: The sticky or feathery tip that receives pollen grains.
  • Style: The slender stalk that connects the stigma to the ovary.
  • Ovary: The enlarged base that contains the ovules.

The ovary may be located superior (above the other flower parts) or inferior (below the other flower parts), depending on the flower type.

Receptacle: The expanded tip of the flower stalk where all the other flower parts are attached.

It provides structural support for the flower and may also play a role in the development and dispersal of seeds.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

In some flowers, the receptacle becomes fleshy and forms part of the fruit, aiding in seed dispersal.

Leaves: The main function of a leaf is to produce food for the plant by photosynthesis. Leaves also provide structure and support,  store water and nutrients, and help regulate temperature.

Stem: Stems provide support the the flower. It also transports water and minerals from the roots to the rest of the plant. They also produce new growth to extend the life of the plant.

SPRING SCIENCE EXPERIMENTS MIDDLE SCHOOL

In addition, look these spring science experiments for middle school.

  • Since it is the season for them, Extracting DNA From A Strawberry is not only fun but timely.
  • Learn How to Make a Naked Egg.
  • When I think of spring I definitely think of gardening and learning How to make a red cabbage pH indicator feels like a great fit. Gentle spring breezes or those before an incoming storm are a great excuse to try out How to Make a Simple Wind Vane | Fun Wind Activities Middle School.
  • Learn about simple machines like this lever Bunny Launcher: A Peeps STEM Experiment.
  • I don’t care how old you are How to Make Ice Cream In A Bag Science is always going to be a hit, and a great way to demonstrate how you can change matter and a sweet treat for a warm spring day!
  • To understand how plants grow and reach for the sun a Plant Light Maze helps middle schoolers understand phototropism.

SIMPLE FLOWER DISSECTION SPRING SCIENCE EXPERIMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL

You will need:

  • Corkboard
  • Patterned scrapbook paper
  • Push pins
  • 3×5 cards
  • Real or silk flowers
  • Scissors
  • Letter stickers
Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Take your corkboard and decorate it with patterned scrapbook paper, stickers, ribbon, or washi tape.

You can glue these pieces on but if you want to be able to use your corkboard for other things just attach everything with clear push pins.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Have your child first label 3×5 cards with the name of each flower part by hand or using stickers.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

And a short description of each. 

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Use scissors to carefully take apart each section of the flower and tape or glue them to the corresponding cards.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Arrange the cards around the board for display.

Simple Flower Dissection & Awesome Spring Science Experiments Middle School

Don’t forget to make a title for the top.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: flowers, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, spring, spring crafts

How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland’s Beautiful Tulips

April 16, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Let’s make a spring watercolor tutorial to explore Holland’s beautiful tulips on its own or as part of a study on Holland. Also, look at my page 4 Weeks Free Spring Unit Study & Best Hands-on Ideas.

You could do your watercolor on any size paper you like.

But since we are using tulips as an activity for a Holland unit study, how fun would it be to create a series of postcards for different countries?

How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland's Beautiful Tulips

First, it is important to note that Holland has been used as the official name for the country of the Netherlands in the English language.

Holland is a region within the Netherlands, consisting of the provinces of North Holland and South Holland.

But you simply cannot learn about Holland without learning about the larger area around it, the Netherlands.

So, I have included plenty of fun activities that encompass the whole country.

Holland is a country known for its windmills and canals but also has a colorful secret- a sea of beautiful tulips that bloom every spring.

Let’s dive into the enchanting world of Dutch tulips.

ABOUT SPRING WATERCOLOR TUTORIAL

The climate and soil there are ideal for tulips. The cool, wet winters and mild springs provide the perfect balance for these beauties to thrive.

Tulips are spring bloomers, meaning they sleep underground during winter and wake up to show their colorful petals when the weather warms up.

Holland boasts vast tulip fields that become a breathtaking spectacle of color when they bloom. Take a look at some of these photos on Google.

The Dutch have been cultivating tulips for centuries and passing down their knowledge and expertise from one generation to the next.

In the spring Holland celebrates the tulip with…

  • Keukenhof Gardens: This world-famous garden showcases millions of tulips and other flowers in a stunning display. It’s like a fairy tale come true!
  • Tulip Festivals: The country hosts numerous tulip festivals where visitors can wander through fields of blooming tulips, take pictures, and learn about different varieties.
  • Flower Parades: Colorful parades with floats adorned with thousands of tulips are a highlight of the festivities.

Then, look at some facts about tulips.

5 TULIP FACTS

  1. In the 17th century, tulips were so valuable in Holland that people traded them like money. This period is known as “Tulip Mania.”
  2. Tulips close their petals at night and open them again when the sun rises.
  3. While not the most delicious snack, tulip bulbs are edible. They were even eaten during times of food scarcity.
  4. Tulips grow from bulbs, these bulbs store food and energy for the tulip to grow.
  5. Tulips come in almost every color you can imagine: red, yellow, pink, purple, white, and even mixes like stripes and blends.
How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland's Beautiful Tulips

Then, look at these activities to learn about Holland.

HOLLAND ART, ACTIVITIES, AND RESOURCES

Make a Dutch Canal House in delft blue, these unique houses were designed in the 17th century and are iconic, they are narrow, high, and deep, and situated along a canal.

Grab a fun book like the ABC’s of Amsterdam to learn more about the Netherlands.

Learn about the tradition of Dutch wooden shoes and make a set from paper.

Younger children will enjoy crafting these simple Dixie Cup Windmills.

Delft Blue, also known as Delftware, is a type of Dutch tin-glazed earthenware pottery, primarily known for its blue and white designs. Paint a Monochromatic Delft-Inspired Plate as you learn more about the Netherlands.

Make a simple paper Dutch Hat,

Buy some Tulip Bulbs and try your hand at growing your own.

Finally, look at this fun spring watercolor tutorial.

HOW TO DO A TULIP SPRING WATERCOLOR TUTORIAL

You will need:

  • Watercolor postcards
  • Watercolor paint
  • Watercolor fixative spray
  • Art tape
How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland's Beautiful Tulips

First, start by creating a border around the postcard by taping off the edges using a thin art tape (or washi tape).

I like to leave it a little longer on the corners to secure it to the table so it will not move around while painting.

How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland's Beautiful Tulips

Paint several egg shapes across the center of the page using a small rounded brush.

How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland's Beautiful Tulips

While the paint is still wet, paint another egg a shape on both sides of the first one, overlapping them right over the center to complete your tulip.

How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland's Beautiful Tulips

Repeat with the same color or paint a bunch of different colored tulips across the page.

How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland's Beautiful Tulips

Allow a few minutes for your flowers to dry and then paint on stems with a very small paintbrush.

How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland's Beautiful Tulips

And then long curving leaves to fill in the bottom area.

How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland's Beautiful Tulips

Use a small fluffy brush to dab on a couple of different shades of blue to create the sky, leaving some unpainted areas for clouds.

How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland's Beautiful Tulips

Allow to dry completely then remove the tape border.

How to do a Spring Watercolor Tutorial: Explore Holland's Beautiful Tulips

To set your paint so that you can mail your postcard while protecting your art give it a light spray with watercolor fixative.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, holland, spring, spring crafts

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

April 15, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

Besides fun facts about Marie Curie for kids we are going to discover some amazing books, activities, and even make a “radioactive” slime flask for fun.

Marie Curie was born in Poland. She loved learning, especially about science.

And she became famous for her studies and use of the term “radioactive”, a word to describe the phenomenon of elements spontaneously emitting radiation.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

So of course, we had to make a slime that celebrates her discovery and is just plain fun to experiment with.

Slime is a simple foray into the world of chemistry using a non-Newtonian fluid that acts like both a solid and a liquid.

Slime is made up of polymers, which are made of long chains of molecules that bind together when the ingredients blend.

It creates a wonderful tactile sensory experience that kids love and they are not likely to forget when you talk to them about Marie Curie while they explore the science of slime.

5 FUN FACTS ABOUT MARIE CURIE FOR KIDS

There are several important things that you should share with your child about Marie Curie so that they can understand who she was and what made her so remarkable.

  1. She Loved Learning- Marie was very smart and always wanted to learn more. Even when it was hard, she never gave up.
  2. She Discovered New Things-Marie discovered two new elements: polonium and radium. These are special materials that glow in the dark.
  3. She Won Big Prizes- Marie Curie won the Nobel Prize, the biggest prize in science, not just once, but twice. She was the first woman to win this award.
  4. She Helped People- Marie used her discoveries to help people. During wars, she helped doctors use special machines to take pictures of bones and help injured soldiers.
  5. She Worked Really Hard- Marie worked very hard in her lab. She spent long hours doing experiments and figuring things out until she understood them better.

Marie Curie showed everyone that women could be incredible scientists too.

She taught us that with hard work and curiosity, you can discover amazing things and make the world a better place.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

Next, look at some of her achievements.

MOST AMAZING ACHIEVEMENTS FUN FACTS ABOUT MARIE CURIE

  • Discovered Polonium, a new element named after her home country, Poland.
  • Discovered Radium, a glowing element that helped in medical treatments.
  • Won the Nobel Prize in physics for her research on radioactivity.
  • Won the Nobel Prize in chemistry for discovering the elements polonium and radium.
  • Medical Advances, she used her knowledge to help create mobile X-ray units to help injured soldiers in wartime.

Also, look at these activities and resources.

MARIE CURIE ACTIVITIES AND RESOURCES

  • I adore the Who Was series and finding Who Was Marie Curie? Was a great discovery for this study from elementary through middle school.
  • Make your own Marie Curie X-Ray STEAM Project that doubles as science and art.
  • The Marie Curie Word Search is a great way to learn vocabulary words associated with her and the discoveries she made.
  • Free History Worksheets on Women Who Changed the World
  • Radioactive Jars are cool for display during your study or as part of a science project.
  • I am really a fan of these picture books, Ordinary People Change The World and found they had one about Marie Curie. They tell stories of amazing people throughout history in a simple way that doesn’t talk down to younger children.
  • Make a Stained Glass Beaker craft while learning about different tools in a lab that chemists and physicists use.
  • If your child loves exploring through experiments you will want to grab a basic Experiments Science Kit For Kids.
  • Create a timeline of Marie Curie’s life with your child from her birth through winning 2 Nobel Prizes and her death on July 4, 1934.
  • Make a Petri Dish Jello Recipe to introduce yet another important lab tool and a tasty one at that.

As a reference to use along with our fun slime experiment, we opened up Superstars of Science to learn a bit about Marie Curie.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

Finally, look at how to make “radioactive” slime.

HOW TO MAKE “RADIOACTIVE” SLIME

You will need:

  • Graduated cylinder, beaker
  • 1 Bottle of school glue (8 oz)
  • 1 Tablespoon baking soda
  • 1 ½ -2 Tablespoons contact solution
  • Glow in the dark paint
How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

First, pour glue into a bowl and add the glow in the dark paint, stir to combine. You can use any glow in the dark craft paint that you find.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

Mix in baking soda well.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

Add your first tablespoon of contact solution to the mixture and stir, add ½ tablespoon at a time until the mixture starts to lose its stickiness, mix well between each addition to check the texture,  if you want it slimier add less, for a thicker slime mixture add more.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

Knead the mixture by hand for a few minutes.

How To Make An Awesome Slime Flask Activity | Fun Facts About Marie Curie For Kids

To make it fun and give it a Marie Curie twist add it to a graduated cylinder or beaker.

Turn out the lights and be amazed by your “radioactive” creation.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschool

Free Summer Handwriting Worksheets & Setting Up A Writing Station

April 10, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

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

  • 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

  • Powerful Paragraphs: Free Give Me A Paragraph Form (Editable)
  • The Best Writing Tools For Students: Improve Their Writing Efficiency
  • Creative Expression: The Magic Of Calligraphy Writing For Kids
  • 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
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:

  • Stackable acrylic drawers. These are perfect!
  • Writing paper
  • Fun pens/pencils
  • Summer themed stickers
  • Small beach bucket
  • Post it notes
  • Postcards
  • Blank greeting cards
  • Envelopes
  • Summer scrapbook paper
  • Alpha stamps/inks
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.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, languagearts, summer, writing, writing prompts

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

April 9, 2025 | Leave a Comment
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

  • 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)
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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.

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

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