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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

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

April 6, 2025 | Leave a Comment
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

  • 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
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.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: hand writing, hands-on, hands-on activities, handsonhomeschooling, handwriting, history, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, languagearts, medieval Europe, medieval homeschool history, teachingwriting, writing

Powerful Paragraphs: Free Give Me A Paragraph Form (Editable)

April 5, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

The words give me a paragraph can strike fear and paralysis for a writer of any age. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips. 

I’m sharing tips in how to infuse confidence, explain what is a paragraph and share a free editable paragraph form to make writing fun.

Besides, there are numerous reasons why a child can be reluctant.

Powerful Paragraphs: Free Give Me A Paragraph Form (Editable)

From not knowing what to write about to fear that their paragraph is wrong, kids can feel defeated before they begin.

Too, in the beginning when teaching my writers, I jumped into the process before explaining what is to be expected during the writing process.

For example, the first day should be spent on brainstorming. Writing down a word or phrase that comes to their mind about a subject.

It’s not about writing the ideas down exactly the way your writer wants to. It’s about getting a vibe about the topic.

Some kids are naturally creative, but for the most part kids need help in isolating what topic they want to write about.

HOW TO TEACH COMPOSITION RESOURCES FOR KIDS

First, look at some of the resources that have worked for me through the years.

8 Writing and Composition Resources For All Ages

Whether you’re teaching handwriting, composition, or creative writing solid tips come from having an abundance of composition and materials to choose from.

Aesop for Children: Story and D'Nealian Copybook Volume I (Aesop for Children Story and Copybook)

The Aesop for Children Story and D'Nealian Copywork Book, Volume I, includes seventy-three original unabridged fables illustrated by Milo Winter. Also included are copywork selections using the moral of each fable in D'Nealian style manuscript with adequate space for students to copy the included examples in their best handwriting. How to Teach Copywork:Copywork can seem simplistic. Give your child a sentence or two and have them copy it. It can also seem like busy work, but the benefits are great! Copywork is a simple introduction to handwriting, spelling, and composition. Have children copy only the best authors, with the best writing, and ideas to fill their growing minds. When to begin copywork:Once a child learns how to write their letters comfortably, they are ready to start simple copywork. Start with very short sentences and have them copy it, always in their best handwriting. 

Writing Strands: Beginning 1

Learn basic communication skills with this updated Writing Strands curriculum for a new generation!

This Beginning 1 course was created for students learning to write sentences and paragraphs on their own. The assignments gently guide students through their work each day, helping them master basic writing with unique exercises on dialogue, reporting, interviews, role playing, persuasion, story writing, and organizing and grouping ideas.

Writing with Ease: Level 1 Workbook (The Complete Writer)

In Writing with Ease, Susan Wise Bauer lays out an alternative plan for teaching writing, one that combines the best elements of old-fashioned writing instruction with innovative new educational methods. The Complete Writer workbooks (each sold separately) complement this plan with lessons, student worksheets, and teacher instructions for every day of writing instruction. Each covers one year of study. Used along with Writing with Ease, The Complete Writer, Level One (first in a four-volume set) complete the elementary-grade writing curriculum.

Jump In, 2nd Edition: Middle School Composition

ump In, 2nd Edition retains the step-by-step features of the first edition and its conversational style, along with some humor to ease the fright of writing! Students master the art of writing paragraphs, different types of paragraphs, topic sentences, and main ideas (thesis statements). They also practice writing nine types of essays and one research report. Proofreading lessons are included, along with suggested writing schedules and specific student checklists for each essay assignment.Let student-directed Jump In, 2nd Edition teach composition for you. A suggested writing schedule and checklist come with every essay assignment.Teachers will enjoy the new grading grids for each essay in the Teacher’s Guide, making grading much easier.Middle school. Two semesters. 98 daily lessons.

The Power in Your Hands: Writing Nonfiction in High School, 2nd Edition

Finally, your teens will write without dread! Have they almost given up on writing? Do they reach for the tissue box when you say, "Write an essay"? Do you worry they won't be ready for high school or college writing? Do they say they think of things to write but can't write them down? With THE POWER IN YOUR HANDS: WRITING NONFICTION IN HIGH SCHOOL, 2ND EDITION, they'll learn essay writing in a relaxed, nonthreatening atmosphere with a little humor thrown in. This 2ND EDITION includes proofreading marks and exercises, a new chapter on common grammar mistakes, and numbered lessons to easily keep track of daily lessons. This course teaches your teens what they need to know for high school and will be prepare them for college writing: persuasion, compare-and-contrast essays, literary analysis, a research paper with MLA documentation, and much more. In addition, students will learn how to write description and narration essays. Beginning writers will feel safe, and advanced writers will enjoy Digging Deeper lessons.

Photo Credit: www.writingrockstars.com

Writing Rockstars

Homeschooling Students Improve Writing Skills With Our Online Writing Program

The Art of Poetry

If you have ever felt mystified by, or unable to enjoy the significance of poetry, this book will lead you step by step to understanding and love of this branch of literature, guided by a gifted poet and teacher. The Art of Poetry is an excellent middle school or high school curriculum; it will teach the practice of reading a poem slowly and carefully, introduce students to the elements of poetry (such as imagery and metaphor) and the many forms that can make a poem, from sonnet to open verse. In the belief that practice is the best way to learn, this book is rich with explications, exercises, and activities. A biography of each poet is also included, and we are providing audio files of many of the poems.

Cover Story Set

Curriculum is a creative one-year writing curriculum for middle school students

Next, I want to share a few tips to help you understand the writing process.

Moreover, it’s hard to teach writing when we’re not clear how the process works.

THE PHYSICAL PART VERSUS THE MENTAL PART OF WRITING

One of the biggest reasons kids fear writing is that so many skills have to come together.

For example, spelling, grammar, punctuation, and the creativity to compose all meet when a child begins composition.

So, it’s very important to explain that because many skills are meeting, the writing process must be done in steps.

Steps are not necessarily in days but in the beginning they are.

Younger writers tire easily with both recalling how to write and composing their thoughts at the same time.

There is no rush. But it is important early on in their writing career to hear the words give me a paragraph.

Yes, let your child take his time with both the creative process of forming thoughts and the physical act of writing words. However, introduce the writing process as soon as possible.

As a rule of thumb around 4th grade is the time to write many paragraphs.

A paragraph is the building block of a lifelong writer.

WHAT IS A PARAGRAPH

So, what is a paragraph?

A paragraph is a group of sentences that talk about the same thing.

I begin by explaining a paragraph contains 5 sentences.

They are the 1 topic sentence, 3 supporting sentences, and 1 concluding sentence.

Then, explain what each sentence is about.

The first sentence tells you what the paragraph will be about.

And the second to fourth sentences are supporting sentences. They give you details and examples about the topic sentence.

Finally, the closing or concluding sentence wraps up what the paragraph is about. It leaves you with a lasting thought about what the paragraph is about.

As you can see once a child learns to write just one paragraph that example can be duplicated to turn one paragraph to a five page essay. Each page essay represents one 5 sentence paragraph. Now the goal is more clearer.

Paragraphs help make your writing clear and organized. Once a child learns to write one well formed paragraph writing becomes exciting.

Each writer desires to write about topics they are passionate about. Our children are no different.

My form below helps to get your child on the road to writing.

Then, look at more activities.

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
Powerful Paragraphs: Free Give Me A Paragraph Form (Editable)

Also, look at this series Daily Paragraph Editing which is another great way to focus on paragraphs.

HOW TO GRAB THE FREE EDITABLE GIVE ME A PARAGRAPH FORM

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, handson, handsonhomeschooling, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, languagearts, writing

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

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

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