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teachingwriting

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)
  • 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
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

Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities

April 8, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

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

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

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

Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities

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

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

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

And just what are writing prompts?

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

WRITING PROMPT BOOKS FOR KIDS

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

5 Writing Prompt Books & Story Starters

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

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

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

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

  • Gazillions of Writing Prompts: Make writing fun with 360 storytelling prompt cards and story starters for kids; A creative, family-friendly activity that little and big kids can play together; Age 5 and up, up, up; A gift for writers of all ages
  • How to Use: The basics are super easy: combine yellow character cards with blue complication cards and let your imagination take over; Includes a booklet with creative prompts and non-competitive storytelling games; Play by yourself or in a group

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Then, look at more simple writing activities.

    MORE HOMESCHOOL WRITING CURRICULUM & TIPS

    • 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
    Free 30 Days PreK To High School Simple Writing Activities

    ABOUT THE 6 PAGE FREE PRINTABLE WRITING CHALLENGE

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

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

    HOW TO GET THE FREE PRINTABLE WRITING CHALLENGE

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

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

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

    2) Grab the freebie instantly.

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

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

    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

    11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

    November 17, 2023 | Leave a Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    There are so many fun handwriting activities for preschoolers before they ever need to pick up a pencil. Also, look at my page How to Homeschool Preschool.

    These activities will build not only their letter recognition but also fine motor, gross motor, coordination, posture, and letter formation.

    I think it is important for kids to get a good mix of writing with different materials, crayons, markers, and even their fingers.

    They can also practice letter formation with sticks, playdough, paint and so much more.

    11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

    Mix it up to keep it interesting for them and they will not even realize how much they are learning and developing as it will seem like play.

    I have found 11 fantastic ideas for writing in all the stages for preschoolers to get you started. Including some resources that would be a great addition to your preschool.

    Too, I also have an easy cranberry sauce writing tray tutorial for you that is completely taste-safe and is a fun new texture for kids to try that sensory seekers will love.

    Resources for Teaching Pre-Writing to Preschoolers

    9 Preschool Writing Resources for Pre-Writers for Readiness to Write

    Preschool means pre or before writing. That means they are not ready to write. You are teaching them prewriting activities to strengthen their fine motor skills.

    Wooden Letters Practicing Board, Double-Sided Alphabet Tracing Tool Learning

     This Wooden Letters Practicing Board would get a lot of use. I see it in car rides, doctors' offices, waiting at restaurants, and many other times to keep them busy while they learn.

    Magnetic Letters Double-Side Magnet Board - Foam Alphabet Letters for Kids Spelling and Learning

    These magnetic letters kit is great because it grows with your child from first learning to write letters to simple sight words and right on through more advanced spelling words. I like items that you can get years of use out of.

    Learning Without Tears - Pre-K Writing Book - Social-Emotional, Pre-Writing Skills

    Once they are ready for writing, if you need a solid program to use for yearly evaluations or just to
    see the progress on their own, Handwriting Without Tears is a very popular option.

    Alphabet Learning Toys for Toddlers

    271 Pcs Alphabet Sounds Teaching Tubs] Alphabet Learning Toy Set includes 26 Cardboard Cans with Plastic Lids, 52 Letter Cards (Uppercase and Lowercase each 26), and 193 Photo Cards
    to encourage toddlers early learning of spelling and memory of corresponding objects.

    Pre-Writing Basic Patterns Stencils

    These tracing templates fine-tune developing motor skills, strengthen muscle-memory, and introduce essential writing elements

    Preschool Skills: Tracing, Cutting, and Gluing, Scissor Skills, Fine Motor

    If you are looking for ways to help your child get ready for school, or just looking to help them develop fine motor skills then this is the book for you! Developed by teachers, with the top skills that teachers look for in their students entering Kindergarten. This book will help your child learn how to trace lines, and use scissors and glue properly.

    Crayons in a Rock Shape, 32 Count, Tripod Grip Made For Handwriting Development in Kids and Toddler

    CRAYON ROCKS - Are simply the best coloring tool for young children! Made in rural Kentucky, USA from soybean wax, they are vibrantly colored and create beautifully textured child artwork similar to oil pastels.

    2 Pack LCD Writing Tablet for Kids, Electronic Writing Pad, Colorful Doodle Board Drawing

    LCD Writing Tablets for kids are so much fun and will encourage practice drawing and writing with very little encouragement from you

    ReadyWriter Classic Edition : Stylus Skills, Printing, and Penmanship

    One of my favorites that has been around for years for ages 4 to 8. Learn to write by drawing pictures and doing fun activities.

    Also, look at more how to homeschool preschool activities.

    How to Homeschool Preschool Activities

    • A Unique Flexible and Beautiful Preschool Homeschool Planner
    • How to Teach Homeschool Preschool From the Inside Out (And Preschool Skills)
    • Celebrate World Jellyfish Day With A Jellyfish in a Jar Preschool Activity
    • Fun Bat Anatomy Toilet Paper Roll Craft | 8 Bat Science Activities Preschool
    • Fun Resources and Books About The Human Body For Preschoolers
    • Make Cute Felt Leaf Sachets For Fall Leaf Crafts for Preschoolers
    • Fun Corn Life Cycle Preschool Sensory Bin and Printable Lifecycle Foldout
    • 10 Egg Carton Crafts For 2 Year Olds and Fun Nature Color Match Activity
    • Learn About Indigenous Animal Geography Fun Activity for Preschool to Elementary
    11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

    Then look at these fun handwriting activities.

    11 Fun Handwriting Activities for Preschoolers

    1. Before writing you can use playdough to learn about forming letters like with the Playdough Mat Name Forming activity here.
    2. This Rainbow Rice Sensory Writing Tray is tons of fun and most of us have plenty of rice in the pantry so give it a try.
    3. There will be lots of ooey-gooey writing practice with this Slime Writing Tray where they can use their fingers or something else to write with.
    4. If you want to avoid the mess or your child just doesn’t like messy hands try this idea for Shaving Cream Writing in a bag.
    5. A different take on the shaving cream but keeping the mess contained is to learn How to Make Sensory Bags PLUS a Letter and Number Card FREEBIE
    6. Who needs a pencil when you have a pile of fun play dough and a skewer? Check out this Play-Dough Writing Tray.
    7. I really love this idea for Q-Tip letter tracing, who knew such a simple household item could be so useful?
    8. How creative is this idea for Icy Letter Writing? A fun activity for winter or a great way to cool down and practice in the summer.
    9. Break out the watercolor paints for this Simple Watercolor Activity for name and handwriting practice.
    10. Prewriting activities like these DIY Alphabet Lacing Cards help a child learn letter recognition and formation while building the muscles and coordination they will need for actual writing.
    11. Pushpin Letters are good for coordination, and fine motor skills, and will help your child learn the grasp they will need for writing with a pencil correctly
    11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

    Finally, look at how to make this easy cranberry sauce writing tray.

    Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

    You will need:

    • Shallow tray or dish
    • Canned cranberry sauce, pureed
    • Spatula or spoon
    • Fresh cranberries
    • Cardstock
    • Marker

    First, open cranberry sauce and stir to break it up and make it as smooth as you can.

    11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

    Pour into the tray and smooth it out with the bottom of the can.

    11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

    Draw shapes, letters, and numbers on cardstock with a marker.

    11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

    Cut them out, if you would like them to be able to be used often you may want to laminate them so they can easily be wiped off after messy play like this one.

    11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

    You can also add a handful of fresh cranberries to explore a different texture but also they can be used to count when a child writes numbers with their fingers.

    11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

    Look at that fine motor work!

    11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

    Encourage letter and number writing but also free play in the sensory bin to make it a well-rounded experience.

    I highly recommend taking this one outside or at least placing a plastic shower curtain liner under the area as it can be pretty sticky.

    11 Fun Handwriting Activities For Preschoolers | Easy Cranberry Sauce Writing Tray

    Leave a CommentFiled Under: Hands-On Activities Tagged With: cranberries, fine motor skills, hands-on, hands-on activities, handson, handsonhomeschooling, handwriting, homeschool preschool, preschool, teachingwriting, writing

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