• Facebook
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Tina's Dynamic Homeschool Plus

Activity, Change, Progress

  • HOME
  • How to
    • Preschool
    • Kindergarten
    • Middle School
    • High School
  • Planner
  • Lapbooks
    • Trioramas
    • History Games
  • Shop
  • GET STARTED NOW!
    • Learning Styles
  • 7 Step Planner
    • DIY Best Student Planner
    • Free & Easy DIY Home Management Binder
  • Unit Studies
    • Creation to Ancients
    • Middle Ages to Reform
    • Exploring to Revolution
    • World Wars to Today
    • Science
    • Free Art Curriculum Grades 1 – 8
  • Curriculum
    • More Unit Studies
    • Geography
    • Writing PreK to 12th
    • Geronimo Stilton
  • BootCamp
    • Resources
      • Dynamic Subscriber Freebies
      • Exclusive Subscribers Library
      • Ultimate Unit Study Planner

writing prompts

Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics

April 12, 2025 | Leave a Comment
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

To catch their interest, you want to keep elementary school writing topics interesting and relevant to your child’s life. Also, look at my page Practical Homeschool Writing Curriculum from Pre-K To High School for more tips. 

Besides, writing is a fundamental skill that lays the groundwork for academic success and effective communication throughout life.

Too, elementary school writing topics help students to foster creativity, critical thinking, and a love for language.

Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics

Additionally, I’m giving you lots of great ideas for writing topics for your elementary aged child.

However, it would also be a lot of fun to help your child create a unique customized creative writing journal to put ideas in.

In the elementary grades, children begin to learn about- narrative, descriptive, and expository writing, with each serving its own purpose.

  • Narrative writing tells a story. It often includes characters, a plot, and a setting. The primary goal is to entertain or engage the reader.
  • Informative writing aims to educate or inform the reader about a specific topic. It relies on facts, statistics, and evidence to convey information.

Persuasive writing attempts to convince the reader to adopt a particular viewpoint or take a specific action. It often uses arguments, appeals, and evidence to sway the reader’s opinion.

First, look at narrative writing topics.

NARRATIVE WRITING TOPICS

Narrative writing allows students to tell stories, real or imagined. Moreover, it helps them develop their ability to structure a story, create characters, and use descriptive language from their point of view.

Personal Experiences

  • A time I was happy
  • My favorite party
  • A day I learned something new
  • A trip to the zoo
  •  My first day of school
  •  A time I helped someone
  •  My favorite family tradition

Imaginary Stories

  •  The mystery of the missing cookie
  •  If I had a pet dragon…
  •  A journey to a faraway land…
  •  The day the toys came to life
  •  A superhero adventure…
  •  A talking animal’s story
  •  A visit to a candy kingdom

Next, look at descriptive writing topics.

DESCRIPTIVE WRITING TOPICS

In addition, descriptive writing encourages students to use sensory details to paint a picture with words. Also, this helps them develop their vocabulary and observation skills.

Places

  •  My favorite place in my house
  •  A park on a sunny day
  •  A busy street in the city
  •  A quiet forest
  •  The beach at sunset
  •  My classroom
  •  A magical garden

Objects

  •  A piece of artwork
  •  My favorite toy
  •  A special gift
  •  A colorful flower
  •  A shiny rock..
  •  An old book
  • A delicious treat
Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics

People

  •  My best friend
  •  A family member
  •  A hero I admire
  •  Someone I just met recently
  •  A character from a book
  •  A neighbor that I know well

Also, look at expository writing topics.

EXPOSITORY WRITING TOPICS

Expository writing focuses on explaining, informing, or describing a topic. For example, it helps students develop their research, organization, and analytical skills.

How-To

  •  How to make a sandwich
  •  How to plant a seed
  •  How to draw a picture
  •  How to build a tower with blocks
  •  How to build a tree fort
  •  How to bake cookies
  •  How to take care of a pet
  • How to play my favorite video game

Factual Reports

  •  My favorite animal
  •  The solar system
  •  Different types of weather
  •  Famous landmarks
  •  The life cycle of a butterfly
  •  How plants grow
  •  What I know about dinosaurs

Opinion Pieces

  • Fishing is better than hunting
  •  Why reading is important
  •  My favorite sport and why
  •  The best thing about summer
  •  My favorite food and why
  •  Why it’s important to be kind
  •  The best way to spend a weekend

Too, look at more homeschool writing 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

Finally, look at how to make an elementary school creative writing journal.

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WRITING TOPICS JOURNAL

You will need:

  • Composition book
  • Scrapbook paper
  • ribbon
  • Stickers
  • Glue
  • scissors
Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics

First, lay your composition book on the “wrongside” of your chosen scrapbook paper.

Then trace around it with a pencil. Do this for each side. I like to leave the clean bound edge outside of the tracing area so it leaves a nice binding.

Unless your paper is the same on both sides, trace one side each time so that the pattern will be showing on the outside rather than cutting the same side out twice.

Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics

Next, repeat the same process with solid cardstock for each side.

Cut out all 4 pages and set to the side.

Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics

Next, cut out a length of ribbon twice as long as the height of the comp book.

Glue to the inside back cover so that when pulled through the pages at least an inch will still hang out the bottom.

Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics

Using a generous amount of glue, attach the solid cardstock to both sides of the inner covers, making sure it is pressed down well and covers the ribbon attached to the back.

Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics

Wipe away excess glue and allow it to lay open overnight or for several hours until the glue dries. You can use a quick drying glue stick but it may not hold as well as a good coat of school glue, alternatively use a thin layer of hot glue for a really quick dry.

Cover the outside of the journal with glue and press in your patterned paper to cover well. If needed, trim any edges off neatly.

Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics

Now use stickers or markers to add anything else you would like to add. A strip of solid cardstock glued across the middle gives you a clean canvas for adding a name or a title for the writing journal.

We found a bunch of words that were inspiring for writing all types of topics to decorate our journal with.

Unlocking Imagination: A Guide to Elementary School Writing Topics

Finally, allow the glue to dry and the journal is ready to hold all your fabulous stories using what you learned about writing.

Leave a CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Language Arts Tagged With: composition, elementary, homeschoolanguagearts, languagearts, writing, writing prompts

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

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

    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

    Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)

    June 7, 2022 | 1 Comment
    This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, please see my full disclosure policy.

    I’ve used some of the best homeschool writing curriculum; I hope you’ll benefit from my experience. Also, I’m going to help you hone your goals. Also, look at my page The Dynamics of How to Homeschool Easily and Smarter.

    Your goals are key to choosing a homeschool writing course which works for your family.

    Then, I’ll share some quick comparisons between the best homeschool writing curriculum.

     best homeschool writing curriculum

    Besides, what is the best homeschool writing program during the elementary years is not always the best writing course in high school.

    First, look at how I honed my writing goals and standards for my children.

    This is your beginning point. Isolate your goals with clarity.

    4 Ways to Identify the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum

    1. Identify what type of writing curriculum your family needs now. A curriculum can include the physical act of learning how to write which is penmanship. In addition, it may only be the mental part of writing which is composition. Penmanship is learned in the early grades; a good rule of thumb for beginning composition is fourth grade.
    2. Narrow down the choices to either a complete language arts course or just the writing component. I prefer to keep language arts separated components because my children were at different levels. From my experience, my children learned better by not heaping grammar, reading, and spelling into one lump. Isolating just to composition or writing courses helped my children to learn the art of writing.
    3. Understand that learning how to write is an interactive skill but that doesn’t mean it should always be learned online. Although I didn’t have experience teaching composition when I started, I chose detailed teaching manuals so I could understand the writing process. I’ve learned that most children just need a caring adult to guide them even if they choose an online course. So, even if you choose an online writing course, your writer, no matter the age still needs you.
    4. Be sure these vital components can be identified in a writing curriculum: brainstorming tips, prewriting, drafting, editing/rewriting, and publishing.

    Homeschool Writing Courses for Elementary Students

    Next, look at these writing courses I used for varying purposes and times through my journey.

    In my children’s early years, I used curriculum which encouraged copywork, but equally important was what was being copied.

    I hail to the mindset the great writers need to see excellent writing, hear beautiful words, and copy them.

    We used part of Aesop for Children: Story and D’Nealian Copybook Volume I and Writing Strands.

    However, I started by using the older version of Writing Strands; a newer one has come out. I have mixed feelings about Writing Strands.

    While it sometimes did not give an abundance of clear direction for me, it was a lightweight and fun curriculum.

    At the time when I was struggling with an outline of what to teach in each grade, it eased the burden I had put on myself.

    It gave me a glimpse of how easy it can be teaching writing logically.

    Another curriculum I loved and used in the early years was Writing with Ease by Susan Wise Bauer.

    As an artist when it comes to writing, you’ll love her methods for teaching writing.

    Did I mention Susan Wise Bauer is a homeschool mom whose career was based on writing?

    Not only is her passion for writing contagious, but she understands that as parents we want comprehensive teaching tips.

    It’s true that Writing with Ease is a classical approach which means a heavier focus on writing, but it’s a solid writing program for the younger years.

    Then, WriteShop is another favorite written by two homeschool moms. We loved the crafts and hands-on way to bring writing to life and reduce the struggling writer syndrome.

    WriteShop worked for me when I needed step-by-step instructions of the writing process. In addition, I’ve learned to toggle between a gentle and rigorous approach in the early years. This means mixing curriculum.

    Writing Reference and Supplement Tools for Young Children

    Besides, mixing curriculum with different approaches is based on my child’s development.

    Some years we did more writing.

    Other years my children focused more on brainstorming and organizing thoughts.

    It’s all part of the whole writing process.

    So you need a variety of tools and references for your child to get the whole picture of writing.

    Don’t feel like you need to stick to just one curriculum.

    For example, I love Daily Paragraph Editing.

    Besides, essays at the higher grades are really just bigger paragraphs. If a child struggles with writing, typically it can be traced to the basics — a lack of variety of sentences and how to write a paragraph.

    Next, I’ve always used these books by Emma Serl because they use a gentle Charlotte Mason approach.

    • Intermediate Language Lessons
    • Writing Fabulous Sentences & Paragraphs, Grades 4-6.

    Moving on to the older grades there are just as many solid choices for writing curriculum as they are for the early grades.

    Middle School and High School Writing Curriculum

    We have loved Institute for Excellence in Writing for middle school and high school.

    Institute for Excellence helped to foster independence in my kids for writing. Having a fun writing teacher to teach my kids was one of the best parts.

    I didn’t completely abdicate all teaching to Mr. Pudewa but it was hard to contend with him.

    He is funny and teaches writing to be something that my children looked forward to.

    And although it’s more structured writing curriculum it still maintains a Charlotte Mason flare.

    The next one I used with my middle son was Jump In: Middle School Composition.

    It’s a great example of how a curriculum should take a student from brainstorming to prewriting and end with a final version.

    Jump In: Middle School Composition takes a traditional approach to teaching writing.

    I found it quite easy to implement with my teen and it presented the writing steps in a coherent way. We loved the step-by-step help.

    Finally, like any conscientious parent, I worried about finding the perfect homeschool essay writing curriculum.

    More Homeschooling in Middle School Resources

    • How to Successfully Homeschool Middle School
    • A to Z List: Middle and High School Homeschool Electives
    • Fun Winter Craft Ideas for Middle School Homeschool
    • Beginning Homeschooling in Middle School – 3 Questions Worth Asking
    • 10 Best Science Movies for Middle School
    • Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)
    • How to Choose the BEST Homeschool Middle and High School Language Arts Curriculum & Options
    • Free Middle School Science Curriculum and Magazines

    Little did I realize that Jump In: Middle School Composition had already given my sons a great start in how to write essays.

    Once I learned that all essays follow the same format — introduction, body, and conclusion, I encouraged my sons to write on a variety of topics.

    Homeschool Essay Writing Curriculum

    Similarly, The Power in Your Hands: Writing Nonfiction in High School is written by the same author as .Jump In: Middle School Composition. It’s another winner for us during the high school years.

    One year I felt one of my sons needed more of a challenge and the curriculum touted to be a college-prep course.

     best homeschool writing curriculum

    He absolutely soaked up the challenge.

    Look at my post Review of The Power in Your Hands: Writing Nonfiction in High School.

    Another one we used in high school was Essentials in Writing.

    Although it is a complete language arts curriculum by the time your teen gets to high school, he needs those teens.

    One of my sons loved using Institute for Excellence in Writing for his essays and preferred their structure. At this age, I do think your teen should have a voice in how he learns best.

    My vote is for Essentials in Writing and The Power in Your Hands: Writing Nonfiction in High School for essays because I love things that are detailed and simple.

    Both programs have visuals to help my teen organize his writing and evaluate his work.

    Also, another resource which has helped me through the years is Write Source 2000.

    Beyond writing, it helps your middle school and high school students learn how to think. All the parts of learning how to write are connected.

    It’s not just about putting pen to paper. Why?

    Because a teen needs to learn how to learn, how to organize his thoughts, understand his audience, and know the difference between formal and informal writing. Write Source 2000 has served as guide to me and a reference.

    Did this help you to identify a few writing courses which can help you this year?

    Moreover, here are more homeschool curriculum posts.

    • BEST Digital Homeschool Curriculum – Big Ol’ List
    • Big Ol’ List of All-In-One Homeschool Curriculum (a.k.a Boxed)
    • 10 Affordable and Complete Homeschool Kindergarten Curriculum
    • Best High School Homeschool Curriculum Packages (Accredited and Not Accredited)

    Find more writing curriculum tips here:

    • How to Rock Homeschool Creative Writing (when you don’t feel like THAT creative mom)
    • Which One is Really the Best Homeschool Writing Curriculum (a comparison)
    • 5 Creative Ways to Boost Handwriting in Older Kids
    • Cursive Matters; Handwriting Style Doesn’t + Free Resources
    • Teaching Handwriting When Homeschooling the Early Years Part 3
    • Faith-Neutral Homeschool Grammar and Writing Program
    • Homeschool Writing Program For Middle and High School Students
    • 3 Ways to Choose the BEST Writing Curriculum (for a Growing Homeschool Family)

    1 CommentFiled Under: Teach Homeschool Language Arts Tagged With: composition, essays, handwriting, homeschoolanguagearts, language arts, languagearts, onlinewriting, teachingwriting, writing, writing prompts

    • Page 1
    • Page 2
    • Go to Next Page »

    Primary Sidebar

    Footer

    Privacy Policy | About Me | Reviews | Contact | Advertise

    Categories

    Archives

    Tina Robertson is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 · 5 TNT LLC · Log in · Privacy Policy