Fun Tips for Summer Writing

Keep a Journal – Purchasing a new journal and a special pen is a great way to start writing stories or poetry. It is also useful to keep a log of your summer activities.  If you are taking an especially interesting trip, be sure to write down your daily activities. Don't forget to write the date on each entry so that many years from now you can read your work and know when it was written.

Writing Samples – Ask your family members if they would be willing to share any saved stories, poems or journals from their childhood. Break out your writing samples from past school years. You’ll be guaranteed to have a good laugh, and it will be fun to compare your writing styles with your family's.

Pen a Book – Write a story about the school year or a recent special event. Illustrate it, make a cover page and staple it all together to make a book. What a valuable keepsake!

Find a Pen Pal – In this day of "instant messaging" and "texting", there's nothing like writing and receiving old-fashioned snail mail.  Purchase some fancy stationery and select a distant friend or relative to mail your letters to.

Play the “Story Game” – This is a great activity for a long car/plane ride. Have one person start writing an introduction, then pass it along to another person  to continue the story. Pass the story back and forth, adding our own characters and events until you feel it's time for a conclusion. Then read your creation out loud.

Research Something Interesting – The internet is an incredible tool for research. Use Google, or any other search engine, to research a topic that interests you or could benefit your family.  You can explore a future vacation destination and what sights to visit when you get there. You can even solve a household mystery by finding out what kind of insect is eating your tomato plants.  Write a short report on your findings.

Review a Book – There are several websites that welcome book reviews from kids. This is an excellent chance for young writers to take the time to not only read, but to also edit a story and work on grammar. Check out www.thereadingtub.com and www.bookreviewsbykids.com. If you do a search online you’ll find plenty more.

Write to the Editor – If you read a magazine regularly or are interested in a news story of any kind, write a letter to the editor. Many journalists would welcome input from young readers. Make sure you read it for content and quality before it goes out.

Enter a Contest – There are hundreds of online writing contests for kids that give them an opportunity to share their writing know-how. Search for writing contests for kids online. There’s no better way to use your creative talents and work on grammar.

Happy writing!