Kids do a lot of writing on smart phones, iPads and computers but writing on paper helps kids improve grammar, spelling and vocabulary. It also provides a place for teens and tweens to put all their thoughts, so they can revisit them later to see how they think and how they have grown.
Activity Directions
- Make: Help your child create their own journal and make one for yourself. Below is an idea for a fast, fun and inexpensive way to begin journaling your thoughts and stories right away.
- Talk: Ask questions to stimulate each other’s imagination and sense of storytelling. While walking the aisles of the grocery store ask, ‘What do you think that man’s story is?’ If you find a button lost from a garment ask, ‘What do you think the clothes that button came from look like? Who wore them?’ Or you might help each other make choices that you are faced with in life by writing a list of pros and cons for each of your options.
- Write: If you want your kids to do more writing, write yourself. Remind your kids that their journals are private and you will not read it unless asked. You could even share your own words with your child to get a conversation started.
Instructions:
- Gather one straw (Sonic straws work great), one rubber band (3 ½ inch), a stack of paper cut to fit the straw (8.5”x11” three-hole paper with the bottom one-third cut off)
- Thread the rubber band through the upper hole, with a small loop showing in the front.
- Insert the straw through that small loop.
- Stretch the rubber band down the back of the paper and thread the end through the bottom hole.
- Loop the rubber band around the bottom of the straw to hold it in place.
- Personalize the journal and start writing!
Did You Know?
Michele Green, author of the award winning teen novel Chasing the Jaguar says, “Everyone is a writer, whether they know it or not. Whenever you tell a friend a story, you are writing.” Writing is important, especially for teenagers and adolescents, she says, because it gives distance and perspective. So what can you do to help your child find their voice?
This Learning Adventures project is sponsored by Primrose Schools. Activity idea provided by Oklahoma A+ Schools, the state’s only research-based whole school network with a mission of nurturing creativity in every learner. Learn more at www.okaplus.org.
