Category — Writing Activities

My friend Carmen, from Albuquerque, New Mexico shared this great idea with me about how she creates special memories with her grandchildren. After they have done something together, she writes about it in her “Remember When” book. For example, if they went to the zoo she might write: Remember when we went to the zoo and the bear roared so loud that it scared Angie and she spilled her drink. She also includes photos. When her grandchildren come to visit they love to look through the book. It is now a tradition so the grandchildren will often ask her “Are you going to write that in the Remember When book?” As the grandchildren get older they can write in the “Remember When” book or even start their own.

Create a box full of fun things for your grandchildren to dress-up in when they come to visit. Fill it with old clothes, hats, shoes, and jewelry. I like to look for interesting things at thrift shops or yard sales. It’s easy to find some hilarious things that your grandchildren will love that are inexpensive. Children love to create funny outfits. Encourage your grandchildren to write a short play to act out or read a story and let them act it out. Be sure to take pictures to preserve the memories. I like to keep my dress-up items in a plastic box that I can slide under the couch, it’s easily accessible and also easy to put away.
Sagan didn’t need a dress-up box. He likes to dress himself in whatever he randomly pulls out of his drawer.

This is a simple activity you can do with your children (3-11 years) that will strengthen their reading and writing skills. Choose a short book to read. Whether you’re reading the book to your child or they are reading to you, be sure to stop periodically and ask questions about what has happened in the story and let them predict what they think will happen next. This is a great way to reinforce comprehension of the story. When you are finished reading, together discuss the sequence of events in the story and make a story wheel.

STEP 1 Trace 2 circles, that are the same size, on white paper. I used a plate.

STEP 2 Cut out the circles. Mark the center on one of the circles.

STEP 3 Cut out a triangular shape but don’t go right to the center marking. You will need a place to put your brad or paperclip.

STEP 4 It now looks like Pac Man. Put the two circles together and secure at the center point using a brad or paperclip.

STEP 5 On the whole circle have the child draw and color their favorite parts of the story following the sequence of the story. Each scene should fit into the cutout section. Retell the story by turning the top circle to show each drawing.

I attended a fantastic two day bookmaking workshop presented by artist and bookmaker Susan Kapluscinski Gaylord. I have been following Susan for several months and she inspired me to have my grandkids make books of their “Special Day with Grandma Liz.” All of her ideas use materials you already have and would probably recycle but now they have a new use. Check out her website Makingbooks .

Ethan making his “Special Day with Grandma Liz” book.

It was very easy to make: I just folded paper, punched two holes in the center, and tied a ribbon to hold it together.

This is fun and easy all year long but it can also be used as a Father’s Day card.
All you need is a rectangle shape piece of paper and a pencil. You can make your house as large or as small as you like depending on the size of paper. Have your child fold the paper into a house. They may need your help. Read a story about families or traditions and then have your child write or draw pictures inside the house, about a special family activity or tradition. Stand it up to display. You can also use stickers that represent a family activity or tradition.
Download Directions for House

Print out an ice cream cone pattern for each family member. Each person cuts out the single scoop ice cream cone and writes their name as shown in the picture. Put the cones on the refridgertor or a bulletin board so everyone can see them. Cut out the remaining scoops and put them in a place that is accessible to all members of the family. When a member of the family catches someone doing a good deed, write the deed on an ice cream scoop and attach it to their cone. Watch the ice cream cone get taller and taller as good deeds are being done.
Download Ice Cream Cone

This activity is not just for Earth Day but is great all year round. Before you recycle your old magazines and newspapers, let your grandchildren use them to create stories or books.
You’ll need magazines, newspapers scissors, glue, blank paper and a pencil. Let your grandchildren cut out pictures and words to create an original story.

If you enjoy gardening, invite your grandchildren to help plant your garden. This can be a great time to talk and you can use the ideas below to make it a fun learning time for math, reading and writing.

Gardening Learning Activities
Measure how far apart to plant the seeds.
Measure the perimeter of the garden.
Count how many rows will be needed.
Estimate how tall specific plants will grow.
Make a list of everything needed to plant and care for the garden.
Read the instructions for planting.
Read the instructions for caring for what is planted.
Design a marker for each thing planted.

This is a fun and easy book that you and your kids can make. They can write about a special activity or anything they enjoy. It’s handy to take in the car or put in your pocket.
WATCH VIDEO for instructions then have fun!

Did you know there’s a website devoted to Peeps? CHECK IT OUT.
You’ll find holiday ideas, recipes and you can even join the Peeps Fan Club.

April is National Poetry Month so why not write a poem about Peeps with your grandchildren. Here’s one that me and my grandchildren wrote:

Peeps
Purple, pink and yellow bunnies,
Little green chicks are so funny.
They’re squishy and chewy, so good to eat,
What a great Easter treat.