Fun Writing Tool

Fablevision's Stationary Studio Writing software is a pretty fun and unique way to encourage writing in your child. Not only does it include tools to teach them penmanship, it is filled with chockful of ideas to get the kids' creative juices going. It instigates their thinking abilities while letting them jot down their ideas and stories on fun stationary themed pages featuring the artwork of Peter Reynolds, one of the most beloved children's illustrator.  What I like about the software program is that it doesn't just focus on story-type writing, but it allows the child to diversify by practicing writing reports and articles as well.


ps: This is NOT a sponsored post!

Bord Chalkboard on your mobile device

This is a super fun app for your little one or even yourself! You can turn your iPhone/iPad into a chalkboard. It comes with 6 different chalk colors and 3 different chalk thickness. Plus, you can send those fun creations to your email or post them on facebook. This will be such a fun way to print new art for your house as well! Love it!







And...if you hate drawing with your fingers, you can get this  nifty stylus. Just Mobile AluPen™ is a chunky pencil-shaped stylus that gives you precise control over your iPad, iPhone and iPod touch.

Christmas Wish #5: Brainstorming sessions for your future writer!

Sukie has a wonderful array of writing notebooks/journals that will simply let your child's imagination run wild...well...at least in WORDS!!!  It's a fun stocking stuffer for your aspiring young writer and what a great item to add to their keepsake box once they're done with it! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it!

Christmas Wish #2: Scribble Press

If you are heading down to NYC or L.A. anytime soon, it might be fun to hit up Scribble Press!  Scribble Press is a fully stocked studio to help your child write and illustrate their own book, and they will bind it as a hardcover or board book while you wait!  In-store publishing projects start at just $15. Scribble Press even has onsite designers to help you turn all your kids' artwork into a beautiful custom book. In addition, you can host your child's birthday party at Scribble Press! Talk about fun! I love the whole concept!!!!

Is your refrigerator too cluttered with your kid's art?

Doesn't it make your toes curl and your heart flitter by seeing what cool art your little one's cute fingers create? You want to post it all over your refrigerator...WAIT...you probably already do that! You may even have a whole wall dedicated to your budding artist. A cool way to keep all your child's art is to create an artbook or photobook of all the art. You can either scan the artwork or take a picture of it with your camera. Online products such as Blurb is an awesome venue for you to create a lasting memory of your child's creations. You can even have it published for sale online. This may be a great way to start your child's college fund or help out a charity your family supports!!! I love Blurb because of how easy it is to create a professional looking book!

It's also fun to put your kids' artwork in frames and replace them with new art every month. Not only does it bring a whimsical feel to your home, it's an original and cheap way to put art on your walls! Want to add some educational insights to your children's art? Pick about ten to fifteen art pieces and have your child write a short story about it. Although they may be completely random pieces, this exercise will help develop your child's creative thought and writing process. Plus this way, you can create children's books/poems authored and illustrated by your own child. Now, how's that for added coolness?

What do you do with your children's artwork?   

Image courtesy of Sarah Jane Studios 

Poetry Writing

Poetry Writing with Jack Prelutsky, Karla Kuskin and Jean Marzollo is a fun flash interactive activity that teachers your childrent he different types of poetry and how to write that style of poetry. It is a great way to introduce your kids to poetry. The fun part about poetry is that most childrens' books are actually poems, lengthened out with illustrations. You could try having your child write their own poem and then help them format it into a book. Have your child illustrate the pages him/herself. You can then scan the pages and make your child's very first authored book. There are lots of sites that let you print your own hardcover books nowadays. Costco does it for pretty cheap or you can try one of my favorite book printing sites Blurb out. Blurb even has an easy software for you to download which will make formatting your book that much easier. It will be a great present for your significant other half or for the grandparents! If nothing else, it will be an unique opportunity to get your child interested in writing and publishing!

Reading Tip #8: Reading Comprehension

Your child may love reading, but does he/she have the comprehension skills to understand the context of the book/story? Although the majority of children who love reading have higher comprehension skills, it is still vital that you train your child in refining these skills. Talk to your child about the book he/she is reading or is just done reading. Ask what the book is about, who their favorite characters are and why, and what was their favorite and least favorite part of the book. Doing so consistently will ensure your child reads for the details instead of simply skimming through the book. In addition, you can have your child work on some comprehension exercises. The following links are some free comprehension exercises (for different age groups) you can print out for your child to practice on:

1.  http://www.rhlschool.com/reading.htm

2.  http://abcteach.com/directory/reading_comprehension/

3.  http://www.pearsonlongman.com/ae/marketing/sfesl/practicereading.html

4.  http://www.usingenglish.com/comprehension/ (6th grade through 9th grade, depending on our child's skill level.)

5.  http://www.superteacherworksheets.com/1st-comprehension.html

That being said, it is alright for your child to try and challenge him/herself to read a higher level book. They may not understand it completely at first, but they are slowly harnessing their comprehension skills in attempting to read a more difficult book. Don't discourage your kids if they want to try a harder read. Encourage them. Buy them a dictionary so that they may look up difficult words. If you have read that book before, talk to them after they have finish each chapter and try and explain the chapter's story and key points to them if they don't quite understand it. Doing so will encourage them to further their reading skills and get them excited about reading. If you will like to take it a step further, have them highlight the new words they have learnt. Pick about ten of those words and have them write a silly story using those words. The result will be a child better equipped in their vocabulary skills and the beginning of a fun creative writing process!