3 Ways to Boost Descriptive Writing Ability

Writing is an art; a means of expression. Words are the medium. 

Drum Up the Details

Juicy, nourishing details are the meat that no story, whether fiction or non, can live without. 

Here are three tips for improving descriptive writing and providing sustenance to the story:

1.  Increase your vocabulary. 

2.  Polish your observation skills.  

3.  Slow down and pay attention.

Check out my board Reading & Writing for activities that will help you put these tips into action.

Class Discussion

Choose something to write a description of and share it!

Happy Homeschooling!

Mrs. Redd

More Art & Music Links:

• 10 Story Starters For Art & Music
• 4 Art & Music Journal Activities
• Connecting Talents With Traditions
• Fostering Talent: Raising Artists and Musicians
• Free Sweet Snowflake Edible Art recipe

5 Tips to Nip Nonfiction Negativity

In order to write creative nonfiction (CNF), we must read creative nonfiction.  This can be tough when kids (and adults) sometimes equate nonfiction with boring.  

Nix Nonfiction Negativity

1.  Identify interests. and choose CNF titles accordingly. 

2.  Sneak one in.  
Read a CNF book aloud, but reveal your secret after they enjoyed the story.

3.  Read by example.

4.  Show no fear.
Don't let on if you anticipate complaints.  Your enthusiasm is essential!

5.  Choose creative activities.
Timing and personalization are key here.  Ease into the reading with fun activities and keep them flowing.  (Check out my board Reading & Writing for some unique book report ideas!)

Class Discussion

Do you have creative activities that keep your kids reading?

(Leave a comment to get the Scribble Frame Lined & Primary Lined Journal Papers FREE!)

Happy Homeschooling!
Mrs. Redd

More Language Arts Links:

• Scribble Frame Lined & Primary Lined Journal Papers
• Guest Post: 5 Story Starters That Keep Kids Writing
• 6 Tips For Raising Writers
• Printable Primary Lined Journal Paper
• Choosing Our Words Wisely
• Bears in Our Backyard
• Dear Diary

How to Make a Peanut Butter, Cheese, and Mayo Sandwich

Math is as much about processes and creative thinking as it is crunching numbers, and perhaps the best way to clarify steps in a procedure or find a solution is to write it down.  

You can make a list or draw pictures.  You can also tell it in a story.

Here is an idea for an exercise in following/giving instructions, and turning it into a work of creative nonfiction.

Step 1: Choose a Task

A peanut butter, cheese, and mayo sandwich is more interesting than making a plain old PBJ.  By giving an unusual task, the lesson immediately becomes fascinating.

Variations: 

For multiple participants, brainstorm a list of silly (but feasible) tasks.  Have everyone choose their task at random.

You could also create problems that need to be solved.

Step 2:  Make a To Do List

Write down all the steps in tutorial form.

Step 3:  Do the Task

Make sure to compare the steps in the tutorial to the actual performing of the task to ensure accuracy.

Step 4:  Write About It.

As soon after completion of the task as possible write a story about what happened.  Be as detailed as possible, describing the setting, any mistakes, etc.  

The more interesting the task or problem, the better the story will be!

Class Discussion

Share ideas for interesting tasks/problems!

(Leave a comment to get the Math Journal Paper Bundle FREE!)

Happy Homeschooling!
Mrs. Redd

More Math Links:

• Math Journal Paper Bundle
• 5 Math Story Starters
• 2 Easy Ways to Squeeze Writing Into Your Math Lessons (And Make it Fun!)
• Accidental Math on Purpose
• Measuring Up

5 Reasons Writing Leads To Mastery

Writing is a subskill that underscores each academic subject, as well as learning in general.  The need for writing ability cannot be questioned, nor can it be neglected.  

Here are 5 reasons why writing is needed for mastery learning to occur:

1.  Writing is a tool for evaluation.

• Pinpoints weaknesses and strengths for teacher and student.
• Avoids the pressure and negative associations with testing.
• Identifies interests and preferences.
• Assists with creating an education plan.

2.  Writing fosters positive outcomes.

• The simple act of writing regularly improves ability.
• Establishing a writing habit encourages a productive activity.  
• It allows you to safely and positively express emotions.
• Writing provides inspiration.

3.  Writing organizes thoughts.

• Creates a visual of ideas.
• Ideas are less likely to be lost.
• Identifies what is known and unknown.

4.  Writing is a base skill.

• Writing ability gives you a go-to skill.
• Use writing to find solutions.

5.  Writing makes it stick.

Writing aids in submitting information to the long-term memory (mastery): 

• It incorporates multiple senses.
• Creates mental images.
• Is a form of revisiting concepts.

More information on mastery:

• Mastery Teaching Simplified
• Time To Get Personal!
• The Setting
• Connect, Apply, Repeat
• Panoramic View

Class Discussion

What are the areas in your curriculum where writing could be introduced? 

Happy Homeschooling!

Mrs. Redd

5 Science Story Starters

When I connect writing to learning, I envision information being inscribed upon the brain. Writing is a method to mastery: when we write something down it is more likely to be submitted to the long-term memory for retention.  

Some of the most fantastically fictional ideas have been turned into reality because they were written down and explored.   

5 Science Story Starters

1.  Lucy fanned the pages of the book to release the old book smell she loved.  A folded piece of paper caught her thumb.  It was a sketched blueprint and handwritten note signed by Albert Einstein.

2.  As part of their aquatic life nature study, Jessica and Ben collected a sample of river water to observe under the microscope.  They were astonished at their findings.

3.  James was fascinated with the weather, and had made a hobby out of reproducing meteorological occurrences on a smaller scale.  One day James made an important discovery.

4. In the course of her work, Tonya uncovered an element unknown to man to that point.  The more she learned, the more she realized how crucial this element was to our existence.

5.  Shannon loved studying space.  One night while observing the sky, she noticed something strange.

Class Discussion

Share your stories using these prompts!


Happy Homeschooling!
Mrs. Redd

More Science Links:

• Which Came First: The Q or the A?
• We've Got Learning in the Bag!
• Free Printable Keyboarding Practice Sheet
• Weather Watcher's Primary Lined Journal Paper 

5 Creative Writing Activities For Social Studies

Social Studies is a subject that often thwarts students, even very bright ones, if it is left to mundane methods that present the subject as dreary. 

Adding a little imagination to any subject brings it to life, and can increase the chances that information will be mastered.  Combining creativity with writing as a learning method can only accelerate learning even further.  

5 Social Studies Story Starters

1.  After writing what seemed like a thousand letters, the president finally responded personally to Jessica's concerns.

2.  Remnants of a brick path are all that is left of the old schoolhouse, along with a few tales of famous Americans who attended it.

3.  Melissa and Eva closed their eyes and pointed to a destination on the map. The girls were astonished to find that the town had vanished and no one was talking.

4.  The ancient tree in Jonathan's backyard had been uprooted in last night's storm, leaving a deep, gaping hole.  Among the massive roots and dark earth, Jonathan spotted an object protruding from the dirt.

5.  Amy entered her grandmother's attic and immediately noticed the magnificent ball gown hanging in the corner.  She put it on and stepped in front of a dusty mirror.  The moment her eyes met her own gaze in the mirror the attic disappeared. 

Class Discussion

Share your stories using these prompts!

Happy Homeschooling!
Mrs. Redd

More Social Studies Links

• 4 Activities For Social Studies Journals
• Asking the Hard Questions
• Always Before Our Eyes, Forever in Our Minds
• The Story of the States
• Preamble and Bill of Rights Classroom Visuals Printable
• What's in Your Family Tree?
• Friend of the Fleas
• Bears in Our Backyard
• When to do the Breakfast Chores

10 Story Starters For Art & Music

Today you get 5 story starters each for Art and Music. Enjoy!

5 Art Story Starters

1.  Elizabeth was speechless when she opened the blinds.  The world outside was completely black and white!

2.  This was Michelle's first visit to New York.  She stood gawking at the mural before her: it was a graffiti image of herself as she looked at that moment.

3.  Jason picked up his photographs from the printer, but when he looked at them later he realized they were not his pictures.

4.  Eric rushed out the door, cramming his drawings into a folder as he went.  One blew out of his hand, but he didn't have time to chase it.  The next day his drawing was on the front page of the newspaper.

5.  Ashley gave her baby brother a crayon and sat down beside him.  A few minutes later, she saw that his yellow construction paper was covered in the most elegant calligraphy she had ever seen.

5 Music Story Starters

1.  Paige had grown familiar with the twangy old country music that drifted down into her bedroom through the vent.  Then one day it stopped.  

2.  The ice cream truck rolled slowly down the street, but the cheerful tunes had been replaced with a lullaby.  Instead of running to purchase a treat, parents and children stopped where they were to nap.

3.  Lacy and Megan, arch rivals since kindergarten, were both participating in the school talent show.  Lacy planned to sing, Megan planned to play her trombone, and they both intended to sabotage the other.

4.  Justin's mom ALWAYS listened to jazz.  One day he came home early and caught her jamming to classic rock.

5.  Malcolm woke up to a cheery tune, but couldn't find its source.  He soon noticed that the music changed with his activities.  Someone was playing music to Malcolm's life!

Class Discussion

Share your stories you wrote using these prompts!

Happy Homeschooling!
Mrs. Redd

More Art & Music Links:

• Connecting Talents With Traditions
• Fostering Talent: Raising Artists and Musicians
• Free Sweet Snowflake Edible Art recipe

Guest Post: 5 Story Starters That Keep Kids Writing

Today's post is a compilation of prompts written by Brenda Woods of The Write Space.  Brenda is a published author, established editor and journalist, and has been teaching creative writing for ten years.  She is also a good Facebook friend of mine! :) You can read more about Brenda and The Write Space here. 

While you are visiting The Write Space, be sure to read about a tiny warrior named Lily-Mae and consider getting the fundraiser book  Tiny Dancer: A Book For Lily-Mae.

What Can You Do?

By Brenda Woods

The Write Space

“How can I keep this going?” enquired a parent after our amazing Summer Camp. She noticed her child had left The Write Space talking about fairies, aliens and things like adjectives and synonyms, and making up characters she wanted to write about!

Her child was writing and reading out loud and feeling confident.

So here are some guidelines as what you can do – as a parent or caregiver – to keep that little creative mind working on their writing abilities.

1.  Think Like A Kid

It sounds silly – but try to be like a child. Get out of the adult grown up world for a bit and go with the flow and listen to what they are saying. Unlocking the creative imagination is key. If you can talk it, you can write it.

Find the wonder in everything. A simple walk can turn into a magical adventure. For example – those bubbles brimming in the little stream are actually fairies dancing! Did you know that? It’s just we can’t see them because they are Shy Fairies. Ask your child to tell you the names of other fairies living in the stream. You might be very surprised with their answers.

2.  Through the Portal

I love this one – the portal experience. Just like in C.S. Lewis’ The Lion The Witch And The Wardrobe – think of something which once opened, could transport you to the other side and into a magical land. 

I used to tell our children that if you opened the cupboard doors on one side of the kitchen you could travel through a magic tunnel to one grandma and if you opened the other kitchen cupboards under the sink, you would get to visit the grandma who lived in the other direction. 

Even think about this – if you put your hand through the garden hedge on the stroke of midnight (no particular reason for this time but it seems magical) then you will travel into another dimension and meet new people. Who are those people?

3.  Bedtime Stories

Read to your child at night in bed. Then close the book and chat about your own characters. Tell one part of the story and your child tells the other. 

A good point to begin a story is at the start of a journey and the character has to find something and meets interesting creatures on the way. Of course, there is always the evil character following and trying to cause trouble!

4.  Choose an Object

Look at something as simple as a pen and ask them to talk about it. Is it a magical pen? Is it a naughty pen that writes bad things? Is it a good pen that helps you write all the correct answers? If you were the pen – what would you say – where are you from?

5.  Write Now, Edit Later

This is part of our work here at The Write Space. Most of all – we have FUN. We also try not to initially nit-pick with spellings and grammar – can you imagine the Shy Fairies having someone interrupt their adventures and tell them they are not speaking correctly?!

Thanks for sharing with us Brenda!

Class Discussion

Share your stories!

Happy Homeschooling!

Mrs. Redd

More Language Arts Links:

• 6 Tips For Raising Writers
• Printable Primary Lined Journal Paper
• Choosing Our Words Wisely
• Bears in Our Backyard
• Dear Diary

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5 Math Story Starters

Since November is NaNoWriMo, we are trying to squeeze writing in across the subjects.  Last week it was journal entries, and this week we are going to use fiction to get our facts straight.  

5 Math Story Starters:

1.  Charlie knew no one would believe him.  He wasn't sure that what just happened had actually happened.  The only proof he had was the note written in code.  He had to crack that code!

2.  Amber jolted to her feet.  She had made a terrible mistake-a disastrous miscalculation!

3.  Detective Matthews was baffled.  There had to be a pattern.  There is always a pattern.

4.  Thomas couldn't seem to get the ratio right.  He was certain about the amount of each ingredient except one.

5.  Dr. Randall plugged his numbers into the formula.  "But this cannot be," he exclaimed, "it's simply not possible!"

Class Discussion

Share your stories! 

Happy Homeschooling!

Mrs. Redd

More Math Links:

• 2 Easy Ways to Squeeze Writing Into Your Math Lessons (And Make it Fun!)
• Printable Primary Lined Math Journal Paper
• Accidental Math on Purpose
• Measuring Up

6 Ideas For Using Science in Creative Writing

There is not much room for creative writing in science, however, science is an excellent source of ideas for creative writing.  Here are some tips for turning scientific observations into stories:

1.  Habitat Haiku

Use the scene outside the window, from the backyard or a favorite outdoor spot to write a haiku or other poetry.

2.  Dramatic Discovery

Turn a recent scientific discovery the kids have made into a story.

3.  Time Travel

Study a scientist and write a story in which the scientist visits us in the future.

4.  Solve a Problem

Discuss a problem and create an invention to solve it.  Write a story about what could happen if the invention worked.

5.  Make it Humorous

Write jokes, comic strips, funny poems or stories using cells, atoms, animals and other scientific objects as characters.

6.  Animal Antics

Keeping a journal for pet observations can inspire and add details to animal tales.

Class Discussion

Do you use science in creative writing activities? 

Happy Homeschooling!

Mrs. Redd

More Science Links:

• Which Came First: The Q or the A?
• We've Got Learning in the Bag!
• Free Printable Keyboarding Practice Sheet
• Weather Watcher's Primary Lined Journal Paper 

4 Activities For Social Studies Journals

Social Studies is another subject I think we could do more writing in.  Since we journal so much anyway, I thought we'd add a Social Studies Journal.  

Here are 4 journal activities that I intend to implement:

1.  "Dear Diary" Entries

Recount the day as someone would from the time period we are studying.  

2.  Hindsight Letters

As a review or evaluation, write a letter to a historical figure explaining to them the consequences of their choices, and whether the child believes the person was correct in their thinking or not.

3.  Brainstorming Solutions

Using current events, brainstorm ideas for causes, effects, and solutions to problems we are facing now.

4.  Travel Log

Children decide where they want to go and research their destination.  Then write a travel log to imagine their trip. 

Class Discussion

Do you have suggestions for writing in geography?

Happy Homeschooling!

Mrs. Redd

More Social Studies Links

• Asking the Hard Questions
• Always Before Our Eyes, Forever in Our Minds
• The Story of the States
• Preamble and Bill of Rights Classroom Visuals Printable
• What's in Your Family Tree?
• Friend of the Fleas
• Bears in Our Backyard
• When to do the Breakfast Chores

4 Art & Music Journal Activities

Room For Improvement 

Writing is a fundamental subject, and I want to incorporate it across our curriculum as a go-to skill. Until recently, though, I have overlooked writing as an integral part of art and music.

In an effort to remedy this deficit, I have come up with a couple ideas to utilize journals, and over at the MRC Fan Page you will find additional links.

Art Journal Activities

1.  Writing in Reverse: Reinforce the ideas of painting pictures with words and conjuring images while reading.

Without using words...

• Draw a story or comic strip 
• Draw thoughts, emotions
• Draw images of meaningful experiences

2.  The Art of Lettering:  Make handwriting fun by getting creative.

• Explore the timeline of writing utensils and create new tools.
• Design your own lettering.
• Learn calligraphy.

Music Journal Activities

1.  Write to the Music:  Listen to a variety of music and write the thoughts each evokes.

2.  Take Notes:  Record favorite songs, lyrics, musicians, styles of music, etc.  

Class Discussion

Do you have any suggestions for integrating writing into our art and music curriculum? 

Happy Homeschooling!

Mrs. Redd

More Art & Music Links:

• Connecting Talents With Traditions
• Fostering Talent: Raising Artists and Musicians
• Free Sweet Snowflake Edible Art recipe

  

6 Tips For Raising Writers

"From the time our kids were big enough to handle a crayon (before the age of 2), they have been filling notebooks.  They have progressed into excellent writers and readers, and we have lovely little scribbles to remind us where it all began.  Writing and drawing materials are one of the finest gifts you can provide to a child."      

      ~ My comment on the post The Importance of Writing Journals

Here are 6 tips you can use to bring out the writer in your children:

1.  Pick up a pen.

Get yourself a journal and put your thoughts on paper daily.  Even if you only record the day's events, you are demonstrating the importance of writing.

2.  Start them young.

It will be love at first scribble as soon as the crayon hits the page!

3.  Make positive associations.

Send them to their journals with their joyful experiences, happy thoughts, and ideas.  

During tough moments, point out that writing is an outlet and the page doesn't argue or judge.

4.  Read.

Read aloud to them, let them read to you, read on your own, and have them read independently.  Have discussions and encourage written responses to what was read.  

5.  Make it easy for them.

Have supplies available, encourage them to have a writing space of their own, and make their writing portable.

6.  Take them behind the scenes.

Point out the writing behind their favorite movies, TV shows and songs.

Class Discussion

Participation Points: Answer the Class Discussion question and get 50% off  Primary Lined Writing & Journal Paper!

How can I help you encourage your kids to write?

Happy Homeschooling!

Mrs. Redd

More Language Arts Links:

• Printable Primary Lined Journal Paper
• Choosing Our Words Wisely
• Bears in Our Backyard
• Dear Diary

2 Easy Ways to Squeeze Writing Into Math Lessons (And Make it Fun!)

You and the kids will have fun with these two tips for writing in math class:

1.  Use humor.

Kids love hilarity, so why not associate laughter with math and writing? 

Have the kids write...

• Math jokes
• Silly math related stories, poems and songs
• Use their stories to make math madlibs
• Funny ways to remember formulas and problem solving steps
• For 10 minutes on a funny math prompt 

2.  Let them teach.

Kids also love to teach you. To review, evaluate, or even teach a new concept, have the kids write a tutorial on...

• How to do a specific type of problem
• Explaining a math concept
• The best way to learn ____ (math facts, the problem solving steps, etc.)

Bonus Ideas

• Blog their writing.
• Create a math newsletter written by the kids.
• Have the kids write interviews for mathematicians.

Class Discussion

How do you incorporate writing into your math class?

Participation Points

Answer the Class Discussion question in the comments for 50% off Primary Lined Journal Paper.

Happy Homeschooling!

Mrs. Redd

More Math Links:

• Printable Primary Lined Math Journal Paper
• Accidental Math on Purpose
• Measuring Up