Just Write doesn’t beat around the bush. It tells you how to start, how to plan, how to plot and how to revise.
Writing
A book full of book bites
If you’re looking for an activity that will get your kid writing, Breakfast on a Dragon’s Tail, by Martin Springett, is a new and interesting concept book. Dragon’s Tail gives you the beginning of a story, and your kid writes the rest. There are 13 book bites in all, each one an […]
Advice from a young author: Dare to suck
Do you have a kid you’re trying to encourage to write more? Is your kid discouraged because she’s worried that her writing isn’t good enough? Here’s some great advice from a young author, Maureen Johnson, who is currently working on her 10th novel for teens. She will tell your kid (in her […]
TDSB writing contest – win a laptop!
It’s time to get writing again – and here’s a wonderful incentive for kids in the Toronto District School Board (TDSB). Write 150 to 250 words about what you’re most looking forward to this school year. And you could win a Dell Inspiron Duo Laptop (value $550) or a backpack full […]
How a pencil can help your child become a writer
I have a theory that a really great pencil might get your kid to do more writing. Now, hear me out. (And let me assure you right now this isn’t an ad and I’m not being paid by anyone.) I’m not just talking about a pretty pencil. It’s not some “normal” pencil […]
One-sentence journal is perfect for kids
I guess the idea of a one-sentence journal isn’t new. But I’d never heard of it before I read about it on Gretchen Rubin’s Happiness Project blog. She started a one-sentence journal because she wanted to jot down happy memories but knows she could never sustain keeping a normal journal […]
Writing a review
Is your older child writing a book or movie review? Here’s a five-minute clip of two of the best movie critics, Siskel and Ebert, talking about what makes a good film review–the discussion also holds for book reviews, restaurant reviews, or any other piece of writing you’re doing in which you must be critical.
Write your kid a letter
Have you sent your kid a letter this summer? What a great thing to do! When you’re bored at work – instead of re-checking your e-mail for the tenth time, or surfing, do something that will help your kid… write her a letter. It takes, like, 10 minutes and it […]
Early writers – adding detail
Yes, Lori Jamison’s workshop was packed. And for good reason. Here’s another excellent tip she shared. When her kindergarteners were starting to write sentences (towards the end of JK or in SK), they would write this way: “I like my cat.” And that would be it. I’m finished, teacher! How […]
Plastic plate as whiteboard
Here’s another great idea from Lori Jamison’s workshop. A cheap, plastic plate can be used as a mini-whiteboard for kids. They’re durable, easy to store and inexpensive. And best of all, dry erase marker wipes right off! Kids can practise their writing on them, wipe off what they’ve done, and […]
