Tag: writing

Activities

Quick and easy literacy activities

Our school board issued a list of great literacy activities. They’re simple and fun, and are great examples of what I like to call “guerilla literacy” – using tons of little tactics here and there that add up to… a kid who likes to read. You may want to print […]

Tips

Tips from an editor

Here’s a tip that may help your child’s writing. Half of me (professionally) is a writer, and the other half is an editor. I edit books, articles and speeches; I’ve been doing it about 20 years or so, and over the years I’ve discovered some common traps people get into […]

Activities Crafts Tips Toys

Dry-Erase Crayons

Things that make you go “d’uh!” This is one of those inventions that you wish you’d thought of. Dry-erase crayons. How good is that? No mess, no smell, no drying out. But do they work? This is the best part – they really, really do work well. The colours are […]

Tips

Bubblegum writing

Another tip from Lori Jamison, speaking at the recent Reading for the Love of It conference. When she’s trying to get young children to sound out words, she calls it “bubblegum writing.” She tells them to pretend the word they want to write–let’s say, “camping”–is a piece of bubblegum. With […]

Tips Writing

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 […]

Activities Games Tips Writing

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 […]