A Creative Writing Spin

Posted by Jenn Greenleaf Nov 4, 2009

Everyday after school when snack time is finished, my three little ones gather around the kitchen table to read for 15 minutes and then write about their day in their journals. Then, they roll out with their homework assignments from school.

We’ve asked them to write in journals because neat penmanship is a struggle sometimes for some or all of them. Adding creative twists to their writing has been helpful in the past, and it looks like it may be worth revisiting.

Here are some ideas:

• Drawing a picture first in a separate sketchbook, and then writing in their journals with the picture (or pictures) at their side.
• Creating a comic book style journal, rather than all text.
• Using magazine clippings or other pieces of ephemera to create art journal page spreads with enough empty space to still add text about their day.

My children love to write, but sometimes they want to rush through the process so they can hurry up and get to whatever is next. By adding a creative writing spin on this daily routine, it helps them slow down and enjoy the experience. There are some children who look at writing as a chore. Maybe adding these creative twists will help them, too!