Bite Size Writing Assignment: Thank You Letter

This is the last week of school for many students and teachers. Hurrah for summer! Why not have your student(s) practice fostering an attitude of thankfulness and write a thank you letter to someone who helped them over the past school year.

The letter could be to a piano teacher, a group leader, or even another student who helped with a math assignment.

1. Have your student draft a letter.
2. Read the letter and make notes regarding spelling and other grammatical errors.
3. Have your student rewrite the letter.
4. Make a photocopy of the letter for your student's scrapbook or file.
5. Send the letter off to the person it is written to. If your student is older, have them address the envelope and mail it. If you student is very young, they will need more help.

Don't forget to check back from time to time for some fun summer journal ideas. Keep those kids writing!

Bite Size Writing Assignment: To-Do List

Writing a to-do list may seem like a strange writing assignment, but I highly recommend it for you student(s). It is much more than an exercise in penmanship. It is an exercise in thought, planning, and organization. This assignment will give your student(s) direction and goals for the summer.

Title the assignment "Summer To-Do List." Have your student(s) follow these simple steps (after taking out a pencil and piece of paper for each student, of course):

1. Make a list of things you want to do this summer (in any order). The list should include projects (build a fort with my brother), responsibilities (help weed the garden), and hopes (go to the beach). Ask a parent to provide you with things that are already planned for your family (vacations, etc.) and include them on your list.

2. Prioritize your list. Number the items on the list, beginning with number one. Don't worry if two of the items seem to be equal in importance, just chose one to list first.

3. Rewrite your list in order that you numbered them on your page. Make sure you display your list somewhere you will see it throughout the summer. You can check off items as they are accomplished.

Have fun! Be creative!

Bite Size Writing Assignment: Journal Page

This week have your student(s) write a journal page on one of the following topics:

• My favorite school subject.
• If I were a bird...
• My pet is my best friend because...
• What I have learned from my grandfather.
• My favorite weather is...

Any other topic you come up with is fine. Use your imagination and get your student(s) writing!

Bite Size Writing Assignment: Persuade Me

Persuasive writing is a great way to get kids to think about why they believe something is good or correct. Persuasive writing is somewhat like an argument. The writer is arguing a point and trying to get the reader to see things his way. What is great about this type of writing for kids is it gets them to think through a belief. It will sometimes result in a change of mind. On the other hand, it can result in a stronger conviction of what it is the writer is arguing in favor of.

Either way, try this for a writing assignment this week: Have your student(s) choose a topic, something they believe in, that they can write about in a persuasive manner. The topic could be anything from why it is a good idea to get a family dog to a political or spiritual belief. Young kids may want to stick with something simple, like why jelly is better than honey with peanut butter. There are loads of topics to select from.

If your student(s) need help getting started, have a short brainstorming session to come up with possible topics. After the assignment is completed, have your student(s) read the persuasive piece to friends or family members. You may wish to have each student invite listeners to give feedback as to whether or not they were persuaded to agree with the writer or not.