A New Year and A New Start

I love the idea of a new beginning. The truth is, we all have the chance to start again every single day. Start a new habit, start shedding a bad one. This applies to everything - work, school, life!

Well, New Year's Day is the traditional time for resolutions, to begin anew. So this year let's take a step toward new school rules. Here are my Top 5 resolutions based on my own homeschooling experience:

5. Get more organized!

4. Stay less stressed!

3. Encourage my little darlings more!

2. Do less, love more!

1. Trust more. Trust God. Trust my kids will get it (eventually) and trust that I simply cannot do it all and it is not going to disadvantage my children in life!

Have I always succeeded at these resolutions? Well, no. But I think a frequent reminder helps me be a better parent. I think it will help you be a better teacher.

Why did we chose to homeschool in the first place? Wasn't it more about love and less about cracking the whip, turning out perfect kids, or filling every nook and cranny of their brains with knowledge?

The thing is, I can be my own biggest critic, my own worst enemy.

Let it go!

Enjoy the process!

Don't overachieve!

Take a deep breath. Step into the new year and, by all means, let your little darlings fall in love with life!

I'll be back next week with some more free language arts tips and encouragement for you as you strive to give your little darlings a good education!

Happy New Year!

Darla (at Little Darlings Press)

A Wish and a List

Well, it is that time of year again. The time when teachers do a happy dance and put away the lessons for a bit. The time when the little darlings are too preoccupied with what's under the tree to get any homework, housework, or any other sort of work done.

So, dear reader-teacher, Merry Christmas! Happy New Year! 

However, there are those who need a little help keeping the little darlings busy for two (yes, two) weeks. Just in case, below is a list of holiday writing prompts. It's not Scrooge-like, not the Grinch who passes out writing assignments over break. No, it is a loving parent who has TOO MUCH TO DO!

Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing! (Make this assignment a no-correct, no red-pen, no-worries one.)

The List:

• My favorite part of Christmas is...
• If I had a pet reindeer...
• My one Christmas wish is...
• Last year I remember Christmas morning...
• If I could invent a new toy...
• My favorite Christmas song is... (because...)
• My favorite Christmas movie is... (because...)
• My favorite Christmas cookie is...
• I can't wait to...
• On New Year's Eve I am going to...
• All I want for Christmas is...

By all means, over break check out some of the excellent Language Arts units for your little darlings. Start the New Year off right with just a CLICK!

See you next year!!!

Why Keep a Journal?

Today talk to your little darlings about keeping a journal. It can include words, pictures, stories, whatever! The thing is, journals are great tools for students!

Here are my favorite things about journals:

• They make great historical documents for the family!
• They are an excellent way to express oneself!
• Journals help purge some of the many thoughts in our heads!
• Journals are a great way to save ideas for... anything!
• They inspire creativity!
• They get your little darlings writing!

While you are encouraging your little darlings to write in a journal, pick up a notebook and start one yourself (if you haven't already)! Make writing in a journal a daily habit. It can be a quick exercise or a long one - you choose!

And by all means, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!

Building on Basics of Grammar

Check out this grammar lesson for early learners and kids with learning difficulties!

Yesterday's lesson was about the eight parts of speech and their simple meanings. Today, let's build on that lesson by using each part of speech in a sentence!

You will need some paper and writing utensils. Index cards also work great. Coloring tools are good for the very young; adding color is always a great addition to lessons!

Review yesterday's lesson with your little darlings. Then, write a few examples for each part of speech on a piece of paper or index cards. The cards are nice since you can write one word per card and the part of speech on the back.

Have students come up with sentences using each of the eight parts of speech.

~For very young students, take it one word at a time and write the sentences for them.

~For students who are currently practicing writing in sentences, let them write!

~For students with learning difficulties, do whatever works, you know their level!

Extra challenge: Have your students see how many parts of speech they can fit into one sentence, using the word examples. The sentence has to make sense!

This is a great lesson to do over (and over) with your students.

Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!

For fun and effective informal grammar units, visit CURRLICK.COM. All of the grammar units by Little Darlings Press offer a full preview prior to purchase!

Grammar Practice Today!

Grammar for your little guys and gals (a.k.a. little darlings) is as easy as one bite at a time. No need to shove and drill the grammar into them. Take it easy, take it slowly, in small bites. Let them have fun and learn about grammar in an informal way! (There's time for shoving and drilling later...)

Today do a mini lesson on the eight parts of speech. While it takes years for students to fully grasp the eight parts of speech and their meanings, just familiarizing them with each part on occasion will get the names and basic concepts into their pliable brains.

Here's the mini lesson! It is designed for very young students in its simplicity. It is also great for older students with learning challenges! Don't worry about students grasping all of these simple definitions right away. It can take years!

Eight Parts of Speech (basic, simple definitions)

Noun: A name for a person, place, or thing. Examples: mom, park, glass

Pronoun: A word that replaces a noun. Examples: her, she, it

Verb: A doing word that tells about something being done. Examples: write, jump, sit

Adverb: A word that tells how things are done (used with a verb). Examples: slowly, badly

Adjective: A word that describes a noun. Examples: pretty, green, silly

Preposition: A word that sits before another word to show word relationship. Examples: up, over, to

Conjunction: A word that joins other words together. Examples: and, but, or

Interjection: A word that expresses emotion. Examples: Hey! Ouch!

Add a manipulative to this lesson to make it go a little deeper (a bigger bite, but manageable). In fact, have your little darlings make a manipulative or two. Index cards area a great, inexpensive tool. Make a matching game with one word and one definition on each card (there will be 16 one-sided cards total). Students should match the word with the definition.

Or, write each part of speech on a card and have the student hold up, or point to, the correct part of speech when you give the definition (or reverse this and write the definitions).

The key is to make a little game of it!

Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!

For short, affordable grammar units for early learners CLICK HERE!

Creative Writing Topics

Hey, I'll be here all week, but today I want to provide you with a list of creative writing topics. Use it whenever. Simply assign a paragraph, a short story, an essay, whatever! Let your student(s) choose the topic and have them write, write, and write!

Topics:

• When I grow up I want to be...
• If I was a super hero...
• If I could be invisible...
• If I had $100 to give away...
• With one wish I would...
• On my trip to the moon...
• Yesterday at the store I met...
• My flying pet is...
• One time, while in the desert...
• If all the animals could talk...

If one of your little darlings has his own idea for a writing topic, let him run (or write) with it!

By all means, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!

CLICK to check out Language Arts curriculum by Little Darlings Press!

Get a Little Exercise!

Today, have your little darlings get a little exercise and work those creative writing muscles.

This project can take a little bit of time or a lot of time. You decide! Here's the workout:

Building Characters

1. Find a good spot for creative juices to work. It can be a couch, the kitchen table (my personal favorite), or any spot that allows for writing and, maybe, drawing.

2. Have students collect supplies. They will need a notebook with lines, paper without lines (optional), a pencil or pen, and colored paper or crayons (also optional).

3. Instruct students to begin making a list of characters. This is a sort of "character bank" that can be used in future writing projects. The list should include potential names and some character traits for each name. This is an early writer's exercise in character development (a very important part of writing).

4. Allow students to draw pictures characters on the blank paper and color them. This is the optional part of the exercise, but it is a fun part and some students prefer drawing to writing. You decide!

This "workout" can be short. In fact, if time is an issue, assign a number of characters for your student(s) to create (one, two, three, whatever!). If time is no issue, let them create more characters.

Now get them creating!

Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!

Short, fun, user-friendly (and affordable) Language Arts units by Little Darlings Press are available HERE!

Thursday Grammar Game

Hey, Teacher! Why not play a grammar game today? Here are three ideas:

1) Action Verbs Musical Chairs. You need at least three kids to do this one. Put chairs in a circle (more chairs than kids is fine, or one per kid) and play some music that has lyrics (Christmas music is perfect!). Each time there is an action verb in the lyrics kids should sit down. The rest of the time they are walking in a circle (or, dancing to the beat in a circle) while the music plays. This game will go well if you give a mini lesson on action verbs first.

Remember: Action verbs are simply doing words. Something is happening, like running, jumping, singing, eat, love... ANY ACTION!

If someone misses and action verb, or sits down for a word that isn't an action verb, they are out of the game. Make sure you ask the kids what the word was after they sit!

2) Noun and Verb Charades. Have students take turns acting out a person, place, thing (nouns), or action verb. This can be done with you and one student or with as many kids as there are in the house. If you want to make the game a little easier, spend some time writing nouns and verbs on index cards that can be acted out. (Examples: dog, teacher, jump, run, sleep, etc.) The nouns will probably be more difficult so the audience may want to guess if it is a noun or verb first. Once that is established, it is time to guess the word!

3) Grammar Matching Game: Spend some time with students making a matching game out of index cards. Write the words for nouns and verbs on one side of the cards. Then, on separate cards, draw a picture to represent that word. Some words may be too hard to draw. In that case, simply write the word again. If you have any creative kids in the house, let them color the cards. Make sure all the back sides of the cards are plain white with no marks on them. Then, mix the cards up and lay them out on the table as with any matching game. Time to play!

The key is to have fun!

Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!

Don't forget to CHECK OUT early learning grammar (and other) curriculum units by Little Darlings Press!

Kids Love to Write!

Do you believe most kids love the idea of writing?

I do.

While not all of them love the practice of writing, they love the idea of writing.

The truth is, some kids struggle with writing (and reading) and some don't. Oftentimes those who struggle mask it as a lack of desire to write (or read). It has been said that kids want to write before they want to read.

With many of them, all they need is a little encouragement.

Today, encourage your little darlings do a fun writing project (whether they struggle or not!).

Here are two ideas for writing topics:

Descriptive Writing

Have your writers pick an object and write about it. Let it be a stuffed animal. Let it be a pet. Let it be a lamp - whatever! Most importantly, let your writers have the freedom to write about any object they want!

Character Writing

Have students write about a character. They should pick a real-live person in the home or neighborhood and write about that person. A character sketch can include physical features, behaviors, and manner of speech.

For today's writing assignment, throw grammar out the window. Give your students the freedom to make mistakes, write a sloppy draft, and express creativity. If you must have some grammar and spelling satisfaction, try and let your students self-edit their work!

Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing.

CLICK HERE to check out Language Arts curriculum by Little Darlings Press.

Christmas Sight Words Unit

If you have young learners who are still working on reading proficiency, check out the new unit by Little Darlings Press, "50 Sight Words for Christmas." It's a color, cut, and paste unit with 50 sight words to help your little darlings begin to master reading skills! All this for only $1.50 and a Christmas theme. This the season to practice sight words!

CLICK HERE to check it out!

Creative Writing Today - Nature Topic

Today is a great day to have your little darlings do a bit of creative writing about nature!

No matter the age, the topic can be the same (see topics below). Simply adjust the nature of the assignment!

For very young writers:
Have him/her choose a topic. After a topic is chosen draw a brainstorming diagram with one circle in the middle of the page for the main topic and ideas branching off from that. Then, help him/her fill it in with ideas that have to do with the chosen topic. For the written work have the student write a few sentences. Make one the topic sentence (main idea) with a few more sentences before the concluding sentence (wrap it up). If the student needs help and there are older kids in the house, put them on the task.

For older/independent writers:
Have him/her choose a topic. After a topic is chosen draw a brainstorming diagram with one circle in the middle of the page for the main topic and ideas branching off from that. The student should be able to write a paragraph about the topic (or a whole page if you prefer) independently.

Let the student(s) have fun and be creative! For very young writers you can narrow down one of the topics. Also, allow students to come up with his/her own topic about nature if he/she prefers.

LIST OF TOPICS:

• My favorite animal
• What I love about nature
• If I had a dog
• If I lived in a tree
• My favorite thing to do outside
• Why nature is amazing
• The sun
• The moon
• Animals in the wild

Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with writing!

CLICK HERE to check out Language Arts (and other) curriculum by Little Darlings Press!

Put a Little Poetry into Monday!

Mondays can be so, well, Monday-ish. And I don't say "ish" lightly! Years ago I wrote a Monday poem. It goes like this:

Oh Monday, oh Monday
Why are you so busy?
Oh, Monday, oh Monday
You make me feel dizzy!
Oh Monday, oh Monday
You run me around-
Oh, Monday, oh Monday
When will you slow down?
Oh, Monday, you're coming-
I heave a big sigh!
Oh, Monday, you're leaving-
A happy goodbye!

Now Mondays really aren't all that bad! I certainly would never encourage letting the Monday blues rub off on the little darlings around the house. They will likely pick up on Monday issues themselves! Maybe it's just an attitude? For me it is, anyway.

I have to tell my brain that Monday is a new beginning. It's a starting again and another chance to start the week off great! What can we do to make Monday less of an "Oh, the weekend is over" day and more of an "Oh, yeah, it's Monday!" sort of day?

Write a little poetry, of course! (Or, better yet, get your little darlings writing poetry so you can get a few other "Monday" type tasks done!)

I love rhyming poetry, like "My Shadow" by Robert Louis Stevenson:

I have a little shadow that goes in and out with me,
And what can be the use of him is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me from the heels up to the head.
And I see him jump before me, when I jump into my bed. (more)

Or, Shel Silverstein's "Sick" From Where the Sidewalk Ends:

"I cannot go to school today,"
Said little Peggy Ann McKay,
I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash, and purple bumps. (more)

You get the idea. Rhyming poetry is fun! Kids love it!

Spend some time on this, "Oh, Monday," assigning rhyming poetry to your little darlings. Let them be creative! Let them have fun! The poem(s) can be about an object, about the holidays, about an animal, or about Monday. The sky's the limit! Poetry is freedom, poetry is pun, poetry can be a tool to have a little fun! (Sorry, I couldn't resist!)

If you want even MORE time to work on your Monday chores, download this super simple, fun poetry unit by Little Darlings Press. For just $1 you can get your little darlings writing while you get... well, that's up to you!

The unit includes:

• Examples of rhyming poems
• Exercises
• Assignments
• Glossary of Terms

CLICK RIGHT HERE to see a full preview of this unit and get it now!

Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with poetry!

Fun Friday!

Hey, what's Friday without a little fun? How about doing a grammar project with your little darlings?

A Few of My Favorite Things!

This project is for early learners (pre-K through mid- elementary). It's all about nouns that are names for things. Here's what you do:

1. Explain to students that nouns are name words. They name people (grandma, sister, brother, etc.), places (city, home, park, etc.), and things (cup, cat, log, pencil, etc.). This is your "nouns" mini lesson. If your student already knows about nouns, give the mini lesson anyway. Grammar during the early years is all about solidifying the basics so you can move on to the more formal topics at a later date.

2. Explain that today's grammar lesson will focus on names of "things." Have your student(s) hunt around the house for favorite things!

3. Things that can be collected should be brought to a central location (kitchen table). The things that cannot be collected should drawn. Make sure each student has a notepad and pencil. Instruct them to draw a picture of each "thing" that cannot be brought to the table.

4. After the pile and pictures are complete, sit down and discuss each one by name.

HEY, TEACHER: Have a whiteboard or piece of paper and a writing utensil. As you go over the "things" with your student(s) write each word down and show discuss its pronunciation and meaning. Reading and vocab make nice additions to grammar lessons!

If there are food items in the "things" pile, let your little darlings sample them. Perhaps a lesson on names of foods is in order during the lunch hour. A feast of nouns!

Have fun! And by all means, go ahead and let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!

Grammar units for early learners by Little Darlings Press sold HERE! (If this link doesn't work try later... the currclick website seems to be temporarily down. Happy Friday!!!)

Practicing Nouns at Home

Practicing what a noun is - person, place, or thing - at home is a simple, fun activity. You don't need a desk (in fact, it's discouraged), you just need a notebook and pencil.

Preschool through mid-elementary students will love this activity!

1. Gather your notebook and pencil (one for each child). If your student is too young to write the teacher should take on the writing task.

2. Go on a "noun" hunt. Make three columns on a sheet of paper. Label your columns! (people (person), place(s), thing(s)).

3. Set out on your hunt. Go around the house and around your property or neighborhood. If you have any photographers in the group, take along a camera!

Person: Grandma

Place: The woods

Thing: Cat

Noun hunts are fun (the kids won't even know they're learning grammar!


For fun, interactive, informal grammar for the early years, click the link below:
GRAMMAR BASICS
If you click on any unit on the site you can see a quick preview of the entire unit!

GET GRAMMAR For Your Little Darlings!

Get all three of the Grammar Basics series for your early learners or kids with learning challenges!

Grammar Basics is a fun and interactive series that will help your little darlings begin to grasp basic grammar concepts. The series was designed by a homeschool mom and professional grammar teacher with a B.A. in English who knows about grammar! Sometimes it’s hard, sometimes it’s boring, and sometimes it’s intimidating. Well, no more! Welcome to Grammar Basics!

Grammar Basics Levels 1, 2, and 3, by Little Darlings Press, will provide knowledge about nouns, verbs, and simple sentences through identifying, matching, writing, drawing, and coloring.

The Grammar Basics series has been designed to teach grammar concepts vital to the Preschool through early elementary age group. In black and white, students will have fun adding color to the pages and you’ll save money on colored ink!
This unit provides:
Easy to understand lesson pages your student will love!
Critical thinking pages to stretch the young mind!
Teacher pages to save you time! Who doesn’t need to save time?
This unit is also great for older students who have learning challenges!

At only $2.50 each, ordering these units (downloadable PDFs) is as easy as 1 - 2 - 3!!!

GET LEVEL ONE HERE

GET LEVEL TWO HERE

GET LEVEL THREE HERE

Grammar Basics For Early Learners!

Grammar can be a daunting course to teach. It is a deep, deep well of information. For the homeschooling parent, the question is often, "Where do I begin?"

Well, it is as easy as getting the right curriculum for the right age. Here at Little Darlings Press we believe informal grammar during the early years (Pre-K through 2rd or 3rd grade) is the best way to get kids started without all the stress. Simple, basic grammar, designed to be fun and interactive, will help your little darlings avoid the "I hate grammar!" attitude.

After the creator of Little Darlings Press homeschooled and used informal grammar, providing more formal grammar at an older age, results confirmed that informal grammar in the early years is the best option!

Created by a teacher with a B.A. in English, the "Grammar Basics For the Early Years" series (there are three) is perfect for Pre-K through 2nd grade students. These units are also great for older kids with learning difficulties.

Go ahead, let your little darlings fall in love with grammar!

About Grammar Basics: It is a fun and interactive series that will help your little darlings begin to grasp basic grammar concepts. All three levels will provide knowledge about nouns, verbs, and simple sentences through identifying, matching, drawing, writing, and coloring.

These units include:

Easy to understand lessons your students will love!
Critical thinking pages to stretch the young mind!
Teacher pages to save you time! Who doesn't need to save time?

Also great for young and older kids with learning difficulties!

CLICK HERE to check out all of the grammar units by Little Darlings Press!

The Reluctant Writer

Do you have a reluctant writer? Oftentimes a reluctant writer is (or was) also a reluctant reader. I had this experience with my own son when he was an early learner. He said, "I can't read and I can't write." He meant it. And he didn't. So what did I do? I read to him.

If your child is somewhere in Kindergarten through an early elementary age and is reluctant to read and/or write, never fear! There are some simple tricks of the trade you can try.

(NOTE: This post addresses reluctance from being a late bloomer, not learning disabled. However, the methods suggested will also benefit kids with learning disabilities.)

Remember: What works with one child will not necessarily work with another. My daughter was an early reader and I had to recondition myself with my son. He was much later. Now, however, at 16 he reads very difficult stuff and writes very well. Patience. Love. Patience. Love. That is the rhythm to keep with reluctant students.

Here are some tips to help you get started building those skills in reluctant writers:

1. Read to them as much as possible. I know, we're talking about writing here, but good writers tend to be good readers. Instead of having a Language Arts lesson, sit down and read. Let him try a few words on occasion. Let him pick the material (within reason)! My son loved comic books! I think they are the resource that got him hooked on reading!

2. Keep a joint journal (or, if your child is the independent sort, let him keep one for himself). As you read together, write a few words and phrases down. Let him select a topic for the journal each day. Writing begins with letters, then words, then sentences, etc. Slow and steady wins the race!

3. Have a library day. Cast aside all other subjects for a reading day at the library. Older siblings can bring school work with to work on as you explore the world of literature with your reluctant student.

4. Persevere without pressure. Sometimes we pressure our children to achieve an academic goal unnecessarily. While disciplined work should be fostered, it doesn't have to be forced. Kids sometimes rebel against it simply because they lack confidence. It's not always a matter of obstinate refusal.

5. Copy work is awesome! I incorporated copy work into my reluctant writer's schedule almost every school day. Actually, I had my ready writer do copy work, too. It's a great way for them to read and write at the same time, practice penmanship, and sometimes simply keep them busy! Copy work is great for reluctant writers because they are not having to come up with words! Just copy!

If you suspect a learning disability in your reluctant reader/writer, have him assessed. If not, don't stress! The majority of kids catch up to each other academically if they are in a healthy learning environment. Keep up the good work!

Check out some early learning units by Little Darlings Press. These units are designed for young students and help build a strong foundation in the Language Arts. They can also be modified for students with learning challenges. CLICK HERE!

Fall Writing Assignment: Why I Love Fall

Have students write, write, and write some more!

This week, have your little darlings write about a reason to love fall. It can be the colors, the cool air, bonfires, fall sports, hunting season... anything!

For young writers, have them write a few sentences and help them craft a paragraph.

For older writers, require a one-page essay.

After this assignment is completed, go outside and enjoy the fall weather!

Check out some of the great curriculum units for homeschooling families by Little Darlings Press.

CLICK HERE!

Story Starters

School days get busy, but it's always a good idea to make time for creative writing. Below is a list of story starters for all ages. Let your little darlings pick a starter and get creative!

Nonfiction Story Starters

          For these nonfiction story starters have your student(s) draw on memory and tell a story from his/her perspective.

• My earliest memory is...
• Once on vacation I went to...
• One day with my pet...
• Once when I was eating in a restaurant...
• My grandpa/grandma/aunt/uncle (etc...) taught me how to...
• During a sporting event I...
• A typical day at school is...
• When I was younger I thought...
• On Christmas Day my family...
• When I went to summer camp...

Fiction Story Starters

          For these fiction story starters have your student(s) create a made-up story. Encourage him/her to create make believe characters who do unbelievable things. Imagination is key!

• Once upon a time in a land far away...
• This morning when I got up there was a _____ in my house...
• The wind was so strong it blew away my...
• There was a knock at the door early in the morning...
• The buzzing sound outside grew louder...
• I decided to take a trip to...
• The frog was as big as...
• Finally, we arrived at...
• I sat down to breakfast and saw there was a big _____ on my plate...
• In the middle of the night I heard...

Encourage your little darlings to be creative and have fun!

Visit CURRCLICK.COM for grammar and writing units by Little Darlings Press!

Time Away

Thank you all who have used the writing assignments on this blog and visited regularly. I'm taking time away from this endeavor and hope you continue to use the writing assignments that are archived here!

Don't forget to set your little darlings free to write from the heart!

Summer Writing: An Attitude of Gratitude

Today's writing assignment is going to begin with a list and end with a few phrases or paragraphs about gratitude.

Writing Topic
An attitude of gratitude

Writing Tools

For very young writers:

·                     Provide a pencil and lined paper

For growing and older writers:

·                     Provide a pen and wide- or college-ruled notebook paper or a laptop/PC

Writing Prompts

For very young writers:

·                     Have your little writer make a list of what he/she is thankful for. The list can include anything and everything from orange juice to a grandmother's love. Let him come up with the list. After the list is complete, have him pick a few things from the list and write a few phrases or a paragraph (age appropriate) about why he/she is thankful for those things.  

For growing and older writers:

·                 Have older students follow the instructions for very young writers but turn it into a gratitude essay. The idea is to think and write about all the things there are to be grateful for!

Set your little darlings free and allow them to write from the heart!

CLICK HERE to check out the short, creative units by Little Darlings Press.




1

Quick Write: Left-Handers Day

Today is "International Left-Handers Day" and we are going to have a bit of fun. Have your little darlings pick any summer topic to write about. The fun part is to have him/her write it with the hand they don't write with. Right-handed? Use the left! Left-handed? Use the right! Good luck with this one!

Writing Topic
Left-Handers Day

Writing Tools
For very young writers:

          Provide a pencil and lined paper

For growing and older writers:

          Provide a pen and wide- or college-ruled notebook or a laptop/PC

Writing instructions
Have your little (and big) darlings spend time coming up with a summer topic. It can be anything seasonal!

Examples:
The beach
Heat
Gardens
Bugs
Birds
Water skiing
Whatever!

After he/she comes up with a topic, let the writing begin (with the opposite hand, of course)! A paragraph about said topic should suffice.

Set your little darlings free and allow them to write from the heart!

CLICK HERE to check out our curriculum units on currclick.com! 

Summer Writing: It's a Lazy Day!

Today is national lazy day. Can you believe it? A whole day dedicated to being lazy! Hey, let's just call it "rest" and put a bit of a positive spin on it. Nevertheless, it gives us something to write about!

Writing Topic
A lazy day!

Writing Tools

For very young writers:

·                     Provide a pencil and lined paper

For growing and older writers:

·                     Provide a pen and wide- or college-ruled notebook paper or a laptop/PC

Writing Prompts

For very young writers:

·                     Have your little writers begin by making a list of all the things they don't want to do on a lazy day. The list can include made-up stuff but should also include the usual things that make up a "not lazy" day (make the beds, feed the dog, etc.)! Then, a simple paragraph is in order. A word or two about why they don't want to do the tasks is essential!

For growing and older writers:

·                 Have older students follow the instructions for very young writers. Then, add a challenge: Ask them to write a paragraph about the result of not doing the tasks. You might want to have your writers complete the first part of the assignment before telling them what the second part is. This writing exercise has a double purpose. 1) To write (of course!), and 2) To consider the consequences of avoiding the mundane but necessary tasks that come with each new day. 

Set your little darlings free and allow them to write from the heart!

CLICK HERE to check out the short, creative units by Little Darlings Press.




1

Quick Write: Summer Poem

Today have your little darlings write a poem about summer. They should make it fun, make it short, and make it rhyme!

Writing Topic
A summer poem

Writing Tools
For very young writers:
 
          Provide a pencil and lined paper

For growing and older writers:

          Provide a pen and wide- or college-ruled notebook or a laptop/PC

Writing instructions
Have your little (and big) darlings spend time thinking about summer. Instruct them to write down some words and phrases that relate to summer (hot, swim, mow the lawn, sun, etc.). Then, they can form it into a poem. One stanza (the paragraph of poetry) and four lines should suffice. If they want to write a longer poem, give them the freedom to do just that!

Example:
Summer is for having fun,
Lakes and hikes and heat.
Soaking up the summer sun
is really hard to beat!

Set your little darlings free and allow them to write from the heart!

CLICK HERE to check out our curriculum units on currclick.com! 

Summer Writing: On an Adventure!

Today marks the anniversary of the day that Christopher Columbus set sail on his first voyage. He set sail from Spain to find an all-water route to Asia. Well, we all know he didn't end up in Asia! Instead, he landed on an island in the Bahamas. The rest, as they say, is history.

This week have your little darlings write a page or a paragraph (depending upon age) about an adventure. Ahoy, Matey!

Writing Topic
On an adventure!

Writing Tools

For very young writers:

·                     Provide a pencil and lined paper

For growing and older writers:

·                     Provide a pen and wide- or college-ruled notebook paper or a laptop/PC

Writing Prompts

For very young writers:

·                     Have your little writers think about an adventure they have been on or an adventure they would like to take. An imagination is the best tool for this assignment if your young writers are going to conjure up an adventure! Help them write down some words and phrases before putting them into paragraph form.  

For growing and older writers:

·                 Older students can draw on a real life adventure, but an imagined one might be a little more exciting. Have writers brainstorm about an imagined adventure. For brainstorming, a blank piece of paper with a circle in the middle will suffice. Draw the circle (not to cover the entire sheet) and write the name of an adventure. Then, outside the circle, words and phrases that come to mind about the imaginary adventure should be jotted down. 

·                 After the brainstorming session, have your older writers get busy writing a one page adventure description. Very enthusiastic writers might want to make the description into a story. Let them go for it! 

Set your little darlings free and allow them to write from the heart!

CLICK HERE to check out the short, creative units by Little Darlings Press.

Quick Write: Filling a Picnic Basket

What's summer without a picnic outside? This "Quick Write" is just the spot to pull up an imagination and chew on a few ideas.

Writing Topic
Filling a picnic basket.

Writing Tools
For very young writers:
   
          Provide a pencil and lined paper

For growing and older writers:

          Provide a pen and wide- or college-ruled notebook or a laptop/PC

Writing instructions
Have your little (and big) darlings spend time thinking about what they would take on a picnic. What foods would fill the picnic basket? Any games? A blanket for the lawn? It's an imaginary picnic - anything goes! After your young writer(s) finish this piece, go on a real picnic! What better way is there to celebrate summer?

Set your little darlings free and allow them to write from the heart!

CLICK HERE to check out our curriculum units on currclick.com! 

Summer Writing: Goodbye July

This week we say goodbye to July. Since the month comes to a close at the end of the week, have your little darlings write about the July's highlights.

Writing Topic
Goodbye July

Writing Tools

For very young writers:

·                     Provide a pencil and lined paper

For growing and older writers:

·                     Provide a pen and wide- or college-ruled notebook paper or a laptop/PC

Writing Prompts

For very young writers:

·                     Have your little writers put down a few words and phrases about the month of July. Ask: What were your favorite things about July? What is your best memory from the month? It can be anything from a day at the beach to a Fourth of July picnic. After some words and phrases are down, help your little writers form a short paragraph. A picture of a favorite event is always a nice touch!

For growing and older writers:

·                   Older students can go into a bit more detail about the month of July. Have them begin by considering some of the following questions: 

• What was the highlight? 
• What was the low point? 
• How do you feel about the month and are you glad or gloomy that it is coming to an end?
• Is there anything you wanted to do that you didn't get around to? (There's still time... the month doesn't end until midnight on Friday!) 

Require older students to write a whole page!

Set your little darlings free and allow them to write from the heart!

CLICK HERE to check out the short, creative units by Little Darlings Press.

Quick Write: Beat the Heat

Summer can be a sweaty mess! Whether you live in a dry climate or a humid one, the heat can be unbearable during the month of July. Have your young writers take time to write a quick, creative paragraph today.

Writing Topic
Beat the heat!

Writing Tools
For very young writers:
     
          Provide a pencil and lined paper

For growing and older writers:

          Provide a pen and wide- or college-ruled notebook or a laptop/PC

Writing instructions
Have your little (and big) darlings spend time thinking about the best ways to beat the heat. Maybe it is done indoors, perhaps out. Nevertheless, summer often offers up a steamy, sweaty feeling that just has to be dealt with! From ice cream to air conditioning, the cooling process feels great. Use some incentive if you have several writers and run a contest for the most creative paragraph about ways the beat the heat. Perhaps a good prize would be a frozen treat!

Set your little darlings free and allow them to write from the heart!

CLICK HERE to check out our curriculum units on currclick.com! 

Summer Writing: Living In a Tent

What would it be like to live in a tent for a whole month? This writing project will take a lot of imagination and a little bit of sensible reasoning. Have your little darling(s) imagine a spot where he/she would set up a tent. No running water or electricity! What sort of things would need to be on-hand to make this challenging living experience doable? It is a good idea to have your young writer(s) make a list of needful things prior to putting this essay into paragraph form!

Writing Topic
Living in a tent.

Writing Tools

For very young writers:

·                     Provide a pencil and lined paper

For growing and older writers:

·                     Provide a pen and wide- or college-ruled notebook paper or a laptop/PC

Writing Prompts

For very young writers:

·                     Have them write sentences about things they would need to have in order to live in a tent. Help them decide upon a good location (near water is always nice...).

For growing and older writers:

·                     Have students make a list of things that would be needed in order to live out in the wilderness. The list should include survival tools and anything he/she thinks would make tent living more enjoyable (blankets, pillows, etc.). Then, the writer should consider a good location and a daily routine. Remind him/her that food must be prepared and a campfire is necessary for cooking and heat. This essay can be as short as one solid paragraph or as long as one page. 

A note to the teacher/parent: Writing assignments posted on Mondays are intended to be long. However, the individual teacher/parent knows each student/child(s) ability and should modify the assignment accordingly.

Set your little darlings free and allow them to write from the heart!

CLICK HERE to check out the short, creative units by Little Darlings Press.

Quick Write: A Rainy Day

Summer isn't all heat and sizzle! Sometimes a rainy day keeps our little darlings indoors. Still, going out during or after the rain can be a fun adventure. Of course, it also provides an interesting topic for our "Quick Write." (NOTE: Make sure there is no lightening before children go out in the rain.)

Writing Topic
What I like about the rain

Writing Tools
For very young writers:
       
          Provide a pencil and lined paper

For growing and older writers:

          Provide a pen and wide- or college-ruled notebook or a laptop/PC

Writing instructions
If there hasn't been any rain in a while, your young writers will have to engage the imagination! If it is raining today, the conditions are perfect to write about the rain.

Instruct your student(s) to observe, think about, or go out in the rain. Then, sit him/her down with the appropriate writing tools and give instructions to write a quick paragraph titled: "What I Like About the Rain." Very young students should be instructed to write words or phrases that relate to rain or what he/she likes about the rain.

Set your little darlings free and allow them to write from the heart!

CLICK HERE to check out our curriculum units on currclick.com! 

Summer Writing: Take a Hike and Write About It!

July is a great month to take a hike and write about it! There is so much to see in nature during this blooming, summer month. Have your little darlings go outside and look at all the things in nature that are alive. Then, have him/her write about them! The possibilities are endless. This writing assignment can be modified for writers of any age.

Writing Topic

What I saw on my hike.

Writing Tools

For very young writers:

·                     Provide a pencil and lined paper

For growing and older writers:

·                     Provide a pen and wide- or college-ruled notebook paper or a laptop/PC

Writing Prompts

For very young writers:

·                     Today I saw a…

·                     I like nature because…

·                     My favorite bug is…

·                     In the garden I saw…

For growing writers:

·                     On my hike, I saw some…

·                     Outside there are living…

·                     July is blooming with…

·                     The best thing living outside is…

For older writers:

·                    Out in nature are all kinds of…

·                     If I had to live outside I would want to be a…

·                     When I saw a ___________ today it made me feel…

·                     Creation is a gift because…

A note to the teacher/parent: Writing assignments posted on Mondays are intended to be long. However, the individual teacher/parent knows each student/child(s) ability and should modify the assignment accordingly.

Set your little darlings free and allow them to write from the heart!

Quick Write: Describing a Food

It’s national hot dog month, national blueberry month, and national ice cream month! Have your little darlings choose one of these delicious eats and write a short description. This writing assignment can be modified for writers of any age.

Writing Topic
Describe a food.

Writing Tools
For very young writers:

·                     Provide a pencil and lined paper

For growing and older writers:

·                     Provide a pen and wide- or college-ruled notebook paper or a laptop/PC

Writing Instructions
Have very young writers think about the food item and what it looks like, smells like, feels like, and tastes like. If you have the food item at home, let him/her see, touch, and taste the real thing. Then, instruct the student to write three things about the food.

Have growing and older writers follow the same instructions, but have him/her write a paragraph using at least one description from each of the following senses:

Sight. What does the food look like whole or partially eaten? Color? Texture? Shape?

Hearing. Perhaps this is the most difficult sense to use, but have the student imagine (if you don’t have the food item) what it sounds like to eat the particular food.

Taste. Again, imagination must come into play if the food item is not available.

Smell. Keep in mind that some foods need to be stirred up or broken open to omit odor. Again, if you don’t have the item, have your student draw on memory.

Touch. This sense is going to be based on texture and consistency. If your student is going to examine ice cream, get the wet wipes ready!

Descriptive writing can be a lot of fun. Remind your aspiring writers that good writing appeals to the reader’s senses!

A note to the teacher/parent: Writing assignments posted on Thursdays are intended to be short. However, feel free to modify this assignment to suit your students!

Set your little darlings free and allow them to write from the heart!

Good Readers Make Good Writers

If you've ever heard someone say that good writers are also good readers, believe them! Research has shown over and over again that the best writers are avid readers of quality material.

When my son was in first grade, he said something like this:

"I will never read and I can't write!"

Well, my heart told me to panic. I had a daughter just ahead of him who basically taught herself to read at age four. Not only that, she ate books for breakfast. What was I going to do with this boy?

I read to him.

And I read to him.

And I hooked him with comics.

I know, not the most thought-provoking reading material. But I had to get this kid reading. The beauty was we were homeschooling, so I didn't need to worry about him keeping up with a class. And while I can't remember how old he was when reading and writing took hold of him, they eventually did.

Now he is 16. Since first grade he has fallen in love with literature. It took some time, and a lot of hours reading to him, but it was well worth the investment. He treasures The Lord of the Rings series and The Hobbit. He is a collector of book series. And he writes.

Now, I realize not all kids are going to be great readers and writers. My point is it has to be trained into them (most of them, anyway). Check out the article on the site linked below. It's got some great information about reading to kids.

CLICK ME!

Summer Writing: What Does Freedom Mean to Me?

Now that the Fourth of July is over, have your little darlings take some time to write about freedom. This writing assignment can be modified for writers of any age.

Writing Topic
What does freedom mean to me?

Writing Tools
For very young writers:

• Provide a pencil and lined paper

For growing and older writers:

• Provide a pen and wide- or college-ruled notebook paper or a laptop/PC

Writing Prompts
For very young writers:

• I think freedom means...
• The Fourth of July was fun because...
• At the Fourth of July parade I saw...
• On the Fourth of July I went...

For growing writers:

• If feel like I am free because...
• The opposite of freedom is...
• If I wasn't free...
• The people who fight for my freedom are...

For older writers:

• The cost of freedom in America has been...
• The different types of freedom include...
• Freedom isn't free because...
• When people don't have freedom...

A note to the teacher/parent: Writing assignments posted on Mondays are intended to be long. However, the individual teacher/parent knows each student/child(s) ability and should modify the assignment accordingly.

Set your little darlings free and allow them to write from the heart!

CLICK HERE to see our writing (and other) educational units!

Spring Fling Writing

Today is a great day to find a cozy spot and write about the spring season! There is so much to write about! Have your little darlings write a short poem about one of the following spring topics:

• Spring green
• Flowers
• Songbirds
• Bugs
• Worms
• Rain
• Gardens

Have your older darlings write an essay about spring. Let him come up with his own topic, or use one of the following:

• Life bursting forth
• When all the ice melts
• Bird migration
• Thunder and lightening
• Spring events

Don't forget to send the kids outside to do a bit of exploring before they sit down to write. The fresh air always helps inspire the writer within!

Check out the many Language Arts units and the great BUSY BEE activity packet (as well as many other units) created by Little Darlings Press. Our educational units are available at currclick.com.

Our units are ON SALE (50% off!!!) through April 7.

Daylight Savings Time Humor

Was it hard to begin school on time today? If so, it is likely due to the archaic practice of setting the clocks ahead (spring forward!) to usher in Daylight Savings Time (DST). What a funny concept! Are we really saving any time, or are we simply messing up schedules? That is just one of the questions you could ask your groggy little darlings today when they write a humorous piece about DST.

For this assignment, have your student(s) get out one of the following sets (the usual tools):

• paper and pencil/pen
• computer/laptop and nimble fingers

This assignment is all about being funny about the facts surrounding DST. First, a few of tidbits about the practice:

• spring forward (a.k.a. lose one hour of sleep)
• reduce the amount of energy used at night (lights)
• mess up the sleeping schedules in your home
• practice first suggested by Benjamin Franklin in 1784
• first put into practice in 1895
• extends working hours in the summertime
• may reduce traffic accidents

After each student understands the concept and reasons/results surrounding the practice of DST, have him/her write a funny poem or short story about it. The event may be made up or based on reality. Encourage the student(s) to be creative, have fun, and, by all means, take a nap when the piece is finished to make up for the hour of lost sleep Sunday morning!

Check out our writing, grammar, and other units at currclick.com!