If you have a student who needs to push a pencil more (become more fluid with handwriting skills), you really should check out Games for Writing by the amazing Peggy Kaye. If you can't afford to buy it, try your library!
This game is super simple: Have your student make a list.
Yes. That's it.
The key is to make it a list that your student finds fun or funny. Elijah's first list was How to Drive Your Mom Crazy. He thought this was fantastic! You should've heard all the possible scenarios he was contemplating. For the first time in his life, he didn't ask how to spell every word! He didn't complain or give me that look (the I'm-surely-going-to-die-if-I-have-to-do-this look).
Here is the list of ways to make me madder than a hatter:
1. Take your clothes off.
2. Dump cereal all over the place.
3. Eat a hunk of brownies without asking.
4. Wake her up too early.
5. Take the cushions off the couch.
I made more list-making pages for Elijah. You can print them, too!
List Making Ideas (Handwriting Without Tears font)
List Making Ideas (Primary font)
Awesome again! I am going to stick this book on my next Amazon order. I gathered the stuff to do the dice writing game with Parker today. He saw the die and that alone made him want to get started now š
Another great idea! I saw this come up in my Google Reader but for some reason didn’t notice the links! Thanks so much for sharing the lists you made up with us! Guess what is going in Hannah’s workbox tomorrow?? š
The exact things drive me crazy daily! We’ll have to do this exercise, because clearly your kids have figured out what mine need to think about a bit more! š
thanks for sharing! i’m going to try this with my grade 2 students. i think they’ll love it!
Boy, am I excited to have found your blog! I came on here for the writing prompts. My son loved your suggestions. I gave him, "How to Drive Your Mom Crazy" last and he said that was his favorite (it's just too easy-a no brainer, and I have such a long list). I look forward to exploring a little more when I have time and learning how to be a more positive and encouraging teacher. Thank you for the inspiration.
Hooray! I am so excited to hear that a child is ENJOYING writing–I think it should be a joy. š You can find my other posts about writing here. Thanks for your encouraging words this morning!