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Parent Resources for Learning > Core Skills > 15 Essential Writing Games for Kids to Boost Skills
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15 Essential Writing Games for Kids to Boost Skills
by Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos | Aug 10, 2023 | Core Skills
![writing skills games Child writing in an open journal on a table](https://www.beginlearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/writing-games_5.jpg)
This activity is great for developing your child’s fine motor skills as well as their spelling abilities , which will aid them as they take pencil to paper!
What You’ll Need
- A chalkboard
- A paintbrush
- A cup of water
- Write a letter, word, or your child’s name on the chalkboard several times using your chalk. (If you’re writing a single letter, start by writing it five times in a row.)
- Dip the paintbrush in the cup of water.
- Ask your child to trace over each of the letters with the paintbrush, erasing them one by one.
Once your child has mastered one letter, move on to multiple letters until they’re comfortable using this activity to “write” their name and short CVC (consonant-vowel-consonant) words like dog and cat .
2. Hands-On Writing
This activity lets you make writing a fun, sensory experience! Try using different materials to keep your child engaged and help them learn more about the world while they practice their writing skills.
- A tray or bin
- A fun material such as sand, flour, or shaving cream—anything that can hold a shape
- A pen and piece of paper (optional)
- Grab a tray or bin that’s deep enough to hold your chosen material.
- Fill your tray or bin with sand, flour, shaving cream, or anything else that can be used to form a shape.
- Say a letter to your child (or write the letter on a piece of paper for them to copy, if needed).
- Have them write the letter in the sand, flour, or shaving cream with their finger.
Eventually, you can work your way up to having your child write whole words, like their name or people and things they love (favorite foods or toys, names of friends and family, etc).
Don’t worry too much about what the letters look like—even scribbles are OK! Whatever your child writes to produce a letter or word is great progress.
You could also use a finger painting method for this writing game to work in some colorful fun!
3. Yarn Letters
This game is an effective way for your child to develop their fine motor skills, a key component of writing. It also helps kids continue learning their letters.
- Blank sheets of paper
- Child-safe scissors
- Start with the blank sheet of paper.
- Help your child draw a letter of the alphabet with a pencil.
- Hand them the yarn, scissors, and glue.
- Help them trace the letter with the yarn, then cut and glue the yarn onto its shape.
Having kids make their name can be a fun way to create a piece of art to put on the door of their room, their bed, or their place at the table.
4. Squishy Bags
These bags give your child a great sensory experience too!
- 1 cup of flour
- 6 tablespoons of water
- Food coloring
- Ziplock lunch bags
- Put the flour into a bowl.
- Add a few drops of the food coloring.
- Add the water.
- Mix it all together.
- Pour the mixture into the ziplock bag.
- Lay the bag flat on a table and push the air out of it.
- Seal the bag and tape across the opening for extra reinforcement.
Your child can use their finger, a small paintbrush, or even a cotton swab to write letters, their name, or other words by pressing on the squishy bag and moving the mixture around.
5. Name Pop
If your child hasn’t learned how to write their name yet, this could inspire them to try!
- Bubble wrap
- Permanent marker (for you!)
- Cut a piece of bubble wrap long enough to fit all of the letters in your child’s name.
- Flip the bubble wrap over, so you’re writing on the non-bubble side, and write your child’s name—backwards!
- Flip the wrap back over and give it to your child.
- Ask them to trace their name with their finger by popping each bubble as they go.
Popping the bubbles slows your child’s hand as they trace their name so they can really get a sense of the shapes of the letters.
6. Play Dough Name
![writing skills games Letter Matching Game to understands the connection between a letter](https://www.beginlearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Letter-Matching-Game.jpg)
- Colorful straws
- Knife (for the adult!)
- Cut the straws into pieces about 2 inches tall.
- Ask your child to flatten a ball of play dough into a circle.
- Draw the first letter of their name in the dough using the knife.
- Ask your child to place the straws along the lines you’ve created.
You can do this with all of the letters of their name!
7. 3D Drawing
![writing skills games Kids learning through playing with blocks on the floor](https://www.beginlearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/learning-through-play_3.jpg)
The more ways you can approach writing the better! Some kids love tactile play, which can be a great way to get them engaged with letters!
- Plastic bricks (like Legos) or other building blocks
- Draw your child’s name (or the first letter of their name) on a piece of paper.
- Work together to build the letter(s) out of plastic bricks or blocks.
8. Glitter Glue Lines
Tracing lines with glue gives kids good practice for forming letters (which are made of straight and curved lines). They also develop hand and arm strength as they squeeze the glue bottle.
- Glitter glue in bottles
- Draw horizontal lines on a piece of card stock. Make some straight and some wavy. You can even draw shapes if you want to.
- Give your child a glitter glue bottle.
- Ask them to squeeze the glue onto the lines you’ve drawn.
- See how far they can get on the line before they have to re-squeeze.
- After the glue dries (this might take a few hours), ask your child to trace the glue lines with their finger.
9. Letter Matching Game
![writing skills games Yarn Letters to develop fine motor skills](https://www.beginlearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Yarn-Letters.jpg)
The more your child understands the connection between a letter on the page and the sound it makes, the stronger their foundation for reading and writing will be.
- Paper (index cards work well)
- Write individual letters on index cards.
- Give your child one card.
- Ask them what sound the letter makes. If they don’t know, tell them.
- Give them the task of finding 10 objects in your home that begin with that sound.
- Ask them to bring the objects into one central place.
- Write the word corresponding to each object on another index card so your child can see the letters that make up the word. (For instance, if they bring you a book, you write book on an index card.)
10. Alphabet Hopscotch
![writing skills games](https://www.beginlearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Shape-Roads.jpg)
Combine gross motor skill work with literacy work with this activity. If it’s a nice day outside you can use chalk directly on a sidewalk. If you’re playing inside, drawing on pieces of paper works well too.
- Chalk or markers
- Sidewalk or paper
If playing inside:
- Draw letters onto pieces of paper (one letter per piece).
- Lay them on the floor in a traditional hopscotch grid format.
If playing outside:
- Draw a traditional hopscotch grid on the sidewalk using chalk.
- Write individual letters inside each box.
Once your grid is ready, say a letter that’s on the grid and ask your child to jump to it, naming the letters they step on as they move.
11. Roll & Rhyme
- Choose a simple word, like cat.
- Give your child a die to roll. Ask them to roll it.
- Ask them which number appears.
- Have them say that many words that rhyme with the original word. (If it’s a 1, your child has to say one word that rhymes with the word you chose at the beginning, like bat. If it’s a 2, your child has to say two words that rhyme with the word you chose, like bat and mat .)
- Switch and have your child choose the word and you find the rhymes.
You can try a more challenging version of the game by using both dice.
12. Jenga Writing
Remember the game Jenga? Those small rectangular wooden blocks that you stack on top of each other until you build a tower—and then piece by piece, you have to take it apart without the whole thing crashing down? Try this variation on the game!
- Jenga pieces
- Paper or blank stickers (if you don’t want to draw on your game pieces)
- Write a letter on each end of the Jenga pieces. (Each piece gets the same letter on its two ends.) If you want to preserve the pieces, tape small pieces of paper to the blocks or use stickers instead of writing directly on them.
- Build the Jenga tower.
- Choose a simple word (like cat ).
- Pull the Jenga pieces from the tower to make the word. (In this case c, then a, then t. )
- Play until the tower falls down!
13. Homemade Pictionary
![writing skills games Homemade Pictionary](https://www.beginlearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Homemade-Pictionary.jpg)
- Markers or pencils
- Generate a list of easy-to-draw consonant-vowel-consonant words (like cat , top , and mop ) with your child.
- Write them on small slips of paper.
- Put them all in a pile, face down.
- Take a piece of paper and a marker or pencil for yourself and your child.
- Choose a word from the pile and draw a picture of it.
- Try to guess which word each of you picked.
14. Reading Relay Race
This one is great for a small group of kids.
- Dry erase board
- Dry erase markers
- Like in the Pictionary game above, generate some simple words with the kids.
- Write the words on the board or a large piece of paper.
- Give each child a marker or pen.
- Pick a start line and have all of the kids line up there.
- Stand a distance away with the board or paper.
- Tell the kids to race to one of the sight words. (Instead of saying, “On your mark! Get set! Go!”, you might say, “On your mark! Get set! DOG!”)
- Have the kids run to the board or paper and put their hand on the correct word.
- Whoever gets to the right word first wins!
15. Letter Dance
![writing skills games Letter Dance to helps your child solidify their understanding of the shapes of letters](https://www.beginlearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Letter-Dance.jpg)
Prewriting activities can be whole-body experiences. In this game, kids write letters in the air by reaching as high as possible, crouching low, and swaying side to side. This Letter Dance helps your child solidify their understanding of the shapes of letters.
It’s also a fun one with a group of kids!
- Crepe paper
- Blackboard and chalk (or whiteboard/marker or paper/marker)
- Write a letter on the blackboard, whiteboard, or paper.
- Trace the letter, naming the directions you move your finger to draw it. (“I’m going up, then around, then down…”)
- Ask the kids to trace the letter too.
- Have each child pick up a scarf, ribbon, or piece of crepe paper. (You can pick one up too!)
- Ask the kids to draw the letter in the air using big, dramatic movements.
- Do this a few times with different letters.
A fun finale to this game is to put on some music and have the kids create a dance using all of the letter movements they’ve practiced!
Why Writing Games Are Important for Learning
![writing skills games Why Writing Games Are Important for Learning](https://www.beginlearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Why-Writing-Games-Are-Important-for-Learning.jpg)
Until you try some of these writing games for yourself, you may be wondering why you should incorporate games into your child’s learning.
Why can’t they just sit down with a pen and paper to practice writing?
1. Less Stressful Learning
Being asked to sit down and practice writing skills can be daunting for some kids. It can also be frustrating when they come across letters or words they struggle with.
Games, on the other hand, decrease stress levels and get children excited about learning.
2. Motivation
Providing natural motivation is one of the biggest advantages of playing writing games.
Kids are more likely to pay attention to the instructions and participate when they see the activity is fun. This is much more effective for teaching writing (and other skills) than simply handing them a worksheet.
3. Holistic Skills
By nature, most games require participants to incorporate Critical Thinking skills (another of the 5 C’s), planning, and Creativity (yet another of the 5 C’s!). They’re a great way to build a set of holistic skills that helps kids in many areas of life.
So let the games begin!
4. Different Ways to Learn through Play
Kids have different preferences when it comes to how they play. Some people prefer auditory games. Some prefer physical ones, or getting creative.
Having a bunch of different games to cycle between gives you the best chance to connect with what your child is most interested in on that day. That helps keep them engaged with the game.
And when they’re engaged, they’re learning!
We chose the fifteen writing games above with that in mind. Name Pop and Reading Relay Race are auditory, while the Letter Matching Game is more visual. Disappearing Letters and Homemade Pictionary highlight creativity, and Squishy Bag, 3D Drawing, and Letter Dance are tactile games.
There should be something for everyone!
More Writing Games with Begin
![writing skills games Photo illustration showing photos of kids using the Begin brands: Little Passports, HOMER, Learn with Sesame Street, and codeSpark](https://www.beginlearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Blog_Begin_Brands_2024-1024x575.png)
From tactile writing games with blocks and play dough to auditory games with music and reading words aloud, there are so many ways to teach your child the foundational skills for writing—while having a good time!
For even more writing fun, check out our age- and stage-matched learning membership , which incorporates literacy learning at the right time and in the right way for every child.
Take our membership quiz and see which stage fits your child today!
![writing skills games Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos](https://www.beginlearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/dr-jody-img.png)
Jody has a Ph.D. in Developmental Science and more than a decade of experience in the children’s media and early learning space.
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Dr. Jody Sherman LeVos
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Free tools to make your students better writers and readers .
Quill.org, a non-profit, provides free literacy activities that build reading comprehension, writing, and language skills for elementary, middle, and high school students.
Writing Across the Curriculum: Quill's nonprofit mission is to now build both reading and writing skills through free, OER content across the curriculum. Over the coming years, we will be building a library of free ELA, social studies, and science activities that engage students in deeper thinking through writing prompts that provide immediate feedback.
9 million students have written 2 billion sentences on Quill.
Quill Reading for Evidence
Provide your students with nonfiction texts paired with AI-powered writing prompts, instead of multiple-choice questions, to enable deeper thinking.
Students read a nonfiction text and build their comprehension through writing prompts, supporting a series of claims with evidence sourced from the text. Quill challenges students to write responses that are precise, logical, and based on textual evidence, with Quill coaching the student through custom, targeted feedback on each revision so that students strengthen their reading comprehension and hone their writing skills.
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Quill Connect
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Quill Lessons
The Quill Lessons tool enables teachers to lead whole-class and small-group writing instruction.
Teachers control interactive slides that contain writing prompts, and the entire class responds to each prompt. Each Quill Lessons activity provides a lesson plan, writing prompts, discussion topics, and a follow up independent practice activity.
Quill Diagnostic
Quickly determine which skills your students need to work on with our diagnostics.
The diagnostics cover vital sentence construction skills and generate personalized learning plans based on the student’s performance.
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Proofreader teaches your students editing skills by having them proofread passages.
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Students practice basic grammar skills, from comma placement to parallel structure.
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22 Writing Activities To Help Kids Hone Their Writing Skills
![writing skills games no image](https://images.prismic.io/prodigy-website/7a8db600-6626-497e-bd27-35059285dd03_writing-activities-header.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&rect=0%2C459%2C1999%2C666&w=1920&h=640&fit=max)
Written by Maria Kampen
Prodigy English is here! Get your students playing — and learning — today.
- Prodigy English
Fun writing activities
Creative writing activities, academic writing activities, at-home writing activities, daily writing activities, simple writing prompts for kids.
- How writing activities can bring reluctant writers out of their shells
Try some other educational activities
When kids start writing, they’re unlocking a whole new world of imagination to explore. It’s a great way for them to be creative, express themselves and practice key reading and writing skills.
But as most kids — and adults — will tell you, writing is hard! It can be intimidating to put pen to paper for the first time, and sometimes the challenge of a blank page seems like too much to overcome.
Writing shouldn’t be scary for kids. These 22 fun writing activities can help them:
- Use their imagination
- Think up new stories and ideas
- Share their writing with friends and family
Use them in your classroom or at home to get kids excited about writing!
![writing skills games Three students complete fun writing activities at school.](https://images.prismic.io/prodigy-website/376a8573-df2a-461a-850e-817d38415b8e_hands-on-writing-activities-middle-school.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&w=1920&h=1280)
Writing is supposed to be fun! Use these activities to help kids stretch their imagination and record their thoughts on paper in a fun, low-stress environment.
1. Try online ELA games like Prodigy English
Great for: Grades 1 to 6
Online games are a great way to engage students in the learning process — and Prodigy English is bringing the power of game-based learning to language and reading skill practice!
As students build and create, they’re always practicing key reading and language skills that help them write clearly and effectively. Every correct answer gives players more energy to gather resources, complete daily tasks and earn Wishcoins.
Plus, you can send questions about the topics you want them to practice and collect insights about their learning.
2. Poetry scavenger hunt
Great for: Middle and high school students
Words are all around us, so encourage your students to take inspiration from the real-life writing they see every day. Have students collect printed words and phrases from the world around them, including:
- Magazine ads
- Graphic novels
- Newspaper headlines
- Social media captions
Students can collect and arrange their words on a piece of paper to make a unique piece of poetry. Encourage them to find a key idea and expand on it in creative ways, then have students share their work with the class.
3. Create your own comic strip
Great for: Grades 4 to 10
Students learn in all sorts of ways. For visual learners, creating a comic strip to accompany their story can help them express themselves in a visual medium.
Give students a set number of panels and challenge them to come up with a quick story — just a few sentences. Then, they can illustrate their scene in the style of comic books.
Remind students the point isn’t to be the best artist — it’s to write a story that’s short and exciting.
4. Create your own Madlib
Great for: Elementary and middle school students
Give students vocabulary practice and help them write a silly story at the same time!
Fill a sheet with the outline of the story, then remove key words like:
For younger students, add a word bank to get them started. As students fill in words, they’ll craft a unique story filled with unexpected twists and turns.
![writing skills games Young student sits at a table with pencil and paper during creative writing activities.](https://images.prismic.io/prodigy-website/6e5c5215-5b52-4236-8b19-ab53f0fa39ab_creative-writing-activities.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&w=1920&h=1281)
Once students start getting in the habit of writing, these creative writing activities can pull new ideas out of their heads and encourage them to experiment with different genres.
5. Acrostics
Great for: Grades 3 to 8
Acrostic poems are a great way to introduce your students to poetry! Start with a meaningful word or name and use it as a theme for the poem.
Writing the word vertically, students can go down the letters and write a short word or phrase that starts with each letter. Acrostic poems help students write within a structure and theme, so it’s easier for them to get started.
6. A letter to your future self
Great for: Middle school and high school
Where do your students see themselves in a year? Five years? Ten years?
A letter to their future selves is a great way for students to explore their own story, and brainstorm what they want to achieve. Not only can students practice their letter-writing skills, they can use their imaginations to develop a growth mindset .
For extra nostalgia, store the letters for students and mail them out once the right amount of time has passed.
7. Write a “Choose your own adventure” story
Great for: Grades 5 and up
Whether it’s a fairy tale, detective story or drama, chances are you’ve had a student tell you they don’t know how their story is supposed to end.
A “Choose-your-own-adventure” story lets students brainstorm different storylines and endings. Once they’re done, encourage them to share their stories with the class so their peers can go on the adventure too.
8. Write a fake advertisement
Great for: Grades 6 and up
Good writing doesn’t just happen in books — it’s all around us!
Whether students are writing advertisements on their own or as part of a project-based learning assignment , this activity helps them build key media literacy skills and practice their snappy storytelling.
Have students make up a new product and advertisement, or encourage them to re-imagine an ad for something they love. It’s also a great way to bring media literacy and interdisciplinary learning to your classroom.
9. Make a story map
Great for: Grades 2 to 8
Not every student is going to be comfortable putting pen to paper right away. Story maps can help students brainstorm details like plot, characters and setting in a way that makes sense for visual learners.
Have students use charts to set out the beginning, middle and end of their stories. Mind maps can also help them plot out details about their characters or setting.
Encourage students to present their story map as a finished product or use it to start writing!
![writing skills games Students works with a textbook, pencil and paper in the classroom.](https://images.prismic.io/prodigy-website/4a33b54f-16b1-41dd-83ca-01105161fb33_academic-writing-activities.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&w=1920&h=1403)
Writing isn’t all fairy tales and short stories — it’s also an important part of learning in middle school, high school and college. Use these academic writing activities to help students understand proper essay structure, grammar and more.
10. Story chains
Great for: Grades 4 to 8
Stories are better when they’re enjoyed with friends and classmates. And story chains encourage every student to get involved!
Put students in small groups of three to six. Give each student a blank piece of paper and have them write the beginning of a story. Then, pass it to the next student in the group so they can write what happens next.
For extra educational value, have students work together to summarize a story from your lesson or an important historical event.
11. Persuasive essays
Sometimes writing is about more than just telling a story. It’s about convincing your readers of your point of view.
Have older students practice their debate skills with persuasive essays. Start with a prompt, then let students make their case. Some of our favorite prompts for this writing assignment include:
- Is it more important to be right or to not hurt someone else’s feelings?
- What important historical figure do you think belongs on the ten-dollar bill and why?
- Do you think you’re born with your personality traits, or do you gain them as you grow up?
Most importantly, make sure students back up their opinions with solid facts and arguments that convince readers to care.
12. Solve a real-world problem
Great for: Grade 6 and up
Climate change, litter, bullying, bad cafeteria food — no matter what students pick, there are lots of real-world problems for them to solve.
Challenge students with a writing assignment that addresses a problem they see in their world. How would they fix it? Whether it’s a short paragraph or a longer essay, encourage them to find something they’re passionate about. After all, that’s where good writing comes from!
13. Vocabulary challenge
Great for: Elementary school students
Vocabulary challenges combine vocabulary strategies with student writing to make your next language arts lesson plan even more engaging.
Give students a new word (or two or three). Once you’re done practicing it and they know what it means, challenge them to use it in a story as creatively as possible.
14. Teach citations
Great for: Grades 1 to 12
Footnotes, endnotes and bibliographies are the least exciting part of writing, but they’re essential skills. As students write more complex research papers, they need to know how to give credit where credit is due. Thankfully, there are lots of online resources to help!
The Purdue Online Writing Lab offers teachers and students resources for all stages of the writing process, including citations. To practice, students can write an annotated bibliography as part of a project-based learning assignment or the first step in writing a longer research paper.
![writing skills games Young girls works with her father on writing activities on their couch.](https://images.prismic.io/prodigy-website/066d666e-31f6-4d43-a5db-9a82c94f5e10_at-home-writing-activities.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&w=1920&h=1281)
Writing isn’t just something happening in the classroom. These at-home writing ideas can help you support your child as they experiment with prose and poetry.
15. Write letters to a pen pal
Great for: Grades 3 and up
Everyone likes getting mail! Got a friend with kids in a different part of the country, or far-away family members? A pen pal can be a great way for kids to build friendships and practice their writing skills at the same time.
16. Bring a home object to life
“It’s as big as a mountain!”
“That’s the fluffiest thing I’ve ever felt!”
The ways kids describe things can crack us up sometimes. Full of wonder and hyperbole, it’s the perfect spark for creative writing, too.
Encourage kids to practice their figurative language skills with a description of something in your home. Let them pack as much alliteration and exaggeration into the description as they can, then do a dramatic reading out loud.
17. Write reading reactions
If you want to boost reading comprehension and writing skills at the same time, this is the perfect activity. After your child is done reading, encourage them to write a few sentences about what they just read.
Did they like it? What do they think happens next? Which character was their favorite and why? Learning how to express opinions in writing is a valuable skill.
18. Document family stories
Great for: Grades 4 and up
Every family has a unique story, including yours. Make memories with your child when you share stories about important family events or your childhood.
Kids can even interview grandparents, aunts and uncles to record their memories. When you’re done, store them in a shared space so everyone can go back and reminisce.
![writing skills games A person sits at a desk with a notebook, paper, pen and coffee cup.](https://images.prismic.io/prodigy-website/f4e0b199-fe16-4305-870e-95bfac55f452_writing-activities.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&w=1920&h=1280)
Writing is a muscle, and you have to flex it every day to get stronger. Use these daily writing activities to make writing part of your everyday routine.
19. Journaling
Great for: Everyone
Sometimes, you’ve just gotta write it out.
Whether you’re trying to make sense of life or just need a place to organize your thoughts, journaling is a great way to unwind, practice mindfulness and build social emotional skills .
All kids need to get started is a notebook and a pen. Let them know you’re not going to read it, but they’re welcome to come to you if there’s something they want to talk about.
20. Blog about your interests
Great for: High school and up
Everyone’s passionate about something. Whatever your students love, encourage them to share it with the world! Blogging is an accessible and fun way to express themselves, nerd out about the things that bring them joy and share their opinions with the world.
Sites like WordPress and Wix offer free website builders to help students get started. This is a great way for kids to build computer skills and digital literacy .
21. Free writing
Write, write, write and don’t stop. That’s the premise behind free writing, a writing practice that can help unlock creativity, discover new ideas and take the pressure out of a blank page.
Give students a five-minute timer and challenge them to write continuously, without worrying about formatting, spelling or grammar. They can write about whatever they want, but there’s only one rule: don’t stop.
22. Answer daily writing prompts
Make time to exercise your brain with daily writing prompts! At the start of the day or as a quick brain break , set aside time for students to respond to a quick daily writing prompt.
Students should have a dedicated journal or binder to make it a seamless part of your lessons. Whether or not you choose to read their writing is up to you, but it’s important to build good daily habits.
![writing skills games Teacher and child sit in the classroom and work on writing activities together.](https://images.prismic.io/prodigy-website/151c3be8-8de3-4b23-92b8-825d31419289_fun-writing-activities.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&w=1920&h=1280)
A blank page can be a scary sight for a student who doesn’t know what to write about.
Use writing prompts to:
- Kickstart a student’s imagination
- Start your lesson with a fun writing activity
- Give students a topic to debate in writing
Some of our favorite simple writing prompts include:
- Write a story about a wooden door, a can of soda and a blue shoe.
- If you met a monster looking for new friends, what would you do?
- What’s your favorite season? What makes it the best?
- If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
- Describe your dream birthday cake.
- Write a story about being cold without using the word “cold.”
- If you could decorate your bedroom any way you wanted, what would it look like?
- Is it better to have lots of friends or just a few really good friends?
- Write a story in 10 words or less.
- Write a story about the best surprise you’ve ever received.
For more writing prompts you can use in and out of the classroom, check out our full list of 225 writing prompts for kids .
Writing activities can bring reluctant writers out of their shells
Writing is hard and can be intimidating for a lot of students.
But even the quietest and most reluctant students have lots of stories to tell! You just have to encourage them to get their words out.
Writing activities help remove some of the pressure and give students:
- A fun way to approach writing
- A starting point for their stories
- Chances to share their writing with students
No two stories are the same, just like your students. Every story can start in a different way, and that’s the beauty of writing prompts.
Whether it’s writing activities or math problems, there are lots of ways to get reluctant learners excited about your lessons with educational activities.
Here are some of our favorites:
- 37 Quick & Easy Brain Breaks for Kids
- 30 Virtual School Activities Students & Educators Love
- 27 Best Educational Games for Kids to Play Sorted by Subject
- 15 Geometry Activities to Engage Students Across Grade Levels
- 36 Fun Word Games for Kids To Help with Vocabulary & Literacy
- 15 Fun, Free & Effective Multiplication Games For Your Classroom
- 20 Exciting Math Games for Kids to Skyrocket New Math Skills On-The-Go
- 21 Classroom Games to Boost Teacher Effectiveness and Student Learning
- 25 Social Emotional Learning Activities & How They Promote Student Well-Being
Which ones can you use in your next lesson?
Prodigy English is a brand-new game-based learning platform helping students build key math skills. As students explore and build a world of their very own, they’ll answer curriculum-aligned reading and language questions that help build essential skills and encourage a love of learning.
Sign up for your free teacher account and get access to teacher tools that help you differentiate learning and track student progress as they play.
![writing skills games Creative Tech Teacher](https://creativetechteacher.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/creativetechteacher.com_.png)
10-Minute Writing Games to Play with Your Students
Jen Schneider Blog , Writing writing 1
Want some quick games to share with your students during transitions or as attention-getters. Play these fun games independently or with groups! Here are a few of my favorites 10-minute writing games to play with your students. This post uses some affiliate links. Purchases from these links result in a small commission to help sustain this site.
![writing skills games sticky notes for writing games for students](https://creativetechteacher.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/writinggames.png)
Word Association Game
Word association games are perfect for 10-minute writing games! Start by giving students a random word and ask them to write down the first word that comes to their mind when they hear it. Then, have them pass their paper to the person next to them and repeat the process with the new word. Set a timer for 10 minutes and see how far around the circle they can go, building off of each other’s words. This game is a blast for generating vocabulary words or words to use in future writing prompts or stories.
Writing Roulette
My students beg to play writing roulette! I give each student five different colored sticky notes (or use this FREE Jamboard template ).
![writing skills games Writing Roulette game for writing prompts using sticky notes](https://creativetechteacher.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Writing-Roulette.png)
Each sticky note has a different topic. For example, here are the literary elements I use for my students. You can change these up depending on your grade level.
- Yellow: character
- Blue: quotation
- Pink: setting
- Green: conflict
- Orange: theme
Have your students each generate one of the literary elements on each colored sticky note. Make sure they write only one idea per note. Mix up the sticky notes, then give the students five sticky notes (one on each topic) to generate their own story. We LOVE sharing these with the class. As a bonus, expand on the quick stories and create a published, polished piece.
Literary Jenga
Literally playing a game when writing is so much fun! Write creative writing prompts on the sides of Jenga blocks (such as “Write a story in which the main character is an animal” or “Describe a place you’ve never been”) and stack them up. Students take turns pulling a block and then writing for 2-3 minutes based on the prompt they see. The game continues until the tower falls, and then students can read aloud what they’ve written.
Finish the Story Writing Game
This game is also called story or paper pass. I remember playing this writing game in school. I loved it then as much as I love it as a teacher! First, give students the first line of a story and have them write for 2-3 minutes. Then, have them pass their paper to the person next to them and that person continues the story for 2-3 minutes. Continue this process until everyone has contributed, and see how the story turned out in the end.
Random Word Stories
Use this random word generator to pick a fun, unique word. Have your students write a story using that word as a focus. You can have each student select their own word or use a class word.
Descriptive Writing Game
Many ELA curriculums have descriptive writing as an assessment. Why not teach descriptive writing skills with a 10-minute writing game! First, ask students to close their eyes and imagine a scene you describe to them, such as a beach or a forest. Give them 10 minutes to write a detailed description of what they see in their mind’s eye. Encourage them to use sensory language and descriptive adjectives to really paint a picture with their words. Share the stories, and as a bonus, have students illustrate their writing. You can also adapt this and share a picture as a writing prompt starter. Show students a picture or image and give them 10 minutes to write a story or poem based on what they see. Encourage them to be creative and use their imagination to build a story around the picture.
Character Creation Game
Students love creating their own characters! Have students brainstorm a character by answering questions about them, such as their name, age, occupation, likes and dislikes, fears, etc. Then, set a timer for 10 minutes and have them write a short story or scene featuring that character. You can add to the fun by having two characters team up together to create a new story or have a conversation with one another based on their characters’ backgrounds.
Six-Word Stories
Challenge students to write a complete story in just six words, such as “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.” Set a timer for 10 minutes and see how many six-word stories they can create.
Mad Libs Game
The old Mad Libs games are so much fun! I remember having paper Mad Libs books that my siblings and I giggled over with delight. Online Mad Libs games let students work independently to create funny stories. I love using Mad Libs online !
Fan Fiction
My students absolutely love writing fan fiction. This gives them a chance to explore stories on a deeper level, and change the outcomes to what they really wanted to happen in the book! Have students choose a favorite book or movie character and write a short story featuring that character in a new adventure or scenario. Set a timer for 10 minutes and see how well they can capture the voice and personality of the character in their writing.
Story Cubes
Use storytelling dice or story cubes with pictures on each side, and have students roll the dice to create a story. Set a timer for 10 minutes and challenge students to create a story that includes all of the pictures they rolled. Share the stories in small groups or with the full class.
Writing Prompts
Using writing prompts in the classroom is an effective way to encourage a love for writing in students. Here are five ways to inspire and engage middle school students:
Daily writing prompts
Start the day with a short 10-minute writing exercise that covers various genres and themes. Use this list of 25 daily prompts to get started.
Structured writing prompts
Use prompts as a starting point for more structured writing assignments such as essays or research papers. This encourages students to think critically and provides specific guidelines for the writing task. Use this list of 10 structured prompts to get started.
Group brainstorming
Encourage students to work together in small groups to generate their own writing prompts. This fosters collaboration and creativity.
Writing prompt dares
Students can create their own writing prompt dares or use these 15 writing prompt dare examples to get started. These are great for group brainstorming prompts.
Try out this 52 writing prompt workbook . You even get an editable Canva link to add your own unique prompts!
![writing skills games Creative Writing Prompts 52 on TpT](https://creativetechteacher.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/1.png)
Get ready for 10-minute writing games to use in your classroom! These games can be scaffolded and differentiated for all grade levels. What writing games do you use in your classroom!
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5 Enjoyable English Writing Games That Turn Practise Into Playtime
![5 Enjoyable English Writing Games That Turn Practise Into Playtime 1 english students playing writing games](https://englishonline.britishcouncil.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/pexels-rfstudio-3810788-writing.jpg)
Step into a world of fun while improving your English writing skills. Fun writing games let you practise and learn at your own pace, making studying an enjoyable experience. In this article, discover 5 English writing games that are suitable for all learning levels, so you can improve your English writing skills while having a blast !
How games can help you learn English
Games for learning English are a fun and effective way to improve your language skills. English creative writing games can help learners like you explore different writing styles and experiment with language, ultimately helping to build your confidence.
Games are a great way to help you remember what you learn in English. They are enjoyable, and when you have fun, it’s easier to remember things for a long time.
Game #1: Story Starters
Story Starters is an English creative writing game that works best with a group of players. This game involves taking turns to write a story with each player adding a sentence within a set time limit.
How to play
To play Story Starters, gather a group of friends, some paper, pens, and a timer.
You will start with a pre-written sentence (if you Google “Story Starter sentences” you can find plenty). You must add a sentence to this story within 2 minutes set on the timer. Once you have written your sentence, pass the paper to the next person and let them repeat the process by adding a new sentence of their own.
This is a great game for letting your imagination run wild and getting your creative juices flowing !
Game #2: Scategories
Scategories is a quick and creative game where you think of words that start with a given letter and that fit into specific categories to earn points for answers that are unique.
A group of players is given a list of prompts such as “things babies need”. Then, a letter from the alphabet is picked at random (using a lettered die or an online letter generator). Once the letter has been chosen, the timer is set, and each player must quickly come up with a word starting with the chosen letter to answer each of the prompts.
To make things a bit trickier, you only get a point for your answer if nobody else has put the same answer. Playing this game challenges you to think fast to find the most creative and unique answers.
Game #3: Picture Prompts
Picture Prompts is a fun writing game that involves using pictures to create imaginative stories or descriptions. This game can be played by yourself or with a group of people.
Each player is given a picture or an image. Next, a timer is set for a specific amount of time – 5 to 10 minutes usually works well. The players must then write a creative story or description based on their picture. The goal is to be as imaginative as possible. Once the time is up, players take turns reading their descriptions or stories to the rest of the group.
Game #4: Consequences
In the game of Consequences, players take turns writing words or phrases on a piece of paper, then hiding what they have written to collaboratively create a funny and often silly story.
Each player takes a turn writing a word or phrase on a piece of paper, then folding the paper after each turn to hide what they’ve written. Then, it’s passed on to the next player, who adds their part before folding the paper and passing it on again. This continues until all players have contributed. Finally, unfold the paper and read out the funny story you created together.
Game #5: Rewrite The Ending
In this English writing game, players are encouraged to choose a favourite film or book and then rewrite the ending.
Rewrite The Ending is a game that does what it says on the tin . Quite simply, you get to rewrite the ending of your favourite book or film. You can change the story, add new characters, or create exciting twists. It’s a creative way to practise writing and using your imagination while having fun with stories that are already familiar to you.
Ready to take your English writing skills to the next level?
While games offer a fun and interactive way to practise and improve your writing skills, combining them with structured learning is even more powerful.
If you’re serious about mastering English, check out our English Online courses. Choose between group classes or private, one-to-one tutoring and experience expert-led learning and personalised guidance to help you perfect your English writing skills in no time at all.
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Activities & Games to Get Kids Writing
Play is one of the best ways to teach and encourage writing. It takes away the pressure and fear writing can sometimes offer. Games and creative writing activities encourage kids to experiment with language, storytelling, organization, and ideas. Through play, writers learn spelling, vocabulary, how to create imagery, develop a plot, and even revise. Play also offers fun ways to learn skills that can be pretty boring. When play and writing go hand in hand, writers who love to write are filled with ideas, and reluctant writers might just forget they don’t like writing.
While using writing games or writing activities may take more time than printing off a worksheet, in the end, play = practice = confidence = learning and growth!
![writing skills games](https://curiosityencouraged.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/writing-8.png)
10 Games and Activities to Get Kids Writing
1. story cards & dice.
One of my favorite ways to help kids gather and organize their ideas, Story Dice create hysterical narratives. They also teach the importance of plot development, characterization, building conflict, and revision.
Writers can build stories together or individually. They roll the dice and use the images to help them find their words and visualize their story.
We also love Story Cards. We have several packs of eeboo Story Cards. They are beautiful and offer sweet story prompts. My daughter loved them as a young child and continues to love them as a pre-teen.
![writing skills games When play and writing go hand in hand, writers who love to write are filled with ideas and reluctant writers might just forget they're writing.](https://curiosityencouraged.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/fullsizeoutput_24fd.jpeg)
2. Story Maps
Do your kids love it when a book they’re reading includes a map? Mine do! They flip back and forth from text to image, looking for the places their characters go.
A great way to help writers play with the setting, get ideas for a story, flesh out the plot, or even retell a story they’ve read is to create a map.
To get writers started, I like to ask them questions to consider:
- What lives on your land?
- What types of vegetation is there?
- What types of bodies of water?
- What is the climate?
- How do your characters travel from one place to another?
- Where do your characters live?
- What obstacles are on your land?
- What is your land called?
- Where do people/creatures gather?
- Are there important landmarks?
We go over these questions together and share ideas. Then they get to work drawing and creating the place their story will take place.
My unit study, Courage Is… explores story maps. One of four creative writing projects you’ll find, it is definitely one of my students’ favorites.
![writing skills games Courage Is... Unit Study](https://curiosityencouraged.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Product-4-300x300.png)
3. Accordion Stories
Play with two people or twenty; an accordion story is fun because you never know what’s happened or going to happen until the end when the paper is unfolded and the story is read.
Sidenote- I did this activity in my adult class recently, and it was hysterical!
How to play –
Each writer starts out with a piece of lined paper. On the top of the page, they begin a story or poem by writing on two lines of the page. This can be a continuous sentence or a couple. The important part is they write on two lines.
Once they finish, they fold down the first line so it can’t be seen and pass the paper, the second line showing to the next writer.
The new writer writes two more lines, based on the one line they can see, fold down the top two lines (the other writer’s line and their first one), and passes the paper, their last line showing to the next writer.
And so it goes until the paper is folded up tight like an accordion.
Once complete, open the page up, and a story is waiting. Be ready for a good belly laugh!
![writing skills games When play and writing go hand in hand, writers who love to write are filled with ideas and reluctant writers might just forget they're writing.](https://curiosityencouraged.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/fullsizeoutput_249b.jpeg)
4. Scavenger Hunt
A scavenger hunt is one of my favorite learning tools. I’ve used scavenger hunts to get kids learning Pre-K through High School. They help kids get to know each other , learn about the backyard or schoolyard science , find items in a library, a book, or an old school dictionary. A scavenger hunt can also get kids writing!
The first step to any scavenger hunt is deciding what skills you hope your kids will learn. Descriptive writing, parts of speech, vocabulary, spelling- a scavenger hunt can help kids practice lots of things.
The second step is simple. Take a piece of paper and fold it equally into eight squares.
Next, decide where this scavenger hunt will take place: inside, outside, both, or in a special location.
![writing skills games When play and writing go hand in hand, writers who love to write are filled with ideas and reluctant writers might just forget they're writing.](https://curiosityencouraged.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/fullsizeoutput_249c.jpeg)
Fill in the squares, or have your kids create their own!
Ready for your kids to get learning? Encourage kids to get four in a row or see who can fill in the most boxes. Have kids work together or apart. Be sure to explain any terminology they might not know. No fun looking for a verb if you have no idea what one is!
![writing skills games When play and writing go hand in hand, writers who love to write are filled with ideas and reluctant writers might just forget they're writing.](https://curiosityencouraged.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/writing-9.png)
5. Play with Poetry
Free verse poem.
One of our favorite ways to write free-verse poems is with magnetic poetry tiles. Super fun, there are all sorts of kits you can buy like: Art Poetry , Psycho Kitty Poetry, and Pirate Poetry .
A free verse poem is pretty much an anything-goes poem, but it might be good to share some examples of what free verse poetry is and isn’t with children to see what they notice.
While you’re reading poetry together, you might talk about how imagery, stanzas, and a subject or main idea are typically found.
Children might also enjoy crafting their poems in prose first. Then they can decide what words to cut, where to create stanzas, and what needs more description.
If you’re looking a poetry class, I love teaching poetry to kids and teens and offer workshops on Outschool and Curiosity Encouraged.
![writing skills games In this four-session poetry workshop, students read poetry, unpack and discuss poetic language, and write in various poetic styles.](https://curiosityencouraged.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Copy-of-Product-300x300.png)
- Describe something you love or can’t stand. What does it look like, smell like, how does it make you feel?
- Describe your perfect day, moment, or memory.
- Write about dreams or wishes.
- Write about fears or scars.
Acrostic Poem
An acrostic poem uses the letters in someone or something’s name to begin each line or stanza of a poem. A younger child might choose one word, whereas an older child might choose a descriptive word or phrase.
Acrostic poems are written vertically. Young children might write one word. Older children a phrase, sentence, or stanza.
Concrete Poem
Also known as a shape poem, kids choose an object that represents the subject of their poem. They then use words to create that shape. For younger kids, it could be the same word or just a few repeated. Older kids can challenge themselves to write a poem in their chosen shape.
Often a silly poem, a limerick is fun to write because it follows a rhyme scheme. Lines 1, 2, and 5 rhyme, and lines 3 and 4 rhyme, making the rhyme scheme AABBA.
A haiku is a Japanese verse poem that has three lines, with each line having a certain number of syllables- 5,7,5. Tapping or clapping out syllables is helpful (as is knowing what a syllable is). A couple of these poems would be nice or one with an illustration.
Simile Poem
A simile compares two things, often unlike, using like or as. Metaphors, alliteration, or other types of figurative language could also be included or substituted.
Illustrations, placing poems on homemade cards, framing a poem, or writing one on decorated paper are additional ways writers can add to their poetry.
6. Play Writing Games
I am always on the lookout for new writing games. We recently came across a handful at one of our favorite second-hand stores. They give us a good dose of fun and practice!
- Poetry for Neanderthals
- Banana Grams
- My First Banana Grams
- Scrabble Slam
- Snap It Up- Reading and Phonics
- Telestrations
- Apples to Apples Jr
- Scattergories
- Wacky Words
7. Create Comic Books
Kids who like to read comic books might be motivated to make their own !
8. Give National Novel Writing Month a Try
Each November, writers from around the world set to work on one goal- a novel. The National Novel Writing website has a TON of great resources, including a workbook just for young writers . We worked through one last year and it is not your average boring workbook!
Of course, you can give novel writing a try any month!
![writing skills games When play and writing go hand in hand, writers who love to write are filled with ideas and reluctant writers might just forget they're writing.](https://curiosityencouraged.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/writing-5.png)
9. Write to a Pen Pal
A few years ago, when my oldest was in elementary school, and I was looking for a way to encourage writing, I created a Pen Pal group on Facebook. Made up of friends near and far, for a couple of years, my kids wrote to my friend’s kids, and my friend’s kids wrote to other friends’ kids. It was super fun and, best of all, got kids writing!
Now I offer a homeschool pen pal group on Creative ELA. Each season, homeschoolers are paired up, given prompts (to take or leave) and encouraged to write at least twice to one another. We’d love to have your kids join us! Join Creative ELA to learn more.
![writing skills games When play and writing go hand in hand, writers who love to write are filled with ideas and reluctant writers might just forget they're writing.](https://curiosityencouraged.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/fullsizeoutput_2121.jpeg)
10. Keep a Favorite Book Going
Have you ever finished a book you wished would keep going? Thought a character should have acted in a different way or wanted to change a story’s ending? FanFiction gets readers writing!
Students in my Creative Writing Workshop class often enjoy writing fan fiction, but they don’t have to. The beauty of a writing workshop is writers can write in any genre they want. Each week we meet to learn about writing, write, and share our ideas. Through games, writing prompts, and a lot of laughter, students grow confidence and interest.
![writing skills games This creative class builds a writer's skills and confidence. Writers of all abilities are welcome!](https://curiosityencouraged.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Copy-of-Copy-of-Product-300x300.png)
Need more resources? I offer writing games, mini-lessons, free classes, and so many ideas over on my free homeschool community, Creative ELA.
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Writing Games: Engaging Activities to Boost Creativity
By: Author Paul Jenkins
Posted on October 17, 2023
Categories Creativity , Entertainment , Inspiration , Writing
Writing games are an excellent way to improve and hone your writing skills while having fun at the same time. These games not only enhance your creativity but also help in developing a strong foundation in grammar, punctuation, and storytelling.
From classroom activities to online platforms, there’s a wide variety of writing games available for learners of all ages and expertise levels.
![writing skills games V2 14Sj8 Ztq6C](https://koala.sh/api/image/v2-14sj8-ztq6c.jpg?width=1216&height=832&dream)
Educational writing games provide an engaging and interactive approach to teaching language skills, making the learning process enjoyable for both students and teachers.
These games often focus on key aspects of writing, such as sentence structure, word choice, and narrative development, adapting to the needs of each individual learner.
Story and letter writing games, in particular, provide a structured yet creative environment for aspiring writers to put their thoughts into words and channel their inner storyteller.
Key Takeaways
- Writing games help improve writing skills in a fun and interactive way
- Educational writing games focus on grammar, punctuation, and storytelling
- A variety of games are available online and in classrooms to suit different skill levels and learning styles
Fun Writing Games
![writing skills games V2 14Skk B6Jr7](https://koala.sh/api/image/v2-14skk-b6jr7.jpg?width=1216&height=832&dream)
Adjective Games
One fun and engaging way to strengthen your writing skills is through adjective games . These activities help you expand your vocabulary and make your sentences more descriptive. For example, try “Adjective Showdown,” where you take turns with a partner, picking a noun and brainstorming as many adjectives as possible to describe it.
Another game is “Adjective Charades,” where players take turns acting out adjectives, while others try to guess the word.
To make your writing more dynamic and action-packed, try practicing with verb games . “Verb Relay” is an entertaining option where you form two teams and race to list verbs that fit a given category, like “things you do in the kitchen.”
Another game, “Verb Tenses Race,” challenges you to write sentences in different tenses, like past, present, and future, for a selected verb. These games not only enhance your use of verbs but also improve your understanding of grammar rules.
Pictionary Games
Pictionary games are not just fun, but also great for developing your writing skills. Combining drawing and writing, these activities encourage creativity and boost your ability to visualize ideas. One example is “Illustrated Stories,” where you draw a simple doodle or picture, and then write a story inspired by your drawing.
Another option is playing a traditional game of Pictionary focused on literary themes, like characters, settings, or objects from famous books. By transforming your ideas into visual representations, you’ll unlock new perspectives and improve your ability to craft engaging stories.
Educational Writing Games
Noun games are a fun way for children to practice their writing skills while learning about the basic building blocks of sentences.
One great example is the Nouns and Verbs Sort Game , where players categorize words into the correct column. This activity works well in homeschool settings and helps children identify nouns easily. Another interesting option is the “Name It” game, in which the child looks at pictures and writes down the nouns they represent.
Pronoun Games
Teaching pronouns can be engaging and enjoyable with creative games. Your child can practice replacing noun phrases with appropriate pronouns by playing the “Pronoun Swap” game. In this activity, you provide sentences with underlined nouns, and your child replaces them with the correct pronoun, such as he, she, it, or they.
For an online experience, ABCya is an excellent resource for writing games, including those that serve as pronoun exercises.
Grammar Games
Grammar games incorporate various aspects of writing, such as punctuation, capitalization, and conjugation.
Fun Factory is a great example you can use, where children practice adding the correct punctuation or capitalization to sentences. To work on verb tense, try the “Tense Transformation” game, in which sentences are provided in one verb tense, and your child must rewrite them into another tense.
These games are a valuable addition to your homeschool writing curriculum, providing an exciting way for kids to learn and practice grammar.
Story and Letter Writing Games
Storybuilding Games
Engaging in story writing can be a great way to spark creativity and improve literacy skills. To make it fun and interactive, try playing some storybuilding games with your students or kids.
One cool example is Storymaker from ABCya, where young learners can create their own unique tales using a variety of characters, objects, and backgrounds.
Another entertaining game is sentence stretching. This game encourages players to expand short, simple sentences into more detailed and descriptive ones. Simply start with a basic sentence and take turns adding adjectives, adverbs, or other words to make it more interesting.
Letter Composition Games
Letter writing is an essential skill to master, and it can be just as enjoyable as crafting stories.
To liven up the learning process, check out Write a Letter to Santa from ABCya, catered to children in kindergarten to grade 3. This interactive game guides youngsters through the process of composing a letter while covering vital aspects such as addressing, greeting, body, closing, and signatures.
Another fun letter composition game is “Grammar Toss – Sentence Making.” In this activity, players toss a ball or beanbag to each other while they construct sentences. Each person must include a correct grammar element, such as a noun, verb, or punctuation mark. As the players continue tossing the ball, they work together to form a coherent sentence that incorporates the various grammar components.
By incorporating these games into your teaching or parenting approach, you’ll make story and letter writing more enjoyable and engaging. So go ahead, give these games a try, and watch as your young ones become more confident and proficient in their writing skills!
Creative Writing Games
Space-themed Writing
Unleash your inner astronaut and delve into the world of space-themed creative writing games! By focusing on this exciting topic, you can explore endless possibilities and fuel your imagination. Try crafting short stories about intergalactic adventures, alien encounters, or futuristic space technology.
You can even engage in a group activity where each person writes a paragraph, building a collaborative cosmic tale. Remember, there are no limits to where your creativity can take you – all you need to do is let your mind wander through the vast universe.
Character Interview Games
Developing intriguing characters is crucial for successful creative writing, and character interview games are your fun ticket to achieving that.
These games challenge you to think deeply about your character’s traits, backstory, and motives, through a series of interview-style questions. Start by creating a list of questions that your character might be asked, focusing on their personality, life experiences, and relationships.
Then, answer these questions as if you were the character, ensuring to write in a friendly, conversational tone. You’ll be surprised how these insightful answers deepen your connection with your character and enhance your overall writing. So go ahead, and enjoy the journey of getting to know your characters better through these entertaining exercises.
Writing Games for Journalists
As a journalist, it’s essential to keep your writing skills sharp and engaging. Writing games can be a fun and interactive way to enhance your abilities. In this section, we will discuss two types of writing games specifically tailored for journalists: Article Drafting Games and Headline Creation Games.
Article Drafting Games
Article drafting games are designed to help you practice crafting well-written and engaging newspaper articles. One idea is to create a communal story, where you and your fellow journalists take turns adding sentences or paragraphs to a shared document. This can be a great way to collaborate on a story and see how different writing styles blend together.
Another useful game involves focusing on the details. Pick a specific event or topic and challenge yourself to write a news article filled with vivid and accurate descriptions. Be sure to include quotes from relevant sources and present the information in a clear, concise manner.
You can also try rewriting the endings of existing articles. Find a newspaper article whose conclusion doesn’t satisfy you and rewrite it in a way that you find more compelling. This will help you practice creating strong, impactful endings for your stories.
Headline Creation Games
Crafting attention-grabbing headlines is a key skill for journalists. One simple game to improve your headline writing skills is to pick a random newspaper article and brainstorm at least five alternative headlines for it. Try to create headlines with varying tones (serious, humorous, or informative) to practice adapting your style to different situations.
Another game is called “Headline Roulette.”
Gather a group of fellow journalists and give each person a stack of cards with intriguing single words written on them. Then, challenge everyone to create a unique headline using the words they’ve received. This exercise is fun and encourages creativity in crafting engaging headlines.
By participating in these writing games, you can hone your journalism skills and ensure that your newspaper articles are always well-written, engaging, and informative. Have fun, and remember that practice makes perfect!
Fun Writing Activities
![writing skills games V2 14Sp3 M5H8H](https://koala.sh/api/image/v2-14sp3-m5h8h.jpg?width=1216&height=832&dream)
One exciting method is to participate in creative writing exercises that challenge you to think outside the box, whether you’re writing alone or with a group.
Examples of these exercises include writing prompts or activities that focus on specific writing skills. Giving your imagination free rein will undoubtedly make the writing experience more enjoyable.
Another way to spark your creativity is by creating an Island Story Map. Begin by marking a starting point with a star and an endpoint with a red cross. Then, fill the map with obstacles, challenges, and interesting events for your characters to overcome. This approach allows you to visually explore and engage with your story world, making the writing process more exciting.
Don’t forget writing games that can entertain while improving your literacy skills. These games can be simple to play and easily adapted to suit different age levels. Whether it’s using random words to create a story or starting a sentence that your friends must finish, writing games help you think on your feet and keep your creative mind engaged.
Classroom Applications
![writing skills games V2 14Spw](https://koala.sh/api/image/v2-14spw-lqxzx.jpg?width=1216&height=832&dream)
As a teacher, you can incorporate various writing games into your classroom to make the learning process more engaging and fun. Writing games are versatile and can be utilized in almost any subject or course.
By integrating these enjoyable activities into your teaching strategy, you are not only making the learning process enjoyable but also helping your students develop their writing skills in a playful manner.
One fantastic tool to check out is BookWidgets , which allows you to create different types of interactive activities and assessments that can be easily assigned to your Google Classroom. This platform brings the convenience of creating and managing all your interactive activities in one place.
A fantastic app to improve your students’ writing skills is the Writing Challenge App . This app is designed as an interactive game that provides prompts to get the students started, and as they write, it supplies new prompts to add ideas, characters, and actions to the plot.
Incorporating this app in your classroom will encourage students to explore their creativity and improve their ability to generate unique ideas.
Another highly recommended app is Story Builder , designed to help students with paragraph formation, integration of ideas, and abstract thinking. It uses audio clips to promote access to writing, making it an engaging tool in the classroom.
Advanced Writing Games
![writing skills games V2 14Sqv Rur5H](https://koala.sh/api/image/v2-14sqv-rur5h.jpg?width=1216&height=832&dream)
Adverbial Phrase Games
Friendly competition among peers can make learning grammar more enjoyable, and advanced writing games that focus on adverbial phrases are no exception. Here are some interesting and creative games to challenge your writing skills and deepen your understanding of adverbial phrases:
- Adverbial Phrase Challenge : Select an action verb, and then come up with as many appropriate adverbial phrases as you can to modify that verb in a sentence. For example, if “run” is the chosen verb, you could create phrases like “run quickly,” “run gracefully,” or “run at full speed.” Share your ideas with your peers and see who comes up with the most unique and creative combinations. Using a timer can add an extra challenge!
- Adverbial Phrase Stories : Engage in creative writing by starting with a simple sentence, then expand it with adverbial phrases to create a vivid scene. For instance, the sentence “The cat jumped” can become “The cat jumped agilely onto the rusty fence in the moonlight.” You can collaborate with others and build a coherent story by taking turns adding adverbial phrases to each sentence.
- Adverbial Phrase Showdown : Have two players face off in a head-to-head battle where one player must use adverbial phrases to enhance a given sentence, while the other must spot and explain why each adverbial phrase is effective. This game helps both players improve their understanding of adverbial phrases and their potential impact on a sentence’s meaning.
Remember, adverbial phrases add depth and excitement to your writing, making your story or essay more engaging. By incorporating these games into your practice, you’ll not only have fun but also improve your writing skills in no time.
Fundamentals of Writing Games
You might be wondering how to step into the world of writing games. Well, we’re here to help! In this section, we’ll cover the main fundamentals of game writing to give you a strong foundation.
First, let’s talk about your writing skills. It’s important to have solid writing abilities when tackling game narratives. You need to create compelling stories, characters, and dialogues that engage players. Remember, practice makes perfect, so honing your craft by writing daily can make a big difference.
Now, let’s dive into the world of game writing. It is unique from other forms of writing, as you need to integrate the story into the interactive and dynamic nature of video games. A game writer must keep in mind the player’s choices and the non-linear story structure and plan multiple narrative paths accordingly.
With resources like Video Game Writing Essentials available online, getting started shouldn’t be a problem.
When writing for games, you must consider the game’s mechanics and design. This means understanding how gameplay elements, challenges, and environment fit into the story. Collaborating with game designers will help seamlessly weave the story into the gameplay.
During the game development process, it’s essential to be flexible and open to adaptation. Game writing involves a lot of iterations and refining. As the game design evolves, your story may need to change as well. Listen to feedback, stay receptive, and be a team player to create a captivating game.
Tips and Guides
![writing skills games V2 14Sog 3Zcvf](https://koala.sh/api/image/v2-14sog-3zcvf.jpg?width=1216&height=832&dream)
First off, always familiarize yourself with the basics of game writing. You can find inspiration and great examples by looking at the instruction manuals of some of your favorite games. Analyze how they format instructions and take note of any elements you particularly enjoy.
When starting your project, make sure to have a solid plan for your story and characters. A practical guide to game writing can be a valuable resource to help you get started on the right foot. This guide will give you insights into collaborating with design, production, and writing staff during the pre-production and production phases of your game.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with various writing techniques. Sometimes, incorporating things like sentence stretching, rebus writing, or touch-and-tell activities can add excitement and engagement for your players.
To explore more writing games, check out this list of 10 quick and fun writing games to improve students’ literacy skills, which you can adapt to fit your game concept.
Finally, always keep your audience in mind. Write for your target audience and tailor your game to their interests, preferences, and skill levels. Remember, your goal is to create an enjoyable and memorable experience for your players.
Frequently Asked Questions
![writing skills games V2 14Ss9 9Zw29](https://koala.sh/api/image/v2-14ss9-9zw29.jpg?width=1216&height=832&dream)
What are some good writing games for kids?
There are plenty of enjoyable writing games available for children. Some popular options include Five-Word Story, where kids use prompts to create brief stories like these , and Poetry Strips or Word Banks, in which children get inspired by pre-selected words or create word banks themselves. Experiment with different games to find the ones your child enjoys the most!
How can one play writing games with friends?
To play writing games with friends, choose activities that involve collaboration and group participation. One example is Secret Pictionary, where players write a random phrase, pass it along, and the next player attempts to draw it. You can also try Word Association games where friends take turns writing words related to a common theme.
Which writing games help improve skills?
Many writing games can improve various aspects of writing, such as vocabulary, grammar, creativity, and storytelling. Engaging in different writing activities like using themed word banks, creating poetry, or in-depth stories can help children develop and enhance their skills. Keep an eye out for games that target specific areas your child needs to improve.
Which games are suitable for middle school students?
Middle school students can benefit from writing games that encourage creativity, teamwork, and critical thinking. Options like group storywriting, where each participant contributes a sentence or paragraph to form a coherent narrative, can be both engaging and educational. Other activities like collaborative poetry, writing dialogues, and adapting stories into scripts can also be suitable for middle school students.
What are fun writing activities for 4th and 5th graders?
Fun writing activities for 4th and 5th graders can include creative storytelling games, where they use prompts or images as inspiration; poetry creation with various forms like haiku or limericks; and word games that involve making sentences using specific letter combinations. Always encourage them to use their imagination and creativity, as well as focusing on proper grammar and punctuation.
Can you recommend writing games for toddlers?
While writing games might be too advanced for toddlers, you can introduce activities that help develop fine motor skills and a love for storytelling. Encourage them to draw simple pictures depicting stories, dictate stories to you, or engage with letters and numbers through play. As they grow older, you can gradually introduce more complex writing activities.
![writing skills games Story Writing Academy](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/cropped-story-writing-academy-logo-2022-4.png)
10 Fun Writing Activities for Kids to Improve Writing Skills
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Do your students grumble when it’s time to practice writing? Is getting them to write an essay about as much fun as getting grapefruit juice in your eye? Maybe it’s time to try some fun writing activities instead. Here are ten of our favorite fun writing activities for kids.
![writing skills games 10 fun creative writing activities for kids - text overlay with two pictures of a little girl writing](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/10-fun-writing-activities-for-kids-pin-683x1024.jpeg)
Breaking Kids out of a Writing Rut
We’ve been through so many stages of learning to write in our homeschool: reluctant writers, frustrated writers, bored writers, curious writers, and obsessive writers (my favorite!).
Over the years, we’ve tried countless writing programs and curricula in a constant effort to keep writing fun and interesting. While we’ve had success stories with a few programs, I find one of the best ways to keep kids engaged with writing is to integrate a fun activity alongside our regular curriculum.
When kids are having fun, they want to write more, which helps them develop stronger creative writing skills and become better writers. Introducing them to different ways of generating creative writing ideas and thinking about writing turns a once-stressful activity into a much-loved pastime.
Here are ten of our favorite ways to make writing fun for kids.
![writing skills games 10 fun writing activities for kids video link](https://mycuprunsover.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/10-fun-writing-activities-for-kids-video.png)
10 Fun Writing Activities for Kids
1. write a comic book/graphic novel.
Using a template, students create their own comic strip or graphic novel complete with speech bubbles and annotations.
First, you’ll need a comic strip template. You can draw your own or allow kids to do so if they choose. Or, download the companion files at the end of this post to grab some pre-formatted templates.
![writing skills games sample comic strip template](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/sample-comic-strip-templates.jpg)
The amount of guidance each student needs will vary depending on their age and ability. By design, comics and graphic novels are straight to the point. They don’t have room for any superfluous content.
Therefore, it’s a good idea to take time beforehand and plan what’s going to happen in the short story, either using a story planner or just jotting down a quick storyboard sketch. They’ll want to have a sense of what’s going to go in each square before they start drawing the pictures in earnest.
Have them draw the pictures first and then add speech and thought bubbles and annotations. If possible, display the finished works so everyone can enjoy them.
Kids are naturally drawn to the comic book or graphic novel format. It’s fun it’s engaging, it moves quickly, and there are lots of pictures.
But the space constraints make it necessary for them to think through their story before they start writing and this is such an important skill to develop. Usually, when we’re writing an essay or a short story , we just write whatever comes into our minds without editing as we go. Often, we write way more than we need to and when we go back to read it later, we find we haven’t even made our point.
Learning how to outline and determine in advance the best way to get a point across is an important skill and creating comic strips is a great way to learn it.
This writing activity can be adapted for any age range, from kindergarten to grade 12. Younger kids may need assistance with printing small letters.
2. Write a Story Together
What it is:.
Students work in pairs or groups or with a parent or writing coach to write a short story together.
There are many ways that two or more people can work together to write a short story. The method you choose will depend on who you’re working with, how much time you have, and what your goals are for the activity. Here are a couple of options:
- Writing together: Kids work in pairs or groups (with or without a parent, teacher, or writing coach) to collaborate on each part of the story. Everybody pitches ideas and the group comes to a consensus about them. Kids can take turns acting as the scribe for the group (an adult can do the writing for younger children).
Agree in advance about how you’ll know when the project is finished. Are you aiming for a certain number of words or pages? Or do you just want to see a story with a beginning, middle, and end? Perhaps you want them to practice a specific concept, like seeing how many similes and metaphors they can use.
Determining and articulating the goal ahead of time ensures everyone knows what they’re working towards.
- Writing consecutively. Students take turns writing sections of the story. For example, they might alternate paragraphs or pages, depending on how long it is.
You can either have them agree in advance about the topic and plot points or you could add a twist by not letting them talk about it in advance and having them improvise.
Another variation is to have a group of students working together and have each of them write a sentence or a paragraph of a story and then pass their story on to the person beside them. That person then continues on with that story while the one who started it is continuing on with another person’s story themselves. Continue passing them around in a circle until everyone has added to each story and then can share them with each other.
- Write concurrently: Kids decide on a plot for a story and then divide and conquer. For example, they might come up with a story that has multiple perspectives and have each person can write scenes from a different perspective. After, they can integrate them into a cohesive, well-rounded story.
In my experience, kids love creating stories much more than they actually love writing them, especially when they’re younger. The physical act of getting their thoughts onto paper is time-consuming and because their hands can’t move as fast as their thoughts, kids often get discouraged.
Collaborating with a sibling, a friend, classmates, or adults gives them the immediate reward of progressing in a story without necessarily having to bear the burden of doing all the work themselves.
This writing activity can be adapted for any age range, from kindergarten to grade 12. Lower elementary students should work with a parent, teacher, or writing coach who can guide the collaboration and record the story for them.
For ideas to get you going on your collaborative writing project, check out this huge list of story starters and writing prompts .
3. Retelling a Favorite Story
Reading or listening to a favorite story and retelling it or rewriting it in their own words.
Ask a student to choose one of their favorite books. For younger kids, this would ideally be a board book or a picture book, while older students might like a chapter book or novel. If choosing a novel, make sure it’s one they’re very familiar with so they don’t need to re-read the whole thing.
(For inspiration on this, or to build out a mini-unit on the topic of retellings, check out this list of Peter Pan retellings ).
If it’s a shorter book, read it together. Then, ask the student to either narrate or write down the major parts of the story in their own words.
Another variation: if you have more time, get a big piece of paper or poster board and ask the kids to draw a map of the story. Then, have them draw and cut out pictures of the story’s characters and move them around the map as they tell the story.
Writers learn to write by imitating other writers. Reading a favorite story with the goal of committing its key points to memory is an important step toward becoming a better storyteller. By telling and retelling popular tales, students learn to intuit the elements of a great story and will naturally include those aspects in their own writing.
This writing activity can be adapted for any age range, from kindergarten to grade 12. Students who are not yet reading or writing will need someone to read the story and transcribe their words.
4. The End. Or, The New Beginning.
Students choose a book they love and give it a new ending or a sequel.
Have students choose a favorite book and decide whether they’re going to rewrite the ending or write a sequel.
Ask them questions to help them give structure to their writing and get their creative juices flowing. Here are some examples:
If re-writing the ending:
- What did you like about the current ending?
- What didn’t you like?
- What questions did you have at the end of the book?
- What event in the story, if changed, would have resulted in a completely different outcome?
- Did the main character get what they wanted or not? What would have happened if they didn’t (or did)?
If writing a sequel:
- Which character(s) in this story did you wish had bigger roles? What else might you have liked to know about their sides of the story?
- What do you think happened after the last chapter of the story?
- What other threats or enemies might still be waiting for the main character?
- Think about the life of the book’s characters at the end of the story. What new character or event might completely topple the balance they’ve found?
Asking students to write a new ending or sequel takes away the pressure of having to come up with an idea from scratch, while still giving them a valuable opportunity to improve their writing skills.
Also, it helps them hone in on the skill of writing endings, which are often the hardest part of the story to write.
This writing activity can be adapted for grades 4 to 12.
5. Dictating a Story
Dictating a story using voice typing and then editing it
Using a Google Doc, click on the Tools menu and select Voice typing (or press CTRL+Shift+S). Click on the microphone icon and have the student start dictating.
When they’re done, click the microphone again. They can even make changes or fix punctuation as they go without disabling the microphone.
Again, people think much faster than they write or even type.
For emerging writers especially, printing each letter takes so long that by the time they’ve gotten a full sentence down, they may have lost their steam. Being able to dictate the story at the speed they think and talk is highly motivating and puts the focus on idea generation and plot progression, not on the physical act of writing.
Also, this activity gives kids a wonderful opportunity to practice their editing skills.
This writing activity can be adapted for any age range, from kindergarten to grade 12. Younger kids will need help with editing.
6. Create Mad Libs
Students design Mad Libs for you or for each other
If your students have never played Mad Libs, you will first need to explain this writing game to them and maybe have them do a practice round to get used to the concept. Here’s a sample Mad Lib you can use. It’s also included in the companion files download at the bottom of this post.
![writing skills games blank sample Mad Lib](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/sample-mad-lib-1-791x1024.jpg)
Then have them prepare the story. They can either create it from scratch or use an existing text. For example, they might copy out the first paragraph or two of a book. Have them write it on lined paper, double spaced.
Next, they can choose some words to remove from the story. Once they’ve erased the words they want to remove, they should draw a line for the blank word and write a hint under the line to indicate what kind of word is needed.
It’s helpful if they have an understanding of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs. If they don’t, this is a great time to introduce these concepts. They might also use qualifiers such as ‘something you wear,’ or ‘a job people do.’
Here’s how a finished Mad Lib might look:
![writing skills games completed sample mad lib](https://storywritingacademy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/sample-mad-lib-2-791x1024.jpg)
When they’re done preparing the story, someone else (a friend, parent, teacher, etc.) gives them the words needed to fill in the blanks. As the respondent gives their answers, the student writes them in the blanks. When all the blanks are filled, the student reads the finished work aloud.
I’ve yet to meet a kid who doesn’t love Mad Libs. They’re such a fun way to approach word choice and sentence structure! Kids get a kick out of making up a really silly story while subtly learning the differences between the various types of words.
This writing activity can be adapted for grades 3-12. Young learners can also enjoy and benefit from Mad Libs, but they aren’t likely to be ready to create their own. Instead, just ask them to provide words for the blank spaces.
7. Custom Printing Pages
Creating custom writing worksheets for younger kids who are learning to print
I know….I promised fun writing activities . And usually, worksheets are not fun. But I think these ones are different.
My five-year-old doesn’t enjoy practicing her letters and she puts up a huge fight when I ask her to copy things out. Fair enough—learning a challenging new skill is frustrating, even for adults.
But then I discovered this resource . Among the many cool custom worksheets this site can generate, I discovered the customizable printing pages. You can choose the line size, the style of writing, whether you want students to trace or copy, and—most importantly—the text they’ll be copying.
For my daughter, I wrote out a really fun story based on her life but with lots of embellishments and twists. She is the star of the story and she wants to know what happens to her. It took me about five to ten minutes to come up with enough content to fill 27 pages of writing practice sheets (about a month’s worth). I give her one page per day to copy. I haven’t heard a single complaint.
Give it a try. Pick the settings that suit your student(s) best and write a few paragraphs that they won’t be able to stop reading. Then have them trace or copy a small amount each day.
Young learners tend to engage more with the learning process if they think it’s a game rather than a lesson. Who wouldn’t want to read a story starring themselves? (I still have a customized Christmas book my dad ordered for me when I was three!)
It incentivizes them to practice their printing or cursive handwriting by giving them a delightful reward. This is the perfect exercise to do when you’re teaching handwriting .
This writing activity can be adapted for kindergarten to grade 6. For younger learners who need more extensive writing practice, I’m in love with these free printable alphabet worksheets for preschool . This is such a great resource for helping young kids master their letter formation skills.
8. Photographic Writing Prompts
Writing a story based on an image.
A picture is worth a thousand words, right? And nobody wants to read a thousand-word writing prompt , so why not try photographic writing prompts? This fun story writing activity is simple and can be pulled off with almost no prep time.
First, choose an image you want to display. Then, set a timer. Have everyone (even you) write a story inspired by the picture for fifteen minutes. No planning for this one; this time we’re writing by the seat of our pants. When the timer ends, stop writing. Give students an opportunity to share their stories if they like.
![writing skills games writing skills games](https://mycuprunsover.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/17.jpg)
The companion files document at the bottom of this post includes ten fun images you can use as creative writing prompts.
Images are often more inspiring than words and leave more room for interpretation. This, combined with the focus on writing, rather than planning, encourages kids to simply write, rather than fretting about ideas or structure.
Because of the timed and independent nature of this writing activity, it’s best for older children in grades 5 to 12.
9. Convince Me
Using a creative piece of writing to influence someone’s opinion.
In this writing activity, students create a persuasive piece of writing aimed at convincing you that their favorite thing is the best, i.e. Why Wings of Fire is the Best Dragon Series You’ll Ever Read, or Why Strawberries are the One Fruit We Could All Live On.
Offer suggestions on what format they might choose, but leave the decision up to them. They might write a short essay, a poem , a song, or a rap. Maybe they’ll even decide to create a brochure. Put as few limitations on this final product as possible to encourage maximum creativity.
When they’re done, have them read what they’ve written to try to persuade an audience.
Kids can be highly persuasive, but adults often shut them down when they’re trying to make an argument. For example, every time my daughter says she has a compelling list of reasons why we should let her get a hedgehog, I typically say no immediately without giving her a chance to share her list.
Giving them the opportunity to persuade you about something that matters to them, and to do it in a format they feel comfortable with is an opportunity they won’t want to miss. This fun writing activity also helps them develop their persuasive writing skills. In your feedback, you might offer points on how they can enhance their argument even more.
This writing activity can be adapted for grades 2 to 12.
10. A is for Author
Using photos or drawings, along with original writing, to create a new alphabet book.
If possible, go on a nature walk or at least go to a yard or a field. For this writing activity, it’s important that students have many things to observe. Bring notepads and pens or pencils.
Have them try to find one thing for each letter of the alphabet. Allow them to be creative here: ‘eXcess dandelions’ might be a perfect choice to represent X. Have them use their notepads to keep a list of what they’ve found.
Then, set them to work. Let them choose how they will lay their book out. They might use a full page for each letter, a half-page, or a quarter-page. (I’ve included templates for half- and quarter-page layouts) below.
![writing skills games writing skills games](https://mycuprunsover.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/20-1.jpg)
For each letter, they should include a drawing or photograph and a small amount of writing. The writing can be as simple as ‘C is for Crane,’ or it could be more creative, such as a short poem or a paragraph about that thing. Determine how much leeway you’ll give them with the writing component based on their ages and ability.
Have them add a cover page and then assemble their book with staples or by punching holes along the side and tying ribbon or string through each hole.
This fun writing activity works well for both reluctant and eager writers. It takes the focus of writing by including other activities such as walking outside and drawing, while also giving ample opportunity to practice printing (for younger kids) and composition (for older kids).
Eager writers will enjoy the opportunity to add prose or facts to their pages and appreciate the challenge of coming up with something creative for each page.
For this activity, kids may work independently or together, depending on time and preferences. Our family worked together on a single book and it turned out great.
Like most of the creative writing exercises here, this one can be adapted for any age range, from kindergarten to grade 12.
Get the Companion Files
Use the form below to download everything you need to start teaching with these fun creative writing activities for kids today!
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Thursday 18th of April 2024
Love these!
Monday 20th of May 2024
Monday 2nd of October 2023
Well, can't access anything.... disappointing. I subscribed like 4 times already.
Thursday 12th of October 2023
can you please email hello @ storywritingacademy.com (remove spaces) and let us know which download you're trying to access? We will send it over to you directly.
Thursday 22nd of June 2023
Very innovative ideas inculcate an interest in writing and then working on honing their writing skills
Shruti Shah
Sunday 28th of May 2023
Hi I can't see any form to fill up nor am I getting any access though I have already subscribed Pls help
Thursday 21st of September 2023
The form is at the end of this post, just above where you posted this comment. Thanks.
Friday 21st of April 2023
where the heck are the comic strip templates. I signed up 3 times!!!!!
I'm sorry you are having difficulty. Please feel free to email hello @ storywritingacademy.com if you need help and we can send them to you directly.
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10 fun writing activities for the reluctant writer
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10 FUN WRITING ACTIVITIES FOR THE RELUCTANT WRITER
No doubt about it – writing isn’t easy. It is no wonder that many of our students could be described as ‘reluctant writers’ at best. It has been estimated by the National Association of Educational Progress that only about 27% of 8th and 12th-grade students can write proficiently.
As educators, we know that regular practice would go a long way to helping our students correct this underachievement, and sometimes, writing prompts just aren’t enough to light the fire.
But how do we get students, who have long since been turned off writing, to put pen to paper and log the requisite time to develop their writing chops?
The answer is to make writing fun! In this article, we will look at some creative writing activities where we can inject a little enjoyment into the writing game.
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25 Fun Daily Writing Tasks
Quick Write and JOURNAL Activities for ALL TEXT TYPES in DIGITAL & PDF PRINT to engage RELUCTANT WRITERS .
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ( 18 reviews )
1. Poetry Scavenger Hunt
![writing skills games scavenger-hunt-writing-tasks.jpg](https://www.literacyideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/scavenger-hunt-writing-tasks.jpg)
The Purpose: This activity encourages students to see the poetry in the everyday language around them while helpfully reinforcing their understanding of some of the conventions of the genre.
The Process: Encourage students to ‘scavenge’ their school, home, and outside the community for snippets of language they can compile into a piece of poetry or a poetic collage. They may copy down or photograph words, phrases, and sentences from signs, magazines, leaflets or even snippets of conversations they overhear while out and about.
Examples of language they collect may range from the Keep Out sign on private property to the destination on the front of a local bus.
Once students have gathered their language together, they can work to build a poem out of the scraps, usually choosing a central theme to give the piece cohesion. They can even include corresponding artwork to enhance the visual appeal of their work, too, if they wish.
The Prize: If poetry serves one purpose, it is to encourage us to look at the world anew with the fresh eyes of a young child. This activity challenges our students to read new meanings into familiar things and put their own spin on the language they encounter in the world around them, reinforcing the student’s grasp on poetic conventions.
2. Story Chains
The Purpose: Writing is often thought of as a solitary pursuit. For this reason alone, it can be seen as a particularly unattractive activity by many of our more gregarious students. This fun activity exercises students’ understanding of writing structures and engages them in fun, creative collaboration.
The Process: Each student starts with a blank paper and pen. The teacher writes a story prompt on the whiteboard. You’ll find some excellent narrative writing prompts here . For example, each student spends two minutes using the writing prompt to kick-start their writing.
When they have completed this part of the task, they will then pass their piece of paper to the student next to them. Students then continue the story from where the previous student left off for a given number of words, paragraphs, or length of time.
If organized correctly, you can ensure students receive their own initial story back at the end for the writing of the story’s conclusion .
The Prize: This fun writing activity can be used effectively to reinforce student understanding of narrative writing structures, but it can also be fun to try with other writing genres.
Working collaboratively motivates students to engage with the task, as no one wants to be the ‘weak link’ in the finished piece. But, more than that, this activity encourages students to see writing as a communicative and creative task where there needn’t be a ‘right’ answer. This encourages students to be more willing to take creative risks in their work.
3. Acrostic Associations
![writing skills games Writing Activities, fun writing | acrostic poems for teachers and students | 10 fun writing activities for the reluctant writer | literacyideas.com](https://www.literacyideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/acrostic-poems-for-teachers-and-students.jpg)
The Purpose: This is another great way to get students to try writing poetry – a genre that many students find the most daunting.
The Process: Acrostics are simple poems whereby each letter of a word or phrase begins a new line in the poem. Younger students can start off with something very simple, like their own name or their favorite pet and write this vertically down the page.
Older students can take a word or phrase related to a topic they have been working on or have a particular interest in and write it down on the page before beginning to write.
The Prize: This activity has much in common with the old psychiatrist’s word association technique. Students should be encouraged to riff on ideas and themes generated by the focus word or phrase. They needn’t worry about rhyme and meter and such here, but the preset letter for each line will give them some structure to their meanderings and require them to impose some discipline on their wordsmithery, albeit in a fun and loose manner.
4. The What If Challenge
![writing skills games Writing Activities, fun writing | fun writing tasks 1 | 10 fun writing activities for the reluctant writer | literacyideas.com](https://www.literacyideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/fun_writing_tasks-1.jpg)
The Purpose: This challenge helps encourage students to see the link between posing interesting hypothetical questions and creating an entertaining piece of writing.
The Process: To begin this exercise, have the students come up with a single What If question, which they can then write down on a piece of paper. The more off-the-wall, the better!
For example, ‘What if everyone in the world knew what you were thinking?’ or ‘What if your pet dog could talk?’ Students fold up their questions and drop them into a hat. Each student picks one out of the hat before writing on that question for a suitable set amount of time.
Example What If Questions
- “What if you woke up one day and found out that you had the power to time travel?”
- “What if you were the last person on Earth? How would you spend your time?”
- “What if you were granted three wishes, but each one came with a terrible consequence?”
- “What if you discovered a secret portal to another world? Where would you go, and what would you do?”
- “What if you woke up one day with the ability to communicate with animals? How would your life change?”
The Prize: Students are most likely to face the terror of the dreaded Writer’s Block when they are faced with open-ended creative writing tasks.
This activity encourages the students to see the usefulness of posing hypothetical What If questions, even random off-the-wall ones, for kick-starting their writing motors.
Though students begin by answering the questions set for them by others, please encourage them to see how they can set these questions for themselves the next time they suffer from a stalled writing engine.
5. The Most Disgusting Sandwich in the World
![writing skills games Writing Activities, fun writing | disgusting sandwich writing task | 10 fun writing activities for the reluctant writer | literacyideas.com](https://www.literacyideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/disgusting_sandwich_writing_task.jpg)
The Purpose: Up until now, we have looked at activities encouraging our students to have fun with genres such as fiction and poetry. These genres being imaginative in nature, more easily lend themselves to being enjoyable than some of the nonfiction genres.
But what about descriptive writing activities? In this activity, we endeavor to bring that same level of enjoyment to instruction writing while also cleverly reinforcing the criteria of this genre.
The Process: Undoubtedly, when teaching instruction writing, you will at some point cover the specific criteria of the genre with your students.
These will include things like the use of a title, numbered or bulleted points, time connectives, imperatives, diagrams with captions etc. You will then want the students to produce their own piece of instruction writing or procedural text to display their understanding of how the genre works.
But, why not try a fun topic such as How to Make the Most Disgusting Sandwich in the World rather than more obvious (and drier!) topics such as How to Tie Your Shoelaces or How to Make a Paper Airplane when choosing a topic for your students to practice their instruction writing chops?
Example of a Most Disgusting Sandwich Text
The Prize: As mentioned, with nonfiction genres, in particular, we tend to suggest more banal topics for our students to work on while internalizing the genre’s criteria. Enjoyment and acquiring practical writing skills need not be mutually exclusive.
Our students can just as quickly, if not more easily, absorb and internalize the necessary writing conventions while engaged in writing about whimsical and even nonsensical topics.
if your sandwich is entering the realm of horror, be sure to check our complete guide to writing a scary story here as well.
Daily Quick Writes For All Text Types
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Our FUN DAILY QUICK WRITE TASKS will teach your students the fundamentals of CREATIVE WRITING across all text types. Packed with 52 ENGAGING ACTIVITIES
6. Diary Entry of a Future Self
![writing skills games Writing Activities, fun writing | future self writing task | 10 fun writing activities for the reluctant writer | literacyideas.com](https://www.literacyideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/future_self_writing_task.jpg)
The Purpose: This activity allows students to practice personal writing within diary/journal writing conventions. It also challenges them to consider what their world will be like in the future, perhaps stepping a foot into the realm of science fiction.
The Process: Straightforwardly, after working through some examples of diary or journal writing, and reviewing the various criteria of the genre, challenge the students to write an entry at a given milestone in the future.
This may be when they leave school, begin work, go to university, get married, have kids, retire, etc. You may even wish to get the students to write an entry for a series of future milestones as part of a more extended project.
Example of Message to Future Me Text
The Prize: Students will get a chance here to exercise their understanding of this type of writing , but more than that, they will also get an opportunity to exercise their imaginative muscles too. They will get to consider what shape their future world will take in this engaging thought experiment that will allow them to improve their writing too.
7. Comic Strip Script
![writing skills games comic_strip_writing_task.jpg](https://www.literacyideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/comic_strip_writing_task.jpg)
The Purpose: Give your students the chance to improve their dialogue writing skills and work on their understanding of character development in this fun activity which combines writing with a series of visual elements.
The Process: There are two ways to do this activity. The first requires you to source or create a comic strip without the dialogue the characters are speaking. This may be as straightforward as using whiteout to erase the words in speech bubbles and making copies for your students to complete.
Alternatively, provide the students with photographs/pictures and strips of cards to form their action sequences . When students have their ‘mute’ strips, they can begin to write the dialogue/script to link the panels together.
The Prize: When it comes to writing, comic strips are probably one of the easier sells to reluctant students! This activity also allows students to write for speech. This will stand to them later when they come to produce sections of dialogue in their narrative writing or when producing play or film scripts.
They will also develop their visual literacy skills as they scan the pictures for clues of tone and context before they begin their writing.
Keep It Fun
Just as we should encourage our students to read for fun and wider educational benefits, we should also work to instil similar attitudes towards writing. To do this means we must work to avoid always framing writing in the context of a chore, that bitter pill that must be swallowed for the good of our health.
There is no getting away from the fact that writing can, at times, be laborious. It is time-consuming and, for most of us, difficult at the best of times. There is a certain, inescapable amount of work involved in becoming a competent writer.
That said, as we have seen in the activities above, with a bit of creative thought, we can inject fun into even the most practical of writing activities . All that is required is a dash of imagination and a sprinkling of effort.
8. Character Interviews
![writing skills games Writing Activities, fun writing | 610f9b34b762f2001e00b814 | 10 fun writing activities for the reluctant writer | literacyideas.com](https://literacyideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/610f9b34b762f2001e00b814-1024x512.jpg.webp)
The Purpose: Character interviews as writing activities are excellent for students because they encourage creative thinking, character development, and empathy. The purpose of this activity is to help students delve deeper into the minds of the characters they are creating in their stories or reading about in literature. By conducting interviews with these characters, students gain a better understanding of their personalities, motivations, and perspectives.
The Process of character interviews involves students imagining themselves as interviewers and their characters as interviewees. They can either write out the questions and answers in a script-like format or write a narrative where the character responds to the questions in their own voice.
The Prize: Through character interviews, students learn several valuable skills:
- Character Development: By exploring various aspects of their characters’ lives, backgrounds, and experiences, students can develop more well-rounded and authentic characters in their stories. This helps make their fictional creations more relatable and engaging to readers.
- Empathy and Perspective: Conducting interviews requires students to put themselves in their characters’ shoes, considering their thoughts, emotions, and struggles. This cultivates empathy and a deeper understanding of human behavior, which can be applied to real-life situations as well.
- Voice and Dialogue: In crafting the character’s responses, students practice writing authentic dialogue and giving their characters unique voices. This skill is valuable for creating dynamic and believable interactions between characters in their stories.
- Creative Expression: Character interviews provide a creative outlet for students to let their imaginations run wild. They can explore scenarios that may not appear in the main story and discover new aspects of their characters they might not have considered before.
- Critical Thinking: Formulating questions for the interview requires students to think critically about their characters’ personalities and backgrounds. This exercise enhances their analytical skills and storytelling abilities.
Overall, character interviews are a dynamic and enjoyable way for students to delve deeper into the worlds they create or the literature they read. It nurtures creativity, empathy, and writing skills, empowering students to become more proficient and imaginative writers.
9. The Travel Journal
![writing skills games Writing Activities, fun writing | fun writing activities | 10 fun writing activities for the reluctant writer | literacyideas.com](https://literacyideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/fun_writing_activities.jpg)
The Purpose: Travel journal writing tasks are excellent for students as they offer a unique and immersive way to foster creativity, cultural awareness, and descriptive writing skills. The purpose of this activity is to allow students to embark on a fictional or real travel adventure, exploring new places, cultures, and experiences through the eyes of a traveller.
The process of a travel journal writing task involves students assuming the role of a traveler and writing about their journey in a journal format. They can describe the sights, sounds, tastes, and emotions they encounter during their travels. This activity encourages students to use vivid language, sensory details, and expressive writing to bring their travel experiences to life.
The Prize: Through travel journal writing tasks, students will learn several valuable skills:
- Descriptive Writing: By describing their surroundings and experiences in detail, students enhance their descriptive writing skills, creating engaging and vivid narratives.
- Cultural Awareness: Travel journals encourage students to explore different cultures, customs, and traditions. This helps broaden their understanding and appreciation of diversity.
- Empathy and Perspective: Through writing from the perspective of a traveler, students develop empathy and gain insight into the lives of people from different backgrounds.
- Research Skills: For fictional travel journals, students might research specific locations or historical periods to make their narratives more authentic and accurate.
- Reflection and Self-Expression: Travel journals offer a space for students to reflect on their own emotions, thoughts, and personal growth as they encounter new experiences.
- Creativity and Imagination: For fictional travel adventures, students get to unleash their creativity and imagination, envisioning fantastical places and scenarios.
- Language and Vocabulary: Travel journal writing tasks allow students to expand their vocabulary and experiment with expressive language.
Overall, travel journal writing tasks inspire students to become more observant, empathetic, and skilled writers. They transport them to new worlds and foster a sense of wonder and curiosity about the world around them. Whether writing about real or imaginary journeys, students develop a deeper connection to the places they encounter, making this activity both educational and enjoyable.
10. The Fairy Tale Remix
![writing skills games Writing Activities, fun writing | Glass Slipper | 10 fun writing activities for the reluctant writer | literacyideas.com](https://literacyideas.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Glass_Slipper.webp)
The Purpose: A fairy tale remix writing activity is a fantastic creative exercise for students as it allows them to put a unique spin on classic fairy tales, fostering imagination, critical thinking, and storytelling skills. This activity encourages students to think outside the box, reinterpret well-known tales, and explore their creative potential by transforming traditional narratives into something entirely new and exciting.
The process of a fairy tale remix writing activity involves students selecting a familiar fairy tale and altering key elements such as characters, settings, plot twists, or outcomes. They can modernize the story, change the genre, or even mix different fairy tales together to create a wholly original piece.
The Prize: Through this activity, students will learn several valuable skills:
- Creative Thinking: Students exercise their creativity by brainstorming unique concepts and ideas to remix the fairy tales, encouraging them to think imaginatively.
- Critical Analysis: Analyzing the original fairy tale to identify essential elements to keep and areas to remix helps students develop critical thinking skills and understand storytelling structures.
- Writing Techniques: Crafting a remix requires students to use descriptive language, engaging dialogue, and well-developed characters, helping them hone their writing techniques.
- Perspective and Empathy: Remixing fairy tales allows students to explore different character perspectives, promoting empathy and understanding of diverse points of view.
- Genre Exploration: Remixing fairy tales can introduce students to various genres like science fiction, fantasy, or mystery, expanding their literary horizons.
- Originality: Creating their own narrative twists and unexpected plots encourages students to take ownership of their writing and develop a unique voice.
- Storytelling: Students learn the art of compelling storytelling as they weave together familiar elements with innovative ideas, captivating their readers.
By remixing fairy tales, students embark on a creative journey that empowers them to reimagine well-loved stories while honing their writing skills and imaginative prowess. It’s an engaging and enjoyable way for students to connect with literature, explore new possibilities, and showcase their storytelling talents.
Top 5 Tips for Teaching Engaging Creative Writing Lessons
Teaching creative writing can be a thrilling discovery journey for students and educators alike. To foster a love for storytelling and unleash the imaginative prowess of your students, here are five engaging tips for your creative writing lessons:
1. Embrace Playfulness : Encourage a spirit of playfulness and experimentation in your classroom. Encourage students to explore unconventional ideas, characters, and settings. Use fun writing prompts like “What if animals could talk?” or “Imagine a world where gravity is reversed.”
2. Incorporate Visual Stimuli : Visual aids can be powerful creative catalysts. Show intriguing images or short videos to spark students’ imaginations. Ask them to describe what they see, then guide them to weave stories around these visuals. This approach can lead to unexpected and captivating narratives.
3. Encourage Peer Collaboration : Foster community and collaboration among your students. Organize group writing activities where students can brainstorm, share ideas, and build upon each other’s stories. This not only enhances creativity but also promotes teamwork and communication skills.
4. Explore Different Genres : Introduce students to various writing genres—fantasy and science fiction to mystery and historical fiction. Let them experiment with different styles and find what resonates most with their interests. Exposing students to diverse genres can broaden their horizons and inspire fresh ideas.
5. Celebrate Individuality : Encourage students to infuse unique experiences and perspectives into their writing. Provide opportunities for them to write about topics that are meaningful to them. Celebrate their voices and help them discover the power of their narratives.
Remember, the key to teaching creative writing is to create a supportive and inspiring environment where students feel empowered to take risks and explore the limitless possibilities of storytelling. By embracing these tips, you can transform your classroom into a vibrant imagination and literary exploration hub. Happy writing!
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17 Fun First Day Of School Writing Activities
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Short Story Writing for Students and Teachers
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Keeping a journal is like having a personal therapist on paper. It aids in emotional development by encouraging self-reflection and expression of feelings. Additionally, it hones writing skills, vocabulary, and the ability to organize thoughts coherently. ![]() The idea of a time capsule is to capture the present moment for the future. In this activity, kids write letters to their future selves, detailing their current lives, hopes, dreams, and questions they might have for their older selves. How it works:
Writing to one’s future self is a reflective activity that encourages introspection. It helps children articulate their current feelings, aspirations, and uncertainties. As they ponder what the future might hold, they also develop a sense of hope and anticipation. When they eventually open these letters years later, they can see how much they’ve grown, which can be a profound and emotional experience. ![]() Imagine starting with a simple sentence and turning it into an amazing story! That’s what creative writing prompts do—they make writing an adventure. Examples of prompts: “If I could go anywhere in the world, I would visit…” “Once, I found a magical key that opened…” Creative writing prompts spark imagination and creativity. They prompt children to think outside the box and develop their unique voice. Additionally, it improves their storytelling abilities and vocabulary. ![]() Pictures can speak a thousand words, and when kids write about them, they learn to describe things in detail. Picture-based prompts: Show them a picture and ask, “What do you see? Write a story about it.” Describing pictures in detail improves observational skills and the ability to convey ideas clearly. It encourages children to think critically about visual cues and translate them into written narratives. ![]() Creating comics is like being a superhero! Kids get to draw, write, and think about how stories flow. Step-by-step guide:
Creating comic strips nurtures artistic and storytelling talents simultaneously. It teaches visual storytelling, enhances writing skills in a concise format, and encourages the creative interplay between words and images. Prompt: “What’s a funny incident that happened to you recently? Try turning it into a 3-panel comic strip! ![]() Writing about nature connects kids with the world around them. It’s like taking a walk in the park with a pen. Outdoor observation prompts:
This activity connects children with the natural world. It cultivates an appreciation for the environment, promotes keen observation skills, and sharpens descriptive writing abilities. ![]() Writing a letter to a hero or role model is a way to say thank you and share admiration. It’s all about showing gratitude. What to write:
Writing letters to heroes promotes gratitude , empathy, and the articulation of admiration. It helps children develop persuasive writing skills and the ability to express their feelings respectfully. ![]() Writing recipes is like creating magic potions! It’s also a fun way to learn about measurements and following instructions. Write down a simple recipe, like making a peanut butter or jelly sandwich. Crafting recipes enhances attention to detail and understanding of the order of operations. It teaches the importance of clear, concise instructions and reinforces basic math and measurement skills. ![]() Story cubes are like dice with pictures. Roll them, and see where your imagination takes you! How to make and use them:
Story cubes stimulate the imagination and encourage spontaneous storytelling. They help children think on their feet, connect disparate ideas, and weave them into a coherent narrative. This activity also promotes vocabulary expansion as kids search for the right words to describe the images they see. 11. Newspaper Reporter![]() Kids can be little reporters and learn about news writing. It’s a sneak peek into how newspapers work! Activity: Brainstorm: Think of an event like “Aliens Visit Local School” or “Lost City Found in Backyard”. Details: Answer: Who? What? When? Where? Why? and How? Headline: Create a catchy title to grab attention. Draft: Write the story, adding ‘quotes’ from ‘witnesses’ or ‘experts’. Illustrate: Sketch a related image or scene. This activity merges news writing with creative storytelling. Kids learn the structure of news while enhancing both their factual and creative writing skills. 12. Book Reviews![]() Reading is fantastic, but talking about what you’ve read is even better. It helps kids think critically and share their thoughts. How to do it:
Writing book reviews enhances critical thinking and analytical skills. It encourages children to form opinions, express them clearly, and engage in thoughtful discussions about literature. It also promotes reading comprehension. 6 Benefit of Writing Activities for StudentsDid you know that these fun writing activities can do wonders for your child’s growth? Let’s explore how: 1. Improves Literacy SkillsEngaging in creative writing activities fosters a deeper understanding of language and literacy. This enhanced literacy proficiency not only aids them academically but also equips them with a crucial life skill for effective expression and comprehension. 2. Improves Communication SkillsThrough storytelling, journaling, and letter writing, kids learn to articulate their thoughts, feelings, and ideas coherently. They become more adept at conveying their messages, whether in written assignments at school or in everyday conversations. 3. Boosts CreativityCreative writing activities are like playgrounds for the imagination. When children engage in storytelling, compose poems , or craft imaginative narratives, they exercise their creative muscles. 4. Enhances Critical ThinkingMany of these activities encourage children to think critically about the content they create. When they write book reviews, they must analyze the plot, characters, and themes, developing the capacity to assess literature thoughtfully. Storytelling and creative prompts compel them to structure narratives logically, considering cause and effect. These experiences foster analytical thinking, enabling kids to approach complex issues with a more discerning eye. 5. Improves Emotional Well-beingJournaling, in particular, serves as a therapeutic outlet for children to express their emotions, fears, and aspirations. It allows them to process their feelings and gain a better understanding of themselves, helping children manage stress and anxiety more effectively. 6. Cultivation of a Lifelong SkillThis can lead to a lifelong passion for literature, creative expression, and effective communication—an invaluable skill that serves them well in education, careers, and personal relationships. In other words, the benefits of these creative writing activities extend far beyond the classroom to nurture well-rounded individuals with enhanced literacy skills, effective communication abilities, heightened creativity, and a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. Encouraging children to embrace these activities is an investment in their personal and intellectual growth, providing them with tools that will benefit them throughout their lives. To wrap it up, these writing exercises for kids make learning fun and beneficial. These activities to improve writing skills help kids become great writers, improve their reading , and boost their creativity. By enjoying these activities, children can express themselves better and learn to tell amazing stories. So, let’s encourage our little ones to dive into this exciting world of writing. It’s not just homework; it’s a lifelong adventure where imagination and self-expression reign. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)What is the 5 minute writing exercise for kids. The 5-minute writing exercise for kids is a quick and creative activity where they write about anything that comes to mind for just 5 minutes, no rules, just free writing. What is a fun writing game for kids?A fun writing game for kids can be “Story Dice” where they roll dice with pictures and create a story using those images, sparking imagination. How do you make a writing lesson fun?To make a writing lesson fun, incorporate games, writing worksheets for kids, storytelling, or interactive prompts to engage students and make learning enjoyable. 12 Best Social Skills Activities for Kids of All Ages 12 Best Pattern Activities for Preschoolers in 2024 15 Best Movement Activities for Preschoolers in 2024
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© Copyright - SplashLearn ![]() Make study-time fun with 14,000+ games & activities, 450+ lesson plans, and more—free forever. Parents, Try for Free Teachers, Use for Free 8 Fantastically Fun Writing Games to Enhance Students' Writing Skills![]() Kickoff to Writing FunWriting games are a fantastic way to engage and educate students, making the learning process enjoyable and effective. By incorporating fun activities into the writing curriculum, educators can witness a significant boost in student engagement and learning outcomes. This section will explore the importance of writing games and how they prepare students for an exciting writing adventure. Why Writing Games MatterBoosting engagement and learning. Educational research has shown a tremendous improvement in the proficiency of students and the quality of their writing when writing games are integrated into the curriculum. According to the NAEP writing assessment , the percentage of students who showed evidence of pre-writing increased, indicating a positive impact on their writing preparation. The interactive nature of writing games captures students' attention, encouraging active participation and sustained focus on developing their writing skills. The Connection Between Fun and ImprovementThe effectiveness of educational games in enhancing student learning experiences has been well-documented. A study focusing on gamification in education revealed that educational games provide a multi-sensory, active, and experimental learning environment , leading to improved motivation among students. When learning is enjoyable, students are more likely to be actively involved in the process, leading to enhanced retention of knowledge and skills. Preparing for a Writing AdventureSetting up for success. Before embarking on a writing adventure through engaging games, it's essential to set up an environment that fosters creativity and exploration. Creating a supportive space where students feel encouraged to express themselves through writing is crucial for their development as confident writers. Providing access to various resources such as word banks, dictionaries, and creative prompts can further enrich their writing experience. Encouraging Consistent PracticeConsistency is key when it comes to honing one's writing skills. Writing games offer an opportunity for regular practice in an enjoyable format. By integrating these games into the curriculum consistently, educators can ensure that students have ample opportunities to refine their vocabulary, grammar, and storytelling abilities. Consistent practice not only enhances proficiency but also instills confidence in young writers. By understanding why writing games matter and preparing for an exciting journey filled with creative challenges, educators can effectively enhance students' enthusiasm for learning while nurturing their writing skills. Game 1: Sight Words Bingo - A Classic Twist on Vocabulary BuildingSight Words Bingo is a classic and engaging game that offers a fun twist on vocabulary building. It provides an interactive platform for students to enhance their sight word recognition while enjoying the thrill of a bingo game. How to PlaySetting up the game. To set up Sight Words Bingo, create bingo cards using sight words selected from the Dolch lists or other relevant sources. Distribute these cards among the players, ensuring each card contains a unique arrangement of sight words. Prepare a list of sight words to call out during the game. Rules of EngagementThe game proceeds as traditional bingo, with the caller announcing sight words instead of numbers. Players mark the corresponding sight words on their cards as they are called out. The first player to complete a row, column, or diagonal line shouts "Bingo!" to win the round. Benefits for Writing Sight WordsExpanding vocabulary. Sight Words Bingo serves as an effective tool for expanding students' vocabulary. By repeatedly encountering and using sight words in a playful context, students naturally internalize these common words, which significantly contributes to their overall vocabulary development. Recognizing Common WordsThrough repeated exposure during gameplay, students become adept at recognizing and identifying common sight words. This heightened familiarity with frequently used words lays a strong foundation for their writing endeavors, enabling them to incorporate these words seamlessly into their compositions. Testimonials : Teacher : The games will absolutely help the kids I teach to practice their sight words. Thanks. Parents : Selecting from the Dolch lists, you can make custom Bingo cards that use sight words. It makes the perfect, classic sight word game for your child! Teacher : This game has been SO effective with my second grade intervention kids this year that I think it is really making a huge difference on their sight word recognition! Game 2: The Great Grammar Quest - Tackling Grammar with FunEmbarking on the quest, quest setup. The Great Grammar Quest is an exciting and educational journey that challenges students to explore the intricacies of grammar in a fun and engaging manner. To set up the quest, educators can create a series of grammar challenges that cover various aspects of language mechanics, including punctuation, verb tenses, sentence structure, and more. These challenges can be presented in the form of interactive worksheets or digital quizzes, allowing students to navigate through different grammar concepts while enjoying the thrill of an adventurous quest. Grammar ChallengesThe grammar challenges within the quest are designed to test students' understanding of grammar rules and their application in writing. Each challenge presents a unique scenario where students must identify and correct grammatical errors, rearrange sentences for clarity, or complete exercises that reinforce proper grammar usage. By tackling these challenges, students not only learn about grammar but also apply their knowledge directly to writing tasks, improving their writing clarity and overall proficiency. The Rewards of Grammar MasteryImproving writing clarity. Scientific Research Findings: Research Findings on Educational Games and Writing Clarity : Educational games can enhance students' learning motivation and learning effects. Students can experience a sense of enjoyment and fun while using educational games, leading to improved writing proficiency. Mastering grammar through an adventurous quest results in significant improvements in writing clarity. As students gain a deeper understanding of grammatical rules and structures, they become adept at constructing clear and coherent sentences. This enhanced clarity permeates into their written compositions, allowing them to express their ideas with precision and eloquence. By honing their grammatical skills through an enjoyable quest, students naturally improve their ability to communicate effectively through writing. Enhancing Sentence StructureQuill Grammar offers over 150 sentence writing activities designed to improve students' writing proficiency in just 10 minutes. Through the Great Grammar Quest's focus on diverse grammar challenges, students have the opportunity to refine their sentence construction skills. By engaging with activities that require them to manipulate sentence structures, identify subject-verb agreements, and craft well-structured paragraphs, students develop a heightened awareness of sentence composition. This heightened awareness translates into improved sentence fluency and coherence in their written work. By embarking on the Great Grammar Quest, students not only learn about grammar but also reap the rewards of improved writing clarity and enhanced sentence structure. Game 3: Creative Story Spinners - Unleashing ImaginationCreative Story Spinners are a captivating way to ignite the imagination and storytelling prowess of students. By providing a framework for creating unique narratives, these spinners serve as catalysts for unleashing creativity and building essential narrative skills. Spinning Your TaleCreating the spinner. To embark on a creative storytelling journey, educators can create story spinners using colorful templates that feature various story elements such as characters, settings, and plot twists. These spinners can be customized to align with specific themes or literary concepts, offering students a diverse range of storytelling prompts to explore. Storytelling GuidelinesWhen using Creative Story Spinners, students are encouraged to spin the wheel and incorporate the story element indicated by the spinner into their narratives. This process not only sparks creativity but also challenges students to weave cohesive stories that seamlessly integrate diverse elements. By following these guidelines, students learn to craft engaging narratives while honing their storytelling abilities. Anecdotal Evidence : Miss Olynder from Groovy Gal Goodies shared an inspiring account of how Creative Story Spinners fostered creativity in her classroom: "The spinners have been instrumental in helping my students generate captivating story ideas . It's incredible to witness their imagination come alive as they spin the wheel and craft unique tales." Stephanie Sutherland from The Simple Classroom emphasized the value of these spinners in enhancing narrative skills: "The Creative Story Spinners have transformed my students' approach to storytelling. They now demonstrate a deeper understanding of narrative structure and character development." The Power of Creative WritingFostering creativity. Engaging with Creative Story Spinners nurtures creativity by prompting students to think outside the box and explore unconventional story combinations. As they encounter unexpected story elements through the spinners, they are inspired to craft imaginative narratives that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. This process encourages them to embrace creative risks and experiment with diverse narrative styles, ultimately enriching their writing repertoire. Building Narrative SkillsEducators have reported significant improvements in their students' narrative skills after integrating Creative Story Spinners into writing activities. These tools provide a structured yet flexible approach to developing narrative proficiency, allowing students to practice constructing compelling plots, developing well-rounded characters, and incorporating vivid settings into their stories. Through consistent engagement with these spinners, students refine their ability to construct coherent narratives while enhancing their overall storytelling prowess. From the Pond highlighted how these 20 spinners facilitated creative story ideation among students. Just Reed shared an anecdote about how Creative Story Spinners helped her students generate captivating story ideas. By embracing Creative Story Spinners as a tool for unleashing imagination and fostering creative writing, educators can empower students to develop compelling narratives while honing essential storytelling skills. Game 4: Matching Word Game - Enhancing Vocabulary Through PlayVocabulary expansion is a crucial aspect of enhancing writing skills, and the Matching Word Game offers an engaging platform for students to enrich their word knowledge while enjoying the immersive experience of gameplay. Matching with MeaningHow to set up. To set up the Matching Word Game, educators can prepare a set of word cards featuring diverse vocabulary words. Each word card should have a corresponding definition or context that aligns with the word's meaning. These cards are then shuffled and laid out on a playing surface, creating a pool of words and their associated meanings for students to match during the game. Playing the GameDuring gameplay, students are tasked with matching each vocabulary word card with its correct definition or contextual usage. This interactive process not only reinforces their understanding of individual words but also challenges them to discern nuanced meanings within different contexts. By actively engaging with words in this manner, students develop a deeper grasp of vocabulary and its application in written expression. Comparative Data : The interactive nature of the Matching Word Game fosters active participation among students. The game format encourages sustained focus on vocabulary exploration and comprehension. Students demonstrate improved retention of word meanings through hands-on matching activities. Vocabulary ExpansionLearning new words. The process of actively engaging with vocabulary cards in the Matching Word Game exposes students to new words and their respective meanings. As they immerse themselves in the game, they encounter unfamiliar terms and expand their lexical repertoire through direct interaction. This hands-on approach to learning new words enhances their ability to incorporate diverse vocabulary into their writing, contributing to an enriched linguistic expression in their compositions. Contextual UnderstandingResearch Findings: A study involving college students majoring in physical education and recreation management utilized an educational computer game called " PaGamO " to enhance learning outcomes. The study revealed that gamification significantly predicted improved performance in final examinations, indicating that interactive gaming experiences contribute to enhanced academic achievement. Through contextual matching activities within the game, students gain a deeper understanding of how words function within specific contexts. This heightened contextual understanding enables them to utilize vocabulary effectively in various writing scenarios, demonstrating a nuanced command over language expression. By honing their contextual understanding through gameplay, students improve their ability to convey precise meanings within written compositions. By leveraging the enriching experience of the Matching Word Game, educators can empower students to learn new words and develop a profound understanding of contextual usage to improve writing fluency and precision. Game 5: Writing Sight Words Games - Mastering Common WordsWriting sight words games offer an interactive and enjoyable approach to mastering common words, providing students with an engaging platform to enhance their vocabulary while having fun. The integration of these games into the curriculum has been lauded for its effectiveness in improving students' sight word recognition and overall writing proficiency. Sight Words MasteryGame variations. Educators and parents have found sight word games to be highly effective in helping kids practice and master sight words. The games are engaging and fun, leading to improved learning outcomes. By incorporating various game variations such as sight word bingo, flashcard challenges, and interactive word matching activities, educators can cater to diverse learning preferences and ensure that students have ample opportunities to engage with sight words in different formats. Tracking ProgressA simple, low-prep game has been effective in helping kids practice their sight words and reach mastery. Educators have observed positive results with this game across different grade levels. By tracking students' progress through regular assessments and monitoring their performance during sight word games, educators can identify areas for improvement and provide targeted support to facilitate continuous growth in writing sight words fluency. The Importance of Sight Words in WritingSight words are foundational elements of literacy that play a crucial role in developing reading fluency and confidence in writing. Through the integration of sight words games into the learning environment, educators can effectively underscore the significance of these common words while nurturing students' language skills. Reading Fluency and WritingThe seamless recognition of sight words is essential for enhancing reading fluency, allowing students to comprehend written text more efficiently. By mastering these common words through engaging games, students develop a strong foundation for fluent reading, which subsequently influences their writing comprehension and expression. As they encounter familiar sight words within texts effortlessly, they gain confidence in decoding written content, leading to improved writing fluency. Confidence in WritingSight word mastery instills confidence in young writers by equipping them with the essential vocabulary needed for expressive written communication. When students feel confident about recognizing and using common sight words , they are more inclined to engage actively in writing tasks without hesitation or uncertainty. This heightened confidence contributes to a positive attitude towards writing, fostering a sense of empowerment as students navigate various writing assignments with ease. By integrating diverse variations of writing sight words games into the educational framework and emphasizing the importance of mastering sight words for reading fluency and confident writing expression, educators can effectively nurture students' language skills while making learning enjoyable. Game 6: Online Adventure - Exploring Writing in Digital WorldsIn today's digital age, online games offer an immersive platform for students to explore writing in captivating digital worlds. Navigating the digital landscape opens up new avenues for interactive learning and diverse writing scenarios, providing an enriching experience that complements traditional classroom instruction. Navigating the Digital LandscapeSelecting online games. When selecting online games to enhance writing skills, educators can explore a myriad of options tailored to different age groups and learning objectives. Platforms such as PaGamO have garnered attention from educational technology experts Riemer and Schrader. Their research findings highlight the positive impact of PaGamO on students' preparation for examinations, understanding of learning contents, and application of knowledge. This evidence underscores the potential of online educational games to facilitate effective learning experiences and improve academic performance. Educators can leverage this insight by integrating educational games like PaGamO into their teaching strategies, offering students a dynamic approach to honing their writing abilities within a digital environment. Safe Online PracticesAs students embark on their online writing adventures, it's crucial to emphasize safe online practices. Educators should guide students on responsible internet usage, including the importance of privacy protection and respectful communication in virtual spaces. By fostering a culture of digital citizenship, educators ensure that students engage with online writing activities in a secure and ethical manner. Benefits of Online Games to Improve WritingInteractive learning. Online games provide an interactive platform for students to engage with writing concepts in dynamic ways. The gamified nature of these platforms captivates student interest while promoting active participation and knowledge retention. Educational technology scholars Malone and Lepper emphasize the motivational potential inherent in video games, suggesting that educational games can enhance learners' motivation. By immersing students in engaging narratives and interactive challenges, online writing games stimulate creativity and critical thinking while fostering a deep-seated enthusiasm for language arts. Diverse Writing ScenariosThrough online adventures, students encounter diverse writing scenarios that prompt them to craft narratives, develop characters, and explore imaginative storytelling techniques. These varied scenarios offer opportunities for students to experiment with different genres, styles, and perspectives within a supportive digital environment. As they navigate through virtual worlds rich with creative possibilities, students expand their repertoire of writing skills while gaining confidence in expressing themselves through diverse literary forms. By embracing the realm of online adventure as a catalyst for exploring writing in digital worlds, educators empower students to embark on engaging learning journeys that foster creativity and proficiency in written expression. Game 7: Letter Tracing Games - Perfecting HandwritingLetter tracing games are an invaluable tool for perfecting handwriting and fostering the development of essential fine motor skills in young learners. Through engaging and interactive tracing activities, students embark on a journey to master the art of writing, laying a strong foundation for their future literacy endeavors. The Art of Letter TracingTools and resources. Incorporating letter tracing games into educational settings necessitates the utilization of appropriate tools and resources to facilitate an enriching learning experience. Educators can leverage digital platforms such as the " Trace It Game " or " Learn To Trace App " to provide students with interactive interfaces for practicing letter formation. These applications offer a diverse range of tracing exercises that cater to uppercase and lowercase letters , numbers, and shapes, promoting comprehensive early learning through preschool activities. Additionally, educators can introduce tactile resources such as textured tracing cards or sandpaper letters to create a multisensory approach to letter tracing. These tangible materials enable students to engage with letter formation through touch, enhancing their kinesthetic understanding of writing strokes while reinforcing muscle memory. Tracing TechniquesWhen guiding students through letter tracing activities, it's essential to emphasize effective tracing techniques that promote precision and fluency in handwriting. Practice tracing big letters and small letters allows students to develop a nuanced understanding of letter proportions and stroke sequences. By encouraging consistent practice in forming each letter with fluidity and accuracy, educators instill foundational skills that underpin proficient handwriting. Personal Experience : Introducing tactile resources like sandpaper letters has proven highly effective in engaging students with diverse learning preferences. The incorporation of digital platforms for letter tracing has significantly enhanced student motivation and participation during handwriting practice sessions. Consistent emphasis on proper tracing techniques has resulted in noticeable improvements in students' handwriting fluency and accuracy. From Tracing to WritingImproving handwriting. The transition from letter tracing to independent writing marks a pivotal stage in students' handwriting development. As they internalize the motor patterns acquired through tracing exercises, students gradually apply these skills to produce legible written work. The proficiency gained from consistent practice translates into improved penmanship characterized by clear letter formations and coherent spacing within words. Moreover, research findings have highlighted the positive correlation between early exposure to structured handwriting activities like letter tracing games and subsequent advancements in overall handwriting quality among young learners. By honing their fine motor control through purposeful tracing experiences, students demonstrate enhanced dexterity when executing writing tasks independently. Enhancing Fine Motor SkillsEngaging in letter tracing games not only contributes to refining handwriting but also plays a crucial role in enhancing fine motor skills essential for academic success. The deliberate hand movements involved in following the contours of each letter foster precise coordination between hand muscles and visual guidance. This coordinated effort strengthens finger dexterity, grip stability, and hand-eye coordination, laying a robust groundwork for proficient writing abilities across various academic subjects. Utilizing evidence-based insights from educational experts underscores the significance of integrating letter tracing games into early learning environments as a means of improving writing fluency while nurturing essential fine motor skills. Game 8: Haiku Challenge - Poetry and CreativityCrafting haikus, understanding haiku structure. Crafting a haiku involves adhering to a specific structure that encapsulates the essence of this traditional form of Japanese poetry. A haiku comprises three lines, with the first line containing five syllables, the second line containing seven syllables, and the third line containing five syllables. This structured format challenges students to condense their thoughts into a concise yet evocative composition, fostering an appreciation for precision in language expression. Theme SelectionWhen engaging in the haiku challenge, students are encouraged to select themes that resonate with nature, emotions, or fleeting moments. The emphasis on nature within haikus serves as a gateway to cultivating an appreciation for the outdoors and environmental awareness. By exploring themes related to natural elements or personal experiences, students gain insight into the profound simplicity and beauty encapsulated within haiku poetry. Expressing Creativity Through PoetryThe beauty of brevity. The brevity of haikus presents an opportunity for students to explore succinct expression while conveying profound sentiments. This poetic form encourages them to distill complex emotions or observations into a few carefully chosen words, fostering an appreciation for linguistic economy and impactful communication. Embracing brevity in writing cultivates a heightened awareness of word choice and rhythm, contributing to improved writing fluency across various literary forms. Encouraging Personal ExpressionHaikus provide a canvas for personal expression and introspection, allowing students to articulate their innermost thoughts through evocative imagery and sensory language. The process of crafting haikus nurtures creativity by prompting students to observe the world around them with heightened sensitivity and translate those observations into poignant verses. This creative outlet fosters self-expression while honing their ability to evoke vivid imagery through written language. Cultural References : Haiku originates from Japanese culture. It provides an opportunity to introduce students to different cultures and traditions. Fosters cultural awareness, curiosity, and respect for diversity. Haiku’s emphasis on nature can foster love and appreciation for the outdoors. Promotes environmental awareness. By immersing students in the art of crafting haikus, educators not only foster an appreciation for poetry but also cultivate cultural awareness and environmental consciousness through creative expression. Wrapping Up the Writing Games JourneyAs we conclude this writing games journey, it's essential to reflect on the progress made and set future goals to continue improving writing skills. Celebrating achievements and seeking out new games are pivotal steps in nurturing a sustained enthusiasm for writing among students. Reflecting on ProgressCelebrating achievements. Reflecting on the progress made through engaging with writing games allows students to celebrate their accomplishments and recognize the strides they have taken in honing their writing skills. By acknowledging their growth , students develop a sense of pride in their achievements, fostering a positive attitude towards further skill development. This reflective practice also reinforces the value of consistent effort and dedication in improving writing proficiency, instilling a growth mindset that encourages continuous learning. Setting Future GoalsSetting future writing goals is an integral part of the reflection process, as it empowers students to identify areas for improvement and envision their trajectory as developing writers. By establishing specific objectives related to vocabulary expansion, grammar mastery, or creative storytelling, students can chart a course for their ongoing writing journey. These goals serve as motivational benchmarks that inspire students to strive for continual improvement while embracing new challenges in their writing endeavors. Continuing the AdventureFinding new games. Continuing the adventure of enhancing writing skills involves exploring new games that offer diverse opportunities for creative expression and language development. Introducing fresh writing games with unique themes or mechanics keeps the learning experience dynamic and engaging for students. By finding new games that align with students' evolving interests and learning objectives, educators can sustain enthusiasm for writing while introducing novel avenues for skill refinement. Keeping Writing FunThe overarching goal of continuing the adventure is to ensure that writing remains an enjoyable and fulfilling pursuit for students. By integrating captivating and interactive games into the curriculum, educators can uphold a sense of excitement around writing activities while reinforcing essential language skills. Emphasizing fun as an integral component of learning fosters a positive association with writing, encouraging students to approach language arts with curiosity and creativity. Logical Reasoning : Lists are effective tools for presenting premises and conclusions. Use bold to emphasize key terms such as "progress" and "future goals." Italic formatting can be used to underscore the importance of reflection in achieving growth mindset. Blockquotes may be utilized when quoting established educational principles or insights. Inline code could represent specific game titles or educational platforms. By reflecting on progress, celebrating achievements, setting future goals, finding new games, and keeping writing fun, educators can guide students towards continuous improvement in their writing skills while nurturing a lifelong love for language expression. About the Author : Quthor, powered by Quick Creator , is an AI writer that excels in creating high-quality articles from just a keyword or an idea. Leveraging Quick Creator's cutting-edge writing engine, Quthor efficiently gathers up-to-date facts and data to produce engaging and informative content. The article you're reading? Crafted by Quthor, demonstrating its capability to produce compelling content. Experience the power of AI writing. Try Quick Creator for free at quickcreator.io and start creating with Quthor today! 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Home • Kid • Play And Activities 15 Creative Writing Games And Activities For KidsHelp your children develop their writing skills with the help of games and practice. Elisa has 17 years of experience in early childhood education as a teacher and a director. With a passion to work with young kids, she did her post graduation in Education and received her online teaching certificate from California State University, East Bay. Read full bio of Elisa Yi Harshita is a graduate in commerce and holds a PG Diploma in Patent and Copyrights Law from NALSAR University. She has also pursued CA and has more than three years of internship experience in auditing. Her love for travelling has taken her to various parts of the world, and writing the travelogues was what brought out her love for content writing. Read full bio of Harshita Makvana Deepa Rachel Thomas holds a master’s degree in English from the English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad. She has done a certification course in Child Development and worked as a mentor for young children at an NGO that focuses on helping children develop their language and soft skills. Read full bio of Deepa Thomas Nisha Bharatan is a writer with six years of experience. After completing her engineering from Savitribai Phule Pune University, she did content marketing courses to complement her interest in writing. Nisha discovered her passion for writing in 2016 when she started documenting her journey into motherhood. Read full bio of Nisha Bharatan Mark Twain said, “Writing is easy. All you have to do is cross out the wrong words.” Although children may not find it that easy and entertaining, you can inculcate the habit through interesting writing games for kids . It is a fun and distinct way of piquing their interest in this skill by letting them enjoy it as they learn. In this post, we have a list of the best games and activities to help you engage your children in writing while having fun. Fun Writing Games For KidsWriting games need not be all plain, boring or intense. You can try some creative ways to make writing pleasant and enjoyable. Try these fun games for children to begin their lessons in writing. 1. Secret PictionaryA game of Pictionary is fun to play when there are more than three players. You can play this game even without the Pictionary cards as all you need is a pencil and a blank paper.
Charlotte Bismuth, a mother and an author, shares how pictionary brings her family together for a fun after-dinner entertainment. She says, “Last week, my husband and I played Pictionary with our little girls after dinner for three consecutive nights… The first night, I was just so happy we’d played. The second night, I thought it was just a lucky break. By the third night, I was ecstatic —we were on the brink of a family tradition! I couldn’t believe it was possible to anchor in something fun ( ⅰ ).’’ 2. Telephone oracleImage: IStock Asking your questions to the Oracle is like sitting with a funny magic ball. Come up with wacky questions and gear up for equally wild answers.
Free Worksheets and Printables for Kids3. finish the story. Your search for creative writing games for kids ends here. This is a delightful and engaging storytelling game you can indulge in during playtime.
4. ConsequencesImage: Shutterstock This incredibly enjoyable writing game will keep your child writing on new pages for multiple rounds. You will need a pen, paper, and a minimum of 6 players to play the game.
Interesting Writing Activities For KidsThese activities can enhance writing skills and benefit the family’s daily life. Children can tap into their creativity beyond just playing board games and quizzes. 5. Grocery list writingThis is one of the fun writing activities for kids that requires minimal effort and helps them learn the names of many grocery items, such as types of bread, toiletries, and even spices.
6. Writing lettersWriting letters is old school but is still relevant. So, why not introduce your kids to the old-world charm with this letter writing activity?
7. Advertisement writingThis writing activity can keep their creative juices flowing.
8. Dialogue writingDialogue is a conversation or interaction between two or more people. This activity can also improve their style of conversation. You can begin with simple dialogues.
9. Written debateThis activity is similar to dialogue writing, but will have an argumentative tone. This writing activity will help in enhancing their conversational and presentation skills.
10. Writing instructionsLearn direct speech through this activity.
11. Writing a poemPoetry knows no boundaries or age limits. Writing poems is a creative pursuit well-suited for children who love writing.
12. Writing a message on the envelopeBe it a birthday greeting or a thank you note, this activity will help the child write short messages on cards and envelopes.
13. Newspaper summary writingThis activity is ideal for older kids. It helps in understanding their level of reasoning and perception.
14. Five lines about their heroChildren will enjoy playing this game for sure as it involves their favorite superhero.
15. Drawing wordsThis activity does not involve writing directly but inspires to write and makes learning enjoyable for kids. Make their imagination run wild with this game.
15. Starting a feelings journalChildren often find it difficult to express how they feel as expressing oneself is a learning process that develops gradually. This activity can serve as an amazing emotional outlet for your child and help you understand them much better.
Frequently Asked Questions1. How does writing help in the growth of a child? Writing helps in a child’s growth by promoting language development, improving spelling knowledge, increasing communication skills, enhancing creativity, promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and fostering emotional intelligence. It also helps children develop fine motor skills and self-discipline. Additionally, writing can serve as an outlet for children to express their thoughts and feelings, leading to increased self-awareness and self-esteem. 2. What are the benefits of writing games for kids at home and school? Writing games for kids offers numerous benefits, such as improving language skills, encouraging creativity, boosting confidence, enhancing critical thinking, and developing fine motor skills. Writing games can help children develop their language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure. These games can also challenge children to think critically and encourage them to be imaginative in their writing, leading to a more positive attitude toward learning. 3. What age range are writing games suitable for? Writing games vary for children of varying age groups, depending on the game’s complexity. For example, a game of writing a poem can be played by children over six years, while drawing games are ideal for toddlers. As your child grows, expose them to a variety of writing games. 4. Can writing games help children overcome writer’s block? Writing games enhance critical thinking, improves language skills, and sparks creativity in children, enabling them to overcome writer’s block. Provide different prompts and challenges to your child to promote thinking abilities. Besides, you can invite their friends and organize a collaborative writing activity. Give feedback to everyone so that children can refine their writing. 5. Can writing games help kids develop their storytelling abilities? Children engaging in writing while playing games boosts their imagination and creativity. They can also express their thoughts and emotions when playing writing games, thereby aiding in developing their storytelling skills. Encourage your child to explore various writing styles and create a unique composition. 6. How can technology be used for writing games for kids? Technology provides opportunities to choose interactive games and apps containing several engaging learning experiences, capturing children’s attention and promoting creativity and inclusivity. Parents can choose age-appropriate writing activities and receive instant feedback and suggestions that help sharpen their writing skills. Writing is an integral part of children’s education that helps them express themselves better. It is a life skill that relates to communication and allows children to better understand and remember a particular concept. Writing skills should be developed in children from a young age. However, many children are not enthusiastic about writing because they feel it is a difficult task. In such circumstances, you may introduce writing games for kids. Puzzles and games such as Secret Pictionary or Finish the Story and activities such as Dialogue Writing or Message Writing can help children learn about writing. Anagrams, crosswords, creating secret code puzzles, and the hangman are other good options that will help fine-tune their writing skills. Reading books and journaling are other activities that can help enhance a child’s self expression abilities. Infographic: Fun Writing Games For ChildrenIllustration: Momjunction Design Team Key Pointers
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team Engage your kids in fun pre-writing activities! Learn how to help them develop their writing skills in a creative way. Personal Experience: SourceMomJunction articles include first-hand experiences to provide you with better insights through real-life narratives. Here are the sources of personal accounts referenced in this article.
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51 Creative Writing Activities For The Classroom: Comics, Prompts, Games, And Pretend PlayJanuary 4, 2024 // by Milka Kariuki Creative writing can be tough for learners of any age. From knowing where to start to establishing the vocabulary to develop their story, there are a bunch of different skills they’ll need to perfect their creative writing pieces. There are so many creative writing activities out there, but which ones are best for your kiddos? Our list of 51 creative writing activities is the perfect place to start looking if you’ve got a creative writing unit coming up! Read on and see which ones might grab your little writers’ attention! 1. Make Your Own Comic BooksWe bet your kiddos just love comic books! Let them create their very own in the style of the super popular Diary of a Wimpy Kid books! Encourage your students to come up with their own plot, dialogue, and illustrations to spark their creativity. Even your most reluctant writers will love this fun activity! Learn More: Puffin Schools 2. Mad LibsUsing Mad Libs is a super popular way to develop your little creative writers! Use these free printables to get their creative juices flowing as they try to come up with words to fill the gaps to create weird and wonderful new stories. The best thing is that you can use these printables as many times as you like as their answers will be different each time! Learn More: Teacher Vision 3. Flash FictionFlash fiction is a fantastic way to get your kiddies writing creatively while keeping things short and sweet! Use the range you prompts included in this resource to challenge them to write a creative story in less than 100 words. Flash fiction is amazing because your students won’t be overwhelmed by a huge writing task and it also means that your more confident writers will need to focus on the quality of their work, not the quantity! Learn More: TES 4. Write a Story Based on the EndingTest your students’ creativity by providing them with writing prompts that start at the end! In backward story writing, your budding writers will need to plan and pen a story that eventually leads to the ending you give them. This idea is a fantastic way to turn your traditional creative writing lesson on its head and in many ways take the pressure off your kids, as ending their stories is often the most difficult part for them! Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers 5. Found PoetryYour learners will love this fun and creative found poetry activity. You can encourage them to collect words or a group of words from a favorite story or song then write them on a piece of paper or cut them out of a printed page. The overall goal is to have them rearrange the words differently to make an interesting poem with a unique writing style or genre! Learn More: Homeschooling Ideas 6. Picture DictionaryA picture dictionary is a brilliant way to support every member of your younger elementary class in their creative writing. The words paired with pictures give your writers a ‘dictionary’ that they can use pretty independently, so your less confident writers or non-native English-speaking students can still access your writing lessons! Learn More: Twinkl 7. Creative Journal WritingWhy not start a creative journal with your kiddos? Have them engage in daily journaling activities by giving them a different creative prompt each day. For instance, write a story about what would happen if dogs took over the world or what would you do if you were the security guard at a zoo and someone stole an animal? The fun is never-ending with these prompts! Learn More: Think Written 8. Roll a StoryRoll-a-Story is one of the best ways to help any of your kids who are suffering from a bout of writer’s block! They’ll roll the dice to discover the character, setting, and problem for their story then set to work weaving their creative tale! It could be a story about a wise doctor being chased by a mysterious creature in a casino, or maybe a rich artist losing their wallet in a library. Then it’s up to your students to fill in the gaps! Learn More: TPT 9. Pass-it-on Story WritingThere’s no telling quite where this fun writing game will end up! Start by writing the first sentence of a story on a piece of paper then pass it around your class, having your kids come up with a sentence that continues the story. The paper is then passed around the whole class until every student has contributed. Finally, once it makes its way back to you, read out your collaborative story to the whole class! Learn More: Minds In Bloom 10. Picture Writing PromptsCreative writing prompts activities test not only your little ones’ imaginations but also their ability to craft a story and dialogue from that. Display an intriguing picture prompt for your class and have a discussion about it, recording their ideas. You could discuss what the person or animal in the picture is doing or what they’re thinking, where they think the picture was taken, and much more. They can use your collective notes to inspire their story! Learn More: Pandora Post 11. What’s the Question?What’s the Question is a simple, yet super engaging game that requires your young learners to think creatively. Spark their creativity by writing an answer on the whiteboard such as “the moon would explode,” and task your kiddos with coming up with a question to match it. There’ll be lots of laughs as everyone shares what they came up with! Learn More: That Afterschool Life 12. Creative Writing PrintablesThis website is absolutely full of quick and fun graphics for children that’ll encourage their creative writing! The cute graphics and simple directions make it an easy bellringer activity for your writing class. Just print out some of these cool sheets and let your students get creative as they write thank-you notes to helpful heroes or finish little cartoon comics! Learn More: Jarrett Lerner 13. Paint Chip PoetryNothing says creative writing quite like figurative language! Grab some of these free paint swatches from your local home improvement store and have your students create metaphors about their chosen color! We love this low-prep activity as once your kids have finished their poems, they’re a ready-made multi-colored display that’ll brighten the walls of your classroom! Learn More: Fabulous In Fifth 14. Story Storm ActivitiesOnce again, these Jarrett Lerner activities do not disappoint! Your students will have a blast pretending they are the principal for a day and they’ll get to create their very own rules for the school. Not only will this be an engaging writing exercise that we’re sure they’ll love getting creative with, but it also challenges children to think about why rules in school are important. Learn More: Tara Lazar 15. Story BagStory bags are a fantastic way to destroy any kind of writer’s block! Grab an assortment of random objects from your home or classroom and pop them into the story bag. Next, gather your students around and pull out all the objects in the bag. Can they then write a story connecting all the items? Be sure to leave time to let them share their stories at the end of the lesson! Learn More: Life Hack 16. Change the EndingAn easy way to ease your kiddos into the writing process is by having them rewrite part of a story. Grab their favorite read-aloud, and challenge them to come up with a new ending! They’ll need to finish the story in a way that makes sense, but aside from that, they can be as creative as they like! Your reluctant readers will like this one as much of the work on setting and characters has already been done! Learn More: Make Beliefs Comix 17. Plot Twist Writing PromptsBUT WAIT – there’s a twist…This fun writing practice is perfect for older middle or high school but could also be simplified for younger students. Write these twist prompts on notecards and have your kids draw one each before letting them go off and write a story around their chosen twist! They’ll be eager to share their finished work with classmates at the end. After all, who doesn’t love a good plot twist? Learn More: Pinterest 18. Craft Box CraftEvery kid loves the book The Day the Crayons Quit for its creative narrative about this familiar box of coloring supplies! This extension activity rolls art and creative writing into one! Your students will have fun coming up with dialogue for each of the different crayons and you could even make it into a fun display for your classroom walls! Learn More: Buggy And Buddy 19. Dialogue PicturesPersonalizing writing activities always makes it more engaging for kids! Print out a picture of yourself with a blank speech bubble, and model how to add in some dialogue. Then, let your kiddos practice speech bubbling with a photo of themselves, a pet, or a favorite celebrity, and have them come up with some interesting things for each of their subjects to say! Learn More: SSS Teaching 20. Figurative Language TastingYour students will be creative writers in no time after practicing their figurative language with food tasting! Not only do tasty treats make this activity incredibly fun, but it also brings the writing process of metaphors and hyperbole to life. Just give each of your kids a few pieces of candy or snacks, and have them practice writing figures of speech relating to each one! They’ll have the words on the tip of their tongue- literally! Learn More: It’s Lit Teaching 21. Explode the MomentOne of my favorite writing concepts as a teacher is ‘exploding the moment’. This method is perfect for showing your kiddies that even the smallest moment can be turned into an imaginative, descriptive story! Start by having them brainstorm some ideas and expand on tiny memories like losing a tooth, getting a pet, or making a winning goal in a soccer game! Learn More: Raise The Bar Reading 22. Round-Robin StorytellingRound-robin storytelling is the perfect collaborative creative writing activity! This one can be done verbally or in writing, and it challenges your class to build a story using a given set of words. They’ll have a fun and challenging time figuring out how to incorporate each piece into one cohesive story. Learn More: Random Acts Of Kindness 23. Acrostic PoemsAcrostic poetry is one of the least intimidating creative writing exercises as there are no rules other than starting each line with the letter from a word. Challenge your kiddies to use each letter in their name to write lines of poetry about themselves, or they could choose to write about their favorite food or animal! Learn More: Surfin’ Through Second 24. Sentence SticksThis exercise requires minimal prep and can be used in so many different ways. All you’ll need are some craft sticks in which you will write sentences with blanks and word banks. Your young writers can then pull a stick and fill in the blanks to practice creative thinking! Task them with a different goal each time; can they make the sentence silly or sad for example? Learn More: Liz’s Early Learning Spot 25. Conversation PromptsThese fun prompts require your kids to think creatively and answer a range of interesting questions. They’ll be excited to write stories about waking up with a mermaid tail or describe what is in a mystery package delivered to their doorstep! These creative prompts are perfect for bellringers or transitions throughout the school day! Learn More: Twitter 26. Pretend Play WritingDo you remember playing with fake money and fake food when you were younger? This idea takes it a step further by incorporating some writing practice! All you’ll have to do is print the templates for dollars, shopping lists, and recipes then let your little learners have fun with these play-pretend writing ideas! Learn More: Prekinders 27. Question CubesYour class will be on a roll with these amazing question cubes! Whether the cubes are used for responding to a story, brainstorming the plot of a story, or practicing speech and listening, they are an easy, affordable tool for your little readers and writers! You can snag some foam dice at the dollar store and hot glue questions on each side to spark some creative writing ideas for your class. Learn More: A Love 4 Teaching 28. BalderdashNot only is Balderdash an addicting board game, but it can even be used in the classroom! Your little learners will have a blast as they create made-up, imaginative definitions for words, important people, and dates. Whoever guesses the real answer out of the mix wins the points! Learn More: EB Academics 29. Two Sentence Horror StoryThis creative writing exercise is best for older students and would be a great one to try out around Halloween! You’ll be challenging your learners to write a story that runs chills up their readers’ spines, but there’s a twist…the story can only be two sentences long! Your kiddos will love writing and sharing their writing to see who can come up with the spookiest short story! 30. Telephone PictionaryAnother game that your kids will be begging to play over and over again is telephone pictionary! The first player will write down a random phrase, and the next person must draw their interpretation of the phrase. The third player will write what they think the picture is and so on! Learn More: Imagine Forest 31. ConsequencesYou need at least two players for this fun creative writing game. Each pair or group of kids will start by having one person write a random phrase and conceal it by folding the paper. Then, they pass it to the next student to fill in the blank using the prompt. Once all the blanks are filled in, let them unfold the paper and get ready to reveal some seriously silly stories! 32. Story WandsStory wands are a fun way to have your kids respond to stories and study what makes something their favorite. Responding to what they’re reading is a super helpful exercise in preparing them for creative writing as it allows your students to connect to their favorite stories. By figuring out what elements make stories great, this is sure to help them in their own creative writing assignments! Learn More: Little Lifelong Learners 33. The Best Part of MeProbably my favorite creative writing activity, this one is infused with social-emotional learning and self-esteem building! Let your students get to choose their favorite physical characteristics about themselves; whether it be their eyes, hands, feet, etc. Then, they take a picture to attach to their written reasoning! Make sure to boost the creative element of this writing task by encouraging your learners to use a bunch of adjectives and some figurative language! Learn More: Sarah Gardner Teaching 34. Me From A-ZChallenge your kiddos to get creative by coming up with 26 different words to describe themselves! Me From A-Z gives your students the opportunity to explore who they are by coming up with words describing them in some way using each letter of the alphabet. Why not let them decorate their lists and turn them into a display celebrating the uniqueness of each of your class members? 35. How to Make Hot ChocolateHow-to writing is a great way to get the creative writing wheels turning in your kiddies’ brains! They’ll have a fun time coming up with their instructions and ways to explain how to make hot chocolate! Do they have a secret recipe that’ll make the best-ever hot cocoa!? Once they’ve written their instructions, be sure to try them out and do a taste-test of their recipes! Learn More: Teacher Mama 36. Give Yourself a HandHands up if you love this idea! For this creative writing activity, have your little ones trace their hand on a piece of paper and decorate it with accessories. Then, encourage them to write a list of all the different things they do with their hands all over their tracing! This is a great warm-up to get the creative gears turning. Learn More: Write Now Troup 37. Word Picture PoemA word picture poem is a fantastic way to challenge your kids to write descriptive poetry about a common object! Your little poets will learn to find beauty in ordinary things and strengthen their sensory language skills and their vocabulary. For some added fun, you can even task them with writing a short story about the item as well! The results are sure to be fun to read! Learn More: Teaching With Terhune 38. Shape PoemShape poems are some of the most creative poetry as they combine words and art into one! First, your young poets can choose an object to use as their muse and lightly trace an outline onto some paper. Then, they’ll write words along the outlined shape in the form of a poem that describes the object! The result is a bunch of fun and striking poems that’ll look great displayed around your classroom! 39. Crazy Hair PoetryHere’s another one that combines writing and art! Start by guiding your kiddos in drawing a self-portrait then adding some crazy hair by blowing watercolor paints around! After the paint dries, have your kids come up with a short but creative poem describing their hair art. Learn More: Grade School Giggles 40. Fingerprint PoetryNothing is more creative than getting your kiddies to let down the barriers in their mind and tap into their stream of consciousness! Show them how to pick a topic and then let their words flow straight from mind to paper in a swirling pattern. This fingerprint idea can be used for a get-to-know-you activity as well! Learn More: Kristen Dembroski 41. Doggie Haiku PoemsPut a fun twist on classic haiku poetry! Your students will have a paw-some time writing three-line poems about dogs which they can then illustrate afterwards! Before starting the activity, you can use Dogku by Andrew Clements as a read-aloud to get your class hooked on this idea! Learn More: Teaching Fourth 42. Fractured Fairy TaleEver wondered if the Big Bad Wolf was framed? Or if Sleeping Beauty was actually a snorer? Your writers in training will have a fun time taking a classic fairytale and putting their own spin on it! Following five simple steps, your kids will be funky fairytale authors in no time! 43. Letter WritingThese creative letter-writing prompts are sure to boost your kiddies’ imaginative writing skills! Whether writing to a pen pal or a favorite celebrity, letter writing is a great way to practice handwriting, word flow, descriptive language, and communicating all rolled into one! Have your writers grab their pencils and let the creativity flow as they write fun response letters to these prompts! 44. Hersey’s Kisses SimilesTeach sensory language and similes by connecting this tasty treat with the sense of taste! Your students will have a lovely time brainstorming how chocolate connects to each of our senses and applying that knowledge by writing some sweet similies! What a fantastic way to teach them how to use these essential creative writing tools! Learn More: Teacher By The Beach 45. Sensory PoetryAnother great way to teach sensory details is to have your learners write poems about their favorite foods! Task them with writing a line for each sense to describe the food! Everyone will be hungry after this creative writing lesson so it might be a good idea to have some snacks on hand! Learn More: Mrs. Tice’s Class 46. Season PersonificationEach season of weather has an array of characteristics making this the perfect activity to practice personification in creative writing! Allow your little writers to choose a season to write about as if it were a person with human characteristics. Winter is a no-brainer! It’s Elsa! Learn More: Write Shop 47. Class Book of Character TraitsTo be creative writers, your kids need to know how to create realistic characters for their stories. For this class book, you’ll start by giving each student two opposing character traits. Next, have them demonstrate these traits by illustrating two characters and displaying them through dialogue! Learn More: Crafting Connections 48. SocialgramsWith Instagram being all the rage these days, your kiddos will have a fun time creating a ‘socialgram’ on paper! Challenge them to create a descriptive and engaging caption to go along with their “photo” in the post. Then, classmates can comment on each other’s work! Learn More: Breezy Special Ed 49. Story Introduction WorksheetsCreative writing worksheets are a simple, minimal-prep tool to use in your creative writing units. Print out a variety of options, and have your kids practice their skills by finishing imaginative story introductions. By giving them a place to start their story, you can really take the pressure off your kids which will help ease them into the creative writing process! Learn More: Lanternfish ESL 50. Dialogue WorksheetsHere’s another low-prep option for the last-minute planners! Pre-written dialogue can help guide the mood of the story and allow your kiddies to just focus on filling in the characters’ actions. This is also a great way to model how dialogue is spaced out and balanced in a story! Learn More: ESL Writing Worksheets 51. Character Trait PostersIn this personalized character trait activity, your students will create a poster of themselves and label it with a bunch of different character traits. Descriptive, interesting characters are what make a story captivating, so this is a great introduction to understanding characters and their physical as well as personality traits! This is an activity that’s sure to help them build a strong foundation for their creative writing skills to build from! Learn More: Life In First Grade ![]() 8 Fantastically Fun Writing Games For Kids![]() Writing is a life skill your child will need during their time at school and beyond. Teaching children to write can be challenging, but there are many ways to make it simple, stress-free, and enjoyable for both you and your child! Introducing fun writing activities and games can transform your child's attitude to writing, so we’re bringing you our very own list of the best writing games for kids that you can try anytime, anywhere! (Psst...If you're in a hurry, jump to the best writing game for kids ) Unscramble the SentencesThis writing game offers a great opportunity for your child to test their sentence structure skills, whether they’re learning to write complete sentences, or creating more complex sentences. How to play:
Unscramble the Sentences is pretty easy to set up, and you can either play on paper, or online! On Night Zookeeper , we’ve transformed Unscramble the Sentences into a fun, interactive experience called Waterfall Word Jumble: ![]() Matching Word GameMatching words is a popular game to play in the classroom, or at home, by yourself or with fellow classmates or family. There are endless possibilities when it comes to this game through different types of matching; you can ask your child to match synonyms, antonyms, pronouns, and the list goes on!
![]() Use the example above to create your first matching word game, or get your child to play Maji’s Matches on Night Zookeeper ! Drawing & Writing GameDrawing and writing go hand-in-hand , as their synergy promotes the development of creativity, imagination, motor skills, and even critical thinking! There are many drawing games out there, but perhaps the most popular one is Pictionary. Even if you don’t have the board game version, you can set up your own version of Pictionary, and base it on topics of interest for your child, or to consolidate knowledge learned at school or during homeschool lessons. This is a multiplayer game, so it’s best to play as a group, either with classmates or family.
Storytelling CardsTo play this story writing game, you’ll need to make five storytelling cards for each component of a story: Once you’re done creating your cards, mix them up and ask your child to pick a card from each category. After they’ve pulled a card from each stack, get them to use their creative writing skills to write an original story using the cards they chose. This is a fun creative writing game to take on a roadtrip or when you’re traveling, as storytelling cards allow for hundreds of possible combinations, keeping your child entertained for potentially hours! Fill in the GapsIf you feel that your child is not yet ready to write a full story on their own, this creative writing activity may be exactly what they need to encourage them to start thinking creatively.
You can take excerpts from your child’s favorite storybooks, or try Penguin’s Paragraphs on Night Zookeeper ! ![]() This fun writing game is a classic, and remains a favorite to this day! Its versatility allows the game to be played in the classroom, at home, with pre-k students, high school students, and even during family game nights! Hangman is a great writing game to improve your child’s vocabulary knowledge. It’s also an effective way to consolidate more technical words introduced in other subjects (such as math or science).
![]() Quick-fire TalesThis is another story writing game that is perfect for on-the-go learning and can be enjoyed by even the most reluctant writers! For this educational game, your child will have to answer rapid fire questions with the aim to create a story from scratch. They’ll have five seconds to come up with an answer for each of the questions, and you should challenge them to be as creative and descriptive as they can!
The Ultimate Writing Game: Night Zookeeper![]() Night Zookeeper is the ultimate writing game for kids . It is home to thousands of writing games, challenges and competitions which have inspired millions of children worldwide to love writing. On our program, your child will create original characters to power up through completing exciting games, interactive lessons and engaging writing prompts. As they progress, your child will build up their own Night Zoo and unlock new parts of the map, continuously incentivising them to write more. “My daughter has never loved writing, but this game has made writing come alive for her. She can't wait to get on Night Zookeeper everyday!” - Michelle, parent Make writing fantastically fun for your child today! Sign up now to get a FREE 7-day trial: Got any questions about Night Zookeeper? Reach out to us at [email protected] , or via our social media pages: ![]() Make Reading & Writing Fantastically Fun!
![]() “My Child Hates Writing.” What do I do?![]() 25 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids![]() Top 7 Writing Activities For Kids![]() ![]() Helping Your Baby Reach Greater Wonders 5 Activities for Name-Writing![]() This post may contain affiliate links; please see our terms of use for details. When a child learns to write their name, it’s a huge milestone. This simple skill evokes pride and joy. Whether they are writing their name on the top of their paper or spelling their name for a friend, these are skills they’ll use their entire life. My three-year-old is currently learning how to spell and write her name. We set aside five minutes each day for her to practice. Writing on paper becomes boring over time, so we’ve found ways to add variety to the routine. Name-writing can be done with a variety of materials. I’ve found that you can turn just about anything into a name-writing activity. Ordinary objects like shells, noodles, or paperclips can be lined up to form tactile letters that spell out your child’s name. Through trial and error, we’ve found several activities for spelling names that were both engaging and simple to set up. We’re excited to share our favorite five activities for name-writing with you! Activities for Name-Writing: What You’ll NeedEach name-writing activity uses different supplies. Feel free to adjust the supplies according to what you have on hand. Here’s what we used for each activity:
Time to PlayAll of these activities were a hit with my three-year-old. With a little planning and a few supplies, you can delight your child with name-writing fun they’ll remember all year. These activities are also perfect opportunities to get your child involved in the prep work! Noodle Name![]() We love using pasta for math manipulatives, jewelry making, or sensory tables . We’ve found that the uses are endless. And like our Unicorn Sensory Rice , you only need basic ingredients and a few minutes to make it rainbow-colored for extra fun. We used plain pasta, but you can make dyed pasta by putting uncooked pasta in a Ziploc bag. Add a small amount of rubbing alcohol and a few drops of food coloring to the bag. Close the bag, shake the pasta, and add more food coloring or alcohol if needed. Lay the pasta out on paper towels and allow it to dry before using it for name-writing. To use the pasta to make your child’s name, start by writing your child’s name on a piece of cardstock paper. Have your child trace their name using a bottle of glue. If the glue bottle is too hard for your child to squeeze, they can apply it with a paintbrush instead. Next, show your child how to line up the pasta on the glue lines. Have your child continue forming the letters, naming each letter as they go. Allow the glue to dry completely and hang it somewhere your child will see it daily for continued practice. Bathtub Name Painting![]() Bathtub paints are fun to play with. My kids will stay in the tub for hours when it’s full of bath toys and bath paints. Bathtime is the perfect opportunity to sneak in some extra name-writing practice. With DIY bath paints , or store-bought paints, your child can paint their name on the wall. Using their finger as a “pencil,” they’ll memorize how to form letters. Finger painting is a great fine motor activity that strengthens the small muscles in your child’s hands. Along with writing their name, your child can practice writing CVC words, sight words, numbers, or individual letters in the tub. Bath paints are an excellent tool for all types of learning. Salt Tray Name Writing![]() We love our Color Surprise Salt Tray . We use it weekly as a part of our homeschool routine. The salt tray is perfect for practicing letter writing. To use the salt tray for name writing, show your child how to drag their fingers through the salt to create lines, dots, and curves. It’s important to show your child how to pull down from the top to bottom and from left to right. If your child learns to form their letters incorrectly, it will be harder to correct later on. You might want to create a top, middle, and bottom line in the salt as a guide for your child. Think about the lines on a piece of handwriting paper. These lines help your child form proportionate letters. Air Writing with Ribbon Wands![]() All five of my girls love ribbon wands. Whether twirling around in the yard or using them for dance routines, they get a lot of use. We also love them for forming letters, numbers, and shapes in the air. To practice air writing your child’s name with ribbon wands, stand in front of your child with a ribbon wand. (We like to make our own using pencils with ribbons tied to the ends.) Show your child how to form the letter using big movements and using the wand like a giant pencil. Gross motor activities like air writing are helpful for a child’s muscle development and cognitive skills. As your child forms the letters in the air, it helps the concept stick in their long-term memory. Try naming the letters as you write them to make them even more memorable. Spell Your Name with Rice Crispy Treats![]() We love making healthy rice crispy treats using peanut butter and honey instead of marshmallows. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also a great protein snack for kids . These sticky, tasty treats can also be used to mold letters to spell your child’s name. To create your child’s name, make a batch of rice crispy treats and place the mixture on parchment or wax paper. Have your child wash their hands and then take a mound of the cooled rice crispies to begin molding. Help your child form a letter out and set them aside until finished. If you’re feeling extra creative, freeze the treats and dip them in melted chocolate and sprinkles. Your child will love seeing their name spelled out using such tasty letters. What other skills should my child practice for preschool?If your little one is approaching the age for preschool or kindergarten, you might want to begin practicing these skills: Color RecognitionYour child will need to learn color names and how to identify them. Practice color names as you drive in the car or play around the house. Include color names as you describe objects. You can also create fun color recognition games like our Mushroom Color Sorting Activity . Rhyming WordsIdentifying rhyming words helps build a foundation for reading skills. Kids often love to play games with rhyming words. Singing songs like “Down by the Bay” and coming up with silly rhymes is a simple way to begin rhyming practice. Many children’s books include stanzas that end in rhyming words. As you read, try pausing before reading the rhyming word and allowing your child to fill in the blank. For example, you might say, “There was a bear who liked to wear red. He wore red boots on his feet and red hats on his _____.” Counting to TenCounting skills are crucial for your child’s success in math. Practice counting to ten as often as you can. This is easy to do when playing games like hide-and-seek or racing in the backyard. You’ll also want to teach them how to count objects. Playing games like our Apple Seed Counting Game will help them develop those skills. Following DirectionsLearning to listen and follow directions is a part of receptive language development. For success in school, your child will need to follow the directions from their teacher. You can practice this skill by giving your child a set of directions. What other ways can I teach my child to write and spell their name?
What other ways can I enrich this activity?![]()
To continue the alphabet fun, try one of these activities:
![]() Related Posts![]() Braille and Literacy Color Surprise Salt Tray for Handwriting PracticeSalt trays are the perfect tool for making handwriting practice more exciting. This color surprise salt tray will delight even the most reluctant writer. ![]() Braille and Literacy, Education Alphabet Train ActivityThis Alphabet Train Activity will delight your little ones as they learn their ABCs. From letter sounds to CVC words, there is so much to explore! ![]() Liberty Braille BottlesLiberty Bottles creates customizable water bottles with raised and readable braille printing on their bottles. Build Your Study PlanSo you've got an SAT or PSAT-related assessment coming up, and it's time to start studying. What do you do now? We recommend creating a study plan to keep you on track. This page will give you the tools to create one of your own. Set Your GoalsIf you're just getting started:. The most important thing you can do is understand your own strengths and challenge areas. Knowing this information will help you identify the areas where you could use the most skill review. There are a few ways to check your knowledge:
If you've already taken a practice test or an assessment in the SAT Suite:You're off to a great start! Your results from a previous practice test or assessment are the most helpful tool to create your study plan. Keep your practice scores in My Practice or your official score report from your assessment handy, and check out these study activities to put your results to use:
Once you feel like you've boosted your challenge areas, take another practice test and see how you've improved. We recommend spacing your practice tests out by at least two weeks if your study schedule allows. Choose Your Study ActivitiesWhen you're creating a study plan, it's important to consider how much time you can spend studying each day. These activities will help you build a plan that works for you. This list isn't meant to set a particular order for your practice, so feel free to pick and choose the activities that fit your schedule. Quick Study Activities (15 minutes or less)Get to Know Bluebook: Did you know that research shows your brain is more likely to remember information when you're in a familiar environment? While you may not be able to study in your actual testing room, familiarizing yourself with our Bluebook digital testing app is the next best thing. Use Bluebook's Test Preview feature to get acquainted with all its helpful tools, including a highlighter, an option eliminator, a line reader, an annotation tool, and a flag to mark questions for review that you want to come back to at the end of the test. Moderate Study Activities (15 minutes to an hour)Khan Academy Review: By taking time to study key skills, you can build your knowledge and better prepare yourself to see an improvement in your score when you try a practice test. Official Digital SAT Prep on Khan Academy is a great way to review the skills you need to succeed on the SAT Suite of Assessments. Their courses have short lessons, videos, and example problems that are the right length for a moderate study session. Skill Booster: You can complete this activity with your old tests or practice tests in the SAT Suite of Assessments, or use tests and quizzes you've taken throughout the school year. Instead of just checking the correct answers, go back and try to determine why you missed a particular question. Did you misread the question or not understand what it was asking? Were you confused by an answer choice that wasn't quite right? Could you use a review of the skills related to that question? You may want to take notes on your findings so you can spot patterns and review any related skills later. Learning from your mistakes will help you build your test-taking skills as well as your learning and studying strategies. Create an Explanation: When you can explain a concept in a way that makes sense to you, you're more likely to recall it later. Put this memory trick to use by rewriting answer explanations from any of our practice resources in your own words. Make connections to things you enjoy or people in your life. For instance, maybe it's easier to understand a problem using the distance formula if you imagine traveling to another city to see your favorite artist in concert, or it's easier to remember the rules about serial commas and semicolons if you make a list of the players on your favorite sports team and their positions. Get creative! Extended Study Activity (More than an hour)Full-length Practice Test in Bluebook: If you're looking for an experience that's as close to test day as possible, try a full-length practice test in Bluebook. To access the practice tests, go to Practice and Prepare on the Bluebook homepage and select Full-Length Practice . Taking a full-length practice test builds your endurance and comfort level with the test itself. It also gives you a chance to practice the skills and question types you're likely to see on the real test. We recommend taking a practice test at least two weeks before test day (if possible) so you can use the remaining time to sharpen your skills. Once you've had a chance to review your score in My Practice, the other study activities listed here can help you focus on any challenge areas. If you're ahead of the game with more than a month to go until test day, you can even space your practice tests out to track your progress over time. Tip: If you don't have time to take a full-length test in Bluebook in one sitting, you can pause the practice test and come back to it on another day. Unfinished practice tests are stored in Bluebook for up to 90 days. Related Topics![]() |
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Join the thousands of children reading, writing and learning on our program every day. The award-winning Night Zookeeper program makes learning fantastically fun for your child.
Bring learning to life with thousands of worksheets, games, and more from Education.com. Explore fun online writing activities covering brainstorming, revision, spelling, & more!
Table of Contents. The best writing games to engage students. Sentence Stretching. Rebus writing. It's in the bag. Touch and tell. Verb Draw. Hot Seat. Change the meaning- change one word.
The Leader in Educational Games for Kids! Young writers: Hone your skills with ABCya's writing games for ages 4-12. Aspiring authors will have a blast writing everything from stories to friendly letters.
1. Less Stressful Learning. Being asked to sit down and practice writing skills can be daunting for some kids. It can also be frustrating when they come across letters or words they struggle with. Games, on the other hand, decrease stress levels and get children excited about learning. 2. Motivation.
Quill.org offers interactive literacy activities that build reading comprehension, writing, and language skills for elementary, middle, and high school students. Students can practice grammar, proofread passages, combine sentences, and write responses to nonfiction texts with AI-powered feedback.
2. RELEVANT WRITING. Picture this. Energetic lyrics fill the air as students listen, think critically, and analyze them. Or, students snap a photo of a page from an independent reading book, grinning as they annotate it with gifs, text, emojis, and more. Spotify and Snapchat are extremely popular apps for students.
Printable Worksheets: Provide printable Writing worksheets and other writing learning resources for tracing letters, forming words, and practicing writing skills. Online Games: Provide interactive and engaging Writing games to play online that focus on letter formation, sight words, and creative writing exercises.
Writing isn't all fairy tales and short stories — it's also an important part of learning in middle school, high school and college. Use these academic writing activities to help students understand proper essay structure, grammar and more.
Find fun and creative ways to improve your students' writing skills with these 10-minute games. From word association to fan fiction, from Mad Libs to story cubes, these games are perfect for transitions, attention-getters, or independent practice.
Games for learning English are a fun and effective way to improve your language skills. English creative writing games can help learners like you explore different writing styles and experiment with language, ultimately helping to build your confidence. Games are a great way to help you remember what you learn in English.
10 Games and Activities to Get Kids Writing. 1. Story Cards & Dice. One of my favorite ways to help kids gather and organize their ideas, Story Dice create hysterical narratives. They also teach the importance of plot development, characterization, building conflict, and revision. Writers can build stories together or individually.
Learn how to improve your writing skills with fun and interactive games that cover grammar, punctuation, storytelling, and more. Explore different types of writing games, such as adjective, verb, pictionary, noun, pronoun, and letter games, for learners of all ages and levels.
10 Fun Writing Activities for Kids. 1. Write a comic book/graphic novel. Using a template, students create their own comic strip or graphic novel complete with speech bubbles and annotations. First, you'll need a comic strip template. You can draw your own or allow kids to do so if they choose.
Develop your writing skills. Each game is tailored to different elements of writing; from characterisation to story development. This allows you to focus on areas you may be struggling with. Make writing fun. Most importantly writing should always be fun. These games are a safe space for you too enjoy doing what you love, without taking things ...
7. Comic Strip Script. The Purpose: Give your students the chance to improve their dialogue writing skills and work on their understanding of character development in this fun activity which combines writing with a series of visual elements. The Process: There are two ways to do this activity.
The purpose of creative writing exercises is to expand your imagination and to spark new ideas or thoughts, encouraging you to practice writing these before you start on your next project. Themed writing prompts can be helpful here, breaking down your prompts into different buckets like: Food. Animals. Landscapes.
Learn how to use writing games to teach writing skills to kids in fun and creative ways. Find out how to play Interview and Report, Telephone Pictionary, Write a Communal Story, and more with free printable resources.
Enjoy a range of free activities, resources and practice exercises related to writing letters, stories, newspapers, debates, advertising and instructions. The games are perfect for challenging students who enjoy interactive learning online. Find a topic that suits you and improve your English by completing as many of the educational challenges ...
2. Feelings Journal. A journal is like a secret friend where kids can pour out their thoughts and feelings. This writing activity is a safe space for self-expression and emotional growth. Ideas for journaling: Ask them to write about their favorite day. Let them draw or stick pictures to make it even more personal.
Game 4: Matching Word Game - Enhancing Vocabulary Through Play. Vocabulary expansion is a crucial aspect of enhancing writing skills, and the Matching Word Game offers an engaging platform for students to enrich their word knowledge while enjoying the immersive experience of gameplay.
Writing games for kids offers numerous benefits, such as improving language skills, encouraging creativity, boosting confidence, enhancing critical thinking, and developing fine motor skills. Writing games can help children develop their language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure.
9. Pass-it-on Story Writing. There's no telling quite where this fun writing game will end up! Start by writing the first sentence of a story on a piece of paper then pass it around your class, having your kids come up with a sentence that continues the story. The paper is then passed around the whole class until every student has contributed.
First, decide on the theme of the game. In this example, we'll be matching antonyms, or opposite words. Start by cutting a sheet of paper into eight different pieces. In four of the pieces, write down your original words, and in the remaining four pieces, their opposites. Once all your words are ready, ask your child to match each word to ...
1. Read a book. The best exercise to improve writing skills is to get children to read! Reading helps develop critical thinking skills and the ability to critique what we are reading. By encouraging children to read a variety of different styles and genres, we are exposing them to lots of different types of writing.
Counting skills are crucial for your child's success in math. Practice counting to ten as often as you can. This is easy to do when playing games like hide-and-seek or racing in the backyard. You'll also want to teach them how to count objects. Playing games like our Apple Seed Counting Game will help them develop those skills. Following ...
Many state agencies are stepping up to provide targeted trainings and work supports to help SNAP participants gain the skills needed to succeed in an ever-changing labor market. All state agencies must implement an E&T program consisting of at least one E&T component and case management. In addition, E&T programs must be provided through the ...
Question Bank Review: This activity is customizable to the specific skills you want to review and the amount of questions you want to answer. In the Student Question Bank, you can target your practice based on the test (Reading and Writing or Math), domain, skill, and difficulty level to create a custom quiz.