5 Free Printables to Get Your Kids Writing After They Read

Writing is more fun when kids have great inspiration.

By Amy Mascott
Jul 20, 2015

Ages

5-13

5 Free Printables to Get Your Kids Writing After They Read

Jul 20, 2015

Let's face it—getting kids to write in the summer is not an easy task.  

It's difficult to find an exciting and engaging reason for kids to bring a pencil to the paper, but we've found some for you.

Not only will your kids love reading these books; they'll love doing the cool and creative writing we've got paired with each book.  

There are several ways to introduce your children to these writing activities Consider:

•    Have your child try the writing first as a pre-reading introduction to the book.
•    Share the writing extension after the child has read the book.
•    Leave either the book or the writing sheet on the counter or on your child's bed as a "surprise."
•    Read the book together or as a family.
•    Sit down and work on the writing together after the book was read.

Figure out what works best for your child and your family.  Any way you choose, these activities are sure to be a hit!

Here are our 5 freebie printables to get your kids writing after they read:

1. Write an Animal Tales Mini Book
Read Funny Animals: 4 Easy-to-Read Stories by Ken Geist for younger children (K-2) or Animal Stories: Heartwarming True Tales from the Animal Kingdom by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Jui Ishida.

2. Use the Strangest Day Worksheet
Read First Day on a Strange New Planet by Dan Yaccarino if your child is younger (K-2); What a Day It Was at School a book of silly poems by Jack Prelutzky and illustrated by Doug Cushman; or any of the My Weirder School books like Miss Child Has Gone Wild by Dan Gutman and illustrated by Jim Paillot.   

3. Write a Looniverse-type Story
Read Stranger Things by David Lubar and illustrated by Matt Loveridge and then print this out for your kiddo!  Stranger Things is book 1 of the Looniverse series, and most likely your kids will be hooked once they get started reading these clever and funny books!

4. Story Starter Based on "Sisters" by Raina Telgemeier
Read Sisters, of course, but I'm betting your kids will love it so much, they'll insist on reading Drama and Smile, too!   Often, drawing is a great bridge for kids into writing. Having a chance to create a comic type drawing like Raina Telgemeier's great books will be exciting for young writers!

5. Write Stories and Play Words Based on "A Snicker of Magic"
Read A Snicker of Magic by Natalie Lloyd and then download this awesome activity pack from Scholastic. Kids will have a chance to play with words, get creative with ideas, and really take a look at creating cool characters—and ice-cream flavors!

What other titles will get our reluctant writers writing??  Share your thoughts with us on the Scholastic Parents Facebook page, or find Amy on Twitter, @teachmama, and let's continue the conversation!


Read all posts by Amy Mascott.
 

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