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Writing A Book And Other Creative Ways To Write In Your Homeschool

• Jodie the Mom

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Writing a book is a great way to add creative writing to your homeschool.  

Liven up your homeschool language arts by writing a book. 

As homeschoolers, we have the unique opportunity to really take the time to make writing enjoyable and fun. I know most college assignments will be the 5 paragraph essay, so that is important to know. Or you can just wing it if you decide to do dual enrollment in high school. But once your kids understand the structure of the 5 paragraph essay, and they will understand it quickly, then you can move onto fun things, like writing a book. 

Let’s take a moment to be honest with each other, the 5 paragraph essay is boring. Yes, I get it. If you want to do well in college, then you need to know how to write a 5 paragraph essay, but it doesn’t inspire creativity. Even though it is an important skill to have that doesn’t mean you need to keep teaching it year after year.  

Let’s inspire creative thinking, break free from the heavily structured essays, and embrace the flexibility and creativity that homeschool offers. Writing a book is a great way to add creative writing to your homeschool. 

This podcast is all about writing a book in your homeschool and other creative ways to write in your homeschool.

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Writing a book is a great way to add creative writing to your homeschool. 

 

Liven up your homeschool language arts by writing a book.

 

As homeschoolers, we have the unique opportunity to really take the time to make writing enjoyable and fun. I know most college assignments will be the 5 paragraph essay, so that is important to know. Or you can just wing it if you decide to do dual enrollment in high school. But once your kids understand the structure of the 5 paragraph essay, and they will understand it quickly, then you can move onto fun things, like writing a book.

 

Let’s take a moment to be honest with each other, the 5 paragraph essay is boring. Yes, I get it. If you want to do well in college, then you need to know how to write a 5 paragraph essay, but it doesn’t inspire creativity. Even though it is an important skill to have that doesn’t mean you need to keep teaching it year after year. 

 

Let’s inspire creative thinking, break free from the heavily structured essays, and embrace the flexibility and creativity that homeschool offers. Writing a book is a great way to add creative writing to your homeschool.

 

This post is going to be all about writing a book in your homeschool and other creative ways to write in your homeschool.

 

Why Writing Matters in Your Homeschool

Writing matters because we want to develop our kids ability to express thoughts clearly, make logical arguments, and engage with the world. It has a direct impact on future business success. https://lifeunboxed.blog/improve-business-success/ Learning to communicate well takes practice. Also, writing will affect every subject your child touches. Many times these subjects require clear explanations. Writing is a skill that can’t be overlooked. 

 

Let me add this. Some of your kids will be better writers than others. Also, there may be more interest from one kid than another. Your goal is not to measure your kids against each other, but to cultivate strengths, help with weaknesses, and teach them to communicate well. It is going to look different for each child. And that’s ok. 

 

It is important to write in your homeschool, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be boring. Or a battle to get your kids to write. 

 

Writing a Book: Yes, You Can!

I know the thought of writing a book can be overwhelming. Staring at a blank page and trying to summon 50,000 words isn't an easy task. Even if your excited about the project. The looming word count can knock you out before you even start.

 

But your teen is more than capable of writing a book. My daughter just finished hers. She wrote it. Looked up the editing process. Took her manuscript through that process. And now I have it to read and edit. It has taken her about 5 months to write, and, so far, about three months to edit.

 

This wasn't a project that I assigned her. This was something she wanted to do, so she did it. We just gave her the space to do it.

 

If the thought of writing a book is too overwhelming, then start with a short story. Or start with character development and world building. Talk about ideas. Discuss what your world looks like. Let the creative juices flow. It doesn't have to make sense, it just needs to start the story process. Then have your teen write them down. This is the start to a story.

 

And it is definitely more entertaining than the 5 paragraph essay.

 

3 Steps to Get Started Writing a Book

You know your teen can start writing a book, but how do they actually do it?

 

  1. How to Get Started with a Book Project

Every great book starts with an idea. Help your teen brainstorm 

Ask questions like:

  • What stories do you love to read?
  • What are your favorite topics?
  • If you could create any world, what would it look like?

 

Once your teen has an idea, introduce basic outlining techniques or don't. My daughter couldn't stand the idea of outlining her book. She discovered that she was more of a discovery writer or a pantser. 

 

But a simple ideas of what's happening in the beginning, middle, and end may help to get the creative juices flowing. Jot down character ideas, plot twists, or interesting facts if your teen is writing non-fiction.

 

Get a notebook, https://www.amazon.com/Plot-Twists-Notebook-Jodie-Mom/dp/B0D8JBVZXS it should be a fun one, my kids are totally inspired by a notebook they picked out that shows their personalities. Write down ideas.

 

Insert: My Little Book of Lies

 

  1. Make Writing a Daily Habit

Writing on a regular basis is the different between thinking you’re a writer and actually being a writer. It is very easy to write 500 words per day. Or 500 words 3 times a week. 

 

This is how professional writers finish. They set small, achievable goals, every day or at least a few times per week, and they slowly work through it. 

  • Provide a comfortable writing space.
  • Free write—no editing, just getting ideas on paper.
  • Use dictation if it is easier to talk out ideas.

 

  1. Editing and Publishing Their Work

Once your teen completes the draft, introduce the editing process. Self-editing comes first—reading through the work and making sure the story makes sense. Then, involve family members or friends. Although, my daughter sent her manuscript to friends as she was writing it.

 

When you're ready to publish, there are a few options:

  • Printing a personal book.
  • Publishing it through Amazon KDP.
  • Sharing it as a digital book with friends and family.
  • Publishing on a blog or homeschool newsletter.

 

Seeing the work in a published format gives everyone a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue writing.

 

Beyond Writing a Book: Other Ways to Add Writing

Writing a book is a good exercise for teens, but it might be a bit much for your younger people. Here are some creative writing ideas that don't involve an entire book.

 

  1.  Free writing 

If you want your kids to write on their own, then get them a notebook they want to write in. Almost all my kids will write without any encouragement if they were able to pick out a notebook they liked. 

 

It is an interesting phenomenon, but it really works. I've made notebooks just for them, https://www.amazon.com/Stinking-Cute-Gnomies-Lined-Notebook/dp/B0CCCVMWXT or they helped me with my ideas. 

 

If you want your kids to write and find their own inspiration, then get them a notebook that inspires. https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jodie-the-Mom/author/B097RQRRQ1/allbooks

 

  1. Blogging and Digital Storytelling

A blog can be a great way for kids to share their learn to write for an audience, even if the audience is grandma. It is also a great way to learn how to build a website. 

 

There are a lot of free options out there and how to videos to start. We are homeschoolers, explore something new with writing. Skillshare is a great place to get started for learning how to build a website.

 

  1. Writing Letters and Pen Pals

Encourage letter writing to friends, family, or even pen pals in different states or countries. Sometimes I think we need to go old fashioned. 

 

The writing process, actually putting pen to paper, is really good for your brain. And it helps with the flow of ideas and creativity.

 

  1. Creating Comics, Graphic Novels, and Illustrated Stories

For kids who prefer visual storytelling, writing comic strips or graphic novels is an excellent alternative. This is a favorite for my upper elementary student. He has filled two Draw Your Own Comic Book. https://www.amazon.com/Draw-Your-Own-Comic-Book/dp/B0C9S3HV7C

 

If you have a reluctant writer, then change it up a bit. The story might be filled with whoosh, pow, smash, but at least he is writing. He is letting his creativity flow.

 

  1. Poetry and Songwriting

This isn't something any of my kids would be in to…well, maybe one. But some kids would jump at the idea of writing poetry or songs. 

 

Poetry allows children to play with words and rhythm, while songwriting blends music and language arts.

 

Writing in Homeschool

If this still seems overwhelming to you, then think of the different ways to integrate writing in other subjects. 

 

For example, in history, write diary entries from the historical person's perspective. What was George Washington thinking as he crossed the Delaware River in the middle of winter. 

 

Another idea, for geography, write travel itineraries https://www.amazon.com/Start-Your-Adventure-Travel-Notebook/dp/B0CKNDLS9L for dream destinations. I would have so much fun with this. Where would you go? How would you get there? 

 

Writing can be fun. If you want to develop a love of writing or at least not feel overwhelmed with every writing task, then create an environment that fosters creativity and experimentation. Use games like Mad Libs, https://www.tkqlhce.com/click-100522748-15496421?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.christianbook.com%2Fgoofy-mad-libs-roger-price%2F9780843100594%2Fpd%2F3100594&cjsku=3100594 writing prompts, https://www.kqzyfj.com/click-100522748-15496421?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.christianbook.com%2Fcliffhanger-writing-prompts%2F9780545315111%2Fpd%2F315115&cjsku=315115 or retelling stories.

 

There are so many creative ways to add writing to your homeschool.

 

Conclusion: Writing a Book and Other Ways to Write in Your Homeschool

Writing can be an exciting and rewarding experience. It doesn't have to be a dreaded task. If you incorporate creative writing activities, you can help your kids develop good writing skills. And they might event start writing a book.

 

I fully acknowledge that not every kids is going to love writing. But it is something they will do for the rest of their lives. Every job involves writing. Being a homeschool mom involves writing. If we can give them the tools they need to be good writers, then it won't be such an overwhelming task when they need to write in real life. They will have the necessary skills to do it well.

 

Add creative writing to your homeschool and encourage your kids to tap into their creativity. Whether it is writing a book, creating a comic, writing letters, or making a blog. There are so many ways to add writing to your homeschool.