5 Fun Ways to Keep Kids Writing This Summer

Summer is all about sunshine, pool days, and ice cream runs—but let’s not forget a little brain boost along the way! Keeping kids writing during the break doesn’t have to feel like homework (because let’s be real, that would flop fast). The secret? Keep it fun, flexible, and totally stress-free! Whether you're a teacher prepping students or a parent trying to dodge the dreaded “summer slump,” here are five simple ways to keep kids writing—without the complaints!

Why Writing in the Summer Actually Matters

Did you know kids can lose up to two months of writing skills over summer if they don’t practice? Yikes. But don’t worry! Tiny bursts of writing—even just a few sentences here and there—keep those skills sharp and build confidence. Plus, it gives kids an outlet for creativity (and let’s be honest, storytelling makes everything better).

5 Fun Ways to Get Kids Writing (Without the "Ugh" Factor)

🌟 1. Let Them Call the Shots

Forget assigned topics! Let kids choose what they write about—whether it’s space dinosaurs, YouTube gaming tips, or their dream summer adventure. Giving them control makes it way more exciting than another assigned essay.

✍️ 2. Sneaky, Real-World Writing

Writing doesn’t have to look like “school.” Encourage kids to jot down postcards, bucket lists, recipes, game instructions, or even silly letters to their future selves. If it feels real, they’re more likely to do it!

🎥 3. Start a Summer Blog or Video Journal

For older kids, blogging or vlogging can be a great way to practice writing. Whether it’s a “Summer Snack Reviews” blog or a scripted TikTok-style journal, writing for an audience keeps kids engaged.

🎨 4. Mix Words with Art

Comics, picture journals, doodle-infused stories—writing doesn’t always mean paragraphs! Adding sketches, comics, or crazy collages makes the process visually fun and great for reluctant writers.

✉️ 5. Make Writing Social

Encourage kids to swap pen pal letters with a cousin, send fun texts to friends, or join a free summer writing challenge online. Writing feels more exciting when it's shared!

Teacher & Parent Hacks

💡 Teachers: Send home Summer writing challenges or printable journal pages to keep kids engaged. A list of silly writing prompts (think "If my pet could talk, what would it say?") works wonders!

💡 Parents: Set up "quiet writing moments" once or twice a week—maybe with a writing jar of goofy prompts kids can pick from! Bonus points for celebrating finished stories with treats.

💡 Most Important: Let writing be fun, not graded. Forget about perfection—this is about expression and creativity!

Free Writing Websites to Try!

Here are some awesome places to find writing games, challenges, and creative tools:

🖊️ Storybird – Write and illustrate picture books
🎲 Scholastic Story Starters – Spin a fun prompt!
✍️ PBS Kids (Search for “writing”) – Writing games and activities with beloved characters from PBS shows.
🎮 ReadWriteThink – Interactive writing tools and games
📚 BoomWriter – Collaborative storytelling platform

📩 Freebie Alert!
Want a clickable list of all these websites and a few more to send home with students or keep handy for your own kids? Grab the free printable!

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