Encourage your kids to share how they would spell an unknown word. Help them correct any spelling mistakes. Try to see from their perspective why they thought to spell it the way they did. Show them the spelling pattern that should be used.
If you have a dictionary, explore looking up words together. All third graders should receive their own elementary dictionary from the local Rotary Club later this school year.
Your child can practice "Word Study" in the Language Arts section of Freckle.
These are personal stories of your child's life and experiences.
Create a list of activities your child does at home. This can be tasks they do everyday or special activities. This will give them a collection of ideas to write about or draw then write.
Pick a word to describe using your five senses.
Pick an object to describe using "juicy" words. Try describing it by comparing it to something else (a simile).
ex. The cat is a fluffy as a white cloud floating high in the sky.We write responses to reading in class. Kids can do this at home too!
Grab some Post-Its for them to keep track of important parts of the story.
If they come across a word or phrase that they want to remember, jot it down to share or look up.
Use "Somebody, Wanted, But, So, Then" to summarize a chapter or the end of a book.
Write about a character.
Keep a journal for your child to free write about a topic of their choice.
If they are motivated to write, but stuck thinking of a topic, check out some of these video prompts:
These are expert pieces that share and/or teach information.
Kids love to tell everything that they know about a subject, so have them write a how-to manual about an activity or object around the house.
Try drawing pictures first (IKEA style manual), then add the words to it. You could also be the illustrator of the manual that they have to write the words for.
Find a picture of something your child is interested in so they can write all that they know about it. Encourage them to learn more about the items/activity to add that to their writing.
We remember to model reading at home, but can forget to model writing. This will get conversation about writing going with you...
Let your kids help be the grown-up by taking on some of the household writing!
Make a list
Write down a recipe (bonus math conversation!)
Compose an email or letter.
Keep a journal for your child to free write about a topic of their choice.
If they are motivated to write, but stuck thinking of a topic, check out some of these video prompts:
Kids are full of opinions! Encourage them to write them down, while also exploring fact vs. opinion.
When you child is trying to convince you they need or want something, have them write their arguments down. It helps them gather and organize their thoughts. If it's something in their community, they could even take their writing to officials in charge!
What does your child love or hate? They can write about why they have such strong feelings and try to convince others why they should agree.
Keep a journal for your child to free write about a topic of their choice.
If they are motivated to write, but stuck thinking of a topic, check out some of these video prompts:
Have your child write which of two things they prefer. Did they read two similar books? Are there two characters in a show they watch? Turn a game of "Would You Rather?" into an opportunity to show off their opinion writing.
Poetry and song writing can be a great way for children to express themselves. Use some of the prompts below to inspire your children.
Watch the video above that helps your child imagine what they would be as an animal. "
The imagination is the source of all wizardry.”
Try to become many different animals.
Think about yourself as weather. If you could turn yourself into any weather, what would it be? This is not the weather you’re in; this is the weather you ARE.
Use these questions to create a poem about many colors:
Which color of all the colors sounds like little bells ringing in the distance?
Which color sounds like thunder?
Which color sounds like wind blowing your hair?
Which color smells like rain?
Which of all the colors reminds you of a songbird?
Which of all the colors is a box of nails?
Or choose a color and use these questions to create a poem about one color:
What do you think the color sounds like?
What does it smell like?
What does it taste like?
What does it feel like?
What does it look like?
Imagine colors as though they are people and let the idea grow.
Which color of all the colors drives a fancy, shiny sports car?
Which of all the colors is the best at keeping secrets?
Which of all the colors laughs the most?
Choose a color to imagine as though it's a person. Tell:
how it moves
what is wears
where it was born
who is its mother
who is its father
when your color is feeling an emotion
what it dreams about
if it has a pet, family, best friend
what hobbies it has
where it goes on vacation