Do have a child who is a reluctant writer, one who has an allergy to writing instruments, or who fills your house with moans and groans when it’s time to put pencil to paper? Whether you do or not, Games for Writing by Peggy Kaye is sure to make writing a fun subject for all of your children – and for you too!
The book contains fifty-two games designed for ages ranging from kindergarten through third grade, and is divided into five sections:
- Part One: Just for Starters – These activities are designed to ease kindergarteners and first-graders into writing, helping them to learn pencil control, letter formation, and how to tell a well-organized tale.
- Part Two: Stress Busters – These are silly activities that help children get over writer’s block, choose a suitable topic, and get words down on paper. These are quick games and will probably have your child giggling before they’re finished.
- Part Three: Bugaboos – Spelling, Handwriting, and Grammar – The section title pretty much says it all.
- Part Four: Writing with Style – These games will help children create unusual characters, develop an understanding of story structure, and learn to choose the right words to express their ideas.
- Part Five: Made with Pride – These are longer writing projects that can take anywhere from a half-hour to several sessions of work to complete.
What I like about this book:
- This is a “grab it and use it” kind of book. The games do not require many supplies or much preparation. Many just require pencil, paper, and a few minutes to sit down and have fun with your child.
- The games are fun and motivating. (The ones I’ve played with my children have had them asking for more.)
- The activities provide a great opportunity for some enjoyable parent/child interaction – not just another boring writing lesson.
- The author includes entertaining stories of how she has used each specific game with her own students. This makes for an interesting and informative read that shows you how to practically apply the games with your children.
- In the introduction Ms. Kaye shares insights she has gained from her experience as a reading and math teacher and tutor over the last twenty-five years. I have found her ideas to be extremely helpful in my own teaching.
What I don’t like:
- Every now and then a game features witches or monsters, which may or may not be a problem for you. I’ve found that these games can be easily adapted by using characters that are more to my family’s liking and interest.
Games for Writing is available in many public libraries and can be purchased from most online booksellers. You can visit Peggy Kaye’s website to view samples of the games from this book and others she has written.
I hope that you’re able to try some of these games and that they will inject some fun and pizzaz into your writing program!
Written by Shannon, who blogs about her family’s homeschool adventures at Song of My Heart.
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