Are You Using NanoWriMo in Your Classroom?

If you are looking for a great writing experience for your homeschool, then you will want to be sure to check out the NanoWriMo Young Writers Program. This is a free program that is there to encourage the creativity of your child by writing their own novel in thirty days. Yes, I said 30 days!

The event kicks off November 1 and goes through November 30. The purpose of the event is to promote creative writing without the constraints of editing for grammar and spelling. The kids are just encouraged to use their imaginations and WRITE.

In the adult program of NanoWriMo, the expected word goal is 50,000 words. In the Young Writers Program, all participants age 17 and younger, are able to choose an age appropriate and challenging word count goal. This makes it accessible to all school age children, from Kindergarten through High School.

As the parent of a homeschooler, you are invited at the site to create your own log in and register as an educator. When you do this, you will have access to a complete curriculum that is based on the school age level of your child or children. The curriculum will help you to prepare them to write their fictional masterpieces. They will learn how to create plot and characters. But most of all, they will learn how to have fun when they are writing. As the mother of a reluctant writer, I find this to be perhaps the most exciting aspect of all!

You will also have access to a writing workbook. The workbooks are downloadable and are again based on the age of your child. The workbooks have lots of great advice and lots of worksheets that will help your child grasp the concepts that will be needed to write their novel.

We are participating in the NanoWriMo Young Writers Program this year in our homeschool. We are excited to write our own novels and meet the challenge that is before us. Even my reluctant writer is thrilled with the aspect of writing his very own book. He has some really great ideas so far and I can’t wait to see his finished product when the month is over. He loves that we won’t even worry about editing his story until December, because that is when it is time to edit. November is the time to just write, write, write.

I will be participating in the adult version of NanoWriMo. This gives me something else to do with my child and will help to form an even greater bond between us. I will post updates for you on both of our progress through this venture. I invite you to join us and see what we will each create, being limited only by our own unique imaginations!

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(This is a guest post. Many thanks to Claudine Williams.)

Are you trying to inspire your children to read? Teaching your children the joy of reading will provide a lifelong skill and give them the confidence to succeed in higher education or any career choice.

Children in elementary school may even be interested in reading short novels. Once they have mastered the basics of reading, it’s time to teach your child how to read for enjoyment and knowledge.

Select Interesting Stories
Try to recommend books that interest your children. Take your children to the bookstore or library and let them choose books with characters or scenarios that they can identify with. Many children enjoy science fiction, coming of age stories or stories about animals.

Preview the Book
Make sure that you read a few pages of the book or a book review before you make your final selection. Some books that seem appropriate for children are not. Ask your media specialist for a list of suggested children’s books. Books lists are also available at Amazon.com, other major book retailers and libraries.

Keep a Reading Journal
Ask your children to keep a reflective reading journal as they read. Ask them to list at least five questions they would like answered in each chapter. You may want to come up with questions for your children to answer, as well.

The questions might include basic reading comprehension questions which answer the question ‘what happened’ and interpretative questions which answer the question ‘why did this happen’. Ask your children to make predictions in the journal, too. Journals help children document their thoughts and expand on ideas.

Read With Your Children
Show your children that you are interested in what they reads by reading with them and initiating discussions about the book. You may also want to lead a small book club with other neighborhood children so your child can view reading as a cool social activity.

Get Started Now
It is never too early or too late to begin a novel reading program with children who have basic reading skills. Plan a pizza and reading break during your regular homeschooling session. You can go a step further and let them read about pizza!

Have you started a book club for homeschooled kids in your neighborhood? If so, share your secrets. Make it easier for all of us to roll reading skills and social skills all into one. Let’s do our best to inspire our children to read.

Comments? Questions? Please email me, TODAY!