A plain-English guide to the R.A.C.E.S. strategy (Restate, Answer, Cite, Explain, Summarize), with a worked example and practical tips for teaching it.
What Is the R.A.C.E.S. Strategy? A Simple Guide to Teaching Constructed Response Read More »
A five-step, kid-friendly recipe for writing a mini mystery—detective, clues, a red herring, and the big reveal—inspired by the Maisie Jo Mysteries.
Write Your Own Mini Mystery: A Fun Detective-Story Activity for Kids Read More »
Forty kid-friendly journal prompts plus simple tips for turning a few minutes of daily writing into a habit that sticks.
Journal Prompts for Kids: 40 Ideas to Build a Daily Writing Habit Read More »
Five low-pressure, parent-tested ways to get kids writing at home—by making it useful, short, and joyful instead of a nightly battle.
5 Easy Ways to Encourage Your Child to Write at Home (Without the Battle) Read More »
Writing prompts for fall, winter, spring, and summer—plus a simple way to turn them into a year-long writing keepsake.
Seasonal Writing Prompts for Kids: Fresh Ideas for Every Time of Year Read More »
How to use images as writing prompts for kids, with go-to questions and 15 picture-prompt ideas that get reluctant writers talking—and writing.
Picture Writing Prompts: Spark Kids’ Imagination with Images Read More »
Thirty irresistible opening sentences for young writers, plus simple ways to grow a single line into a full story.
Story Starters for Kids: 30 First Sentences That Beg to Be Finished Read More »
Fifty kid-friendly writing prompts—adventure, silly, mystery, and more—plus simple tips to help young writers get past the blank page.
50 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids (That Actually Spark Ideas) Read More »
Children are the toughest dialogue critics alive. They may not tell you your kid character sounds fake. But, they may just quietly decide the book is “for babies” and never pick it up again. I learned a lot about this writing a book narrated by a seven-year-old. Here is what actually makes a young character
Writing Dialogue a Kid Will Actually Believe Read More »
