The art of writing can be a magical thing for children. Their imagination is at such a fun stage and some great stories can be made from that. However, getting to a point where your child enjoys writing can sometimes be a struggle. You may be asking yourself why you should even bother with it, is it really worth the work? The answer, YES! Learning to write helps children become better communicators. As they go through the process of writing, children begin to better organize and process their thoughts. Writing can help give children a voice to their inner thoughts, as well as a sense of freedom and exploration. Plus, an added benefit for us is getting to read all those fun stories that come from our children’s budding minds.

The big question is, where do we begin? As children learn letters, their sounds, and how to form them, they are in the beginning stages of writing. They move on to being able to mesh all these skills together to write words. Adding in knowledge of grammar, vocabulary, spelling, sentence structure,  and punctuation will give your child the toolkit they need to be on their way to some exciting stories. It takes time, it takes practice and work, and it takes patience.

Below we have some handwriting, writing, and grammar curriculum. There are stand alone options, like those listed below, and there are all-in-one type options that include other parts of language arts. Take some time to see what feels best for you and your child. Meshing stand alone options together might get you all the different aspects you are looking for. Or, you may enjoy the ease of an all-in-one. Either way, keep building those skills in your children and watch as they reap the benefits from it all!

Handwriting

Handwriting without Tears

• Grades K-4^th
• Uppercase taught before lowercase
• Multi-sensory learning methods
• Simple cursive style
• May be helpful for left-handed writers

The Good and the Beautiful Handwriting

• Grades Pre K-7th
• Traditional print and cursive options (level 3)
• Tracing and copying, copywork, puzzles and drawing activities
• Christian content

K-5 Learning Cursive Worksheets

• Free printable worksheets

Spelling

All About Spelling

• Grades 1^st-high school
• Phonetic based using Orton-Gillingham methodology
• Multi-sensory activities to learn spelling

BJU Press Spelling

• Grades 1st-6^th
• Phonetic based
• Students write spelling words as they are dictated to them

Daily Spelling Practice

• Grades 2^nd-6^th (though younger and older could benefit)
• 4 level options or a intensive 1-year option for older students
• Teacher guide and answer key, student workbook

Night Zookeeper

• Grades k-6^th
• Online program with various language arts subjects
• Not comprehensive, used more as a supplement

Spectrum Spelling

• Grades k-6^th
• Phonetic based
• Workbooks by grades

Spelling You See

• Based off developmentally appropriate level (use their readiness guidelines)
• Phonetic based + mastering irregular words

Writing and Grammar

BJU writing and grammar

• Grades 1^st-12^th
• Teahcer’s guide and student workbook
• Writing and grammar combined
• Teaches writing process- planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing

Brave writer

• Grades K-12^th
• Workbooks with online classes offered
• Focus on reading great books aloud
• Less focus on structured lessons

Easy Grammar

• Grades 2nd-12^th
• Student workbook, teachers guide, mastery review
• Easy writing and daily grammar

Essentials in Writing

• Grade K-12^th
• Student workbook, teacher manual, and access to video lessons

Fix it! Grammar from IEW

• Grade 4^th-12^th
• Student book, teacher’s manual
• Vocabulary, grammar, punctuation, spelling corrections, parts of speech, etc.

IEW (Institute for Excellence in Writing)

• Grades 1^st-12^th
• Teacher’s guide and student book
• Teaches structure and sequence of writing

Writing with ease (from A Well Trained Mind)

• Grades 1^st-12^th
• Student workbook
• Copy work of classic literature, grammar instruction, and writing

Writeshop/ Writeshop Junior

• Grades K-12^th
• Various options from activity packs, teacher’s guide, fold-and go grammar guide, and saver pack
• Step-by-step, incremental approach
• Helps parent learn how to teach writing

Language Arts Tech Tools

Writing Games from Toy Theater

• Free online games
• Great for supplementing
• Helping kids master literacy skills including writing

Writing Prompts for Kids

• A fun way to get kids writing creatively