Summer Writing Prompts for Kids

Kids LOVE to persuade adults that they are right.  That is why one of my favorite summer writing prompts for children is the persuasive essay.  And the summer months are filled with fun activities that kids feel strongly about.

Here is an easy one: Summer should include at least one vacation destination.  Where should ours be this summer and why?

If you want to really encourage your child’s persuasive abilities try this one: Children should keep learning throughout the summer.

Which side of these summer writing prompts will your children choose? 

Take a moment to think about what motivates your child.  Is it edible treats?  Material things?  Money?  Time spent together?  Trips? Whatever the motivation, you can find a summer writing prompt to match.

Here’s an example: If children were paid in popsicles, what should you have to do to earn a whole box?

If your children are still resistant to the summer writing prompt idea, then let them choose their own.  Ask them what things they would love (or hate!) to do in the summer and why they should (or shouldn’t!) get to do them.  I think it is important to let your children know that, if you are persuaded by the results of their summer writing prompt, there might be a popsicle in their near future!

Summer Writing Activities for Children

The lazy days of summer bring picnics, swimming, vacation, and writing activities.  Wait! Summer writing activities for children?!  There is no better way to keep your child engaged and “in the swim” of learning than to arrange for a few interesting summer writing activities that will keep those imaginations turned on!

Summer writing activities for children don’t have to be boring.  In fact, they don’t have to be poetry or prose, either.  Simple writing tasks, like list-making, can help exercise memorization and categorization skills and improve spelling.  Engage your child in helping you make a grocery list, or a list of pantry essentials.  You can create lists of chores for everyone in the family, or organize everyone’s activity schedule.  Feel free to make it fun using colored inks and fun papers to engage their attention.  Not only will your child’s penmanship and spelling improve, but he or she will be learning important life skills, as well.

Another really fun summer writing activity is a “compare and contrast” essay.  Wouldn’t every child jump at the chance to compare Mom’s driving to Dad’s?  Or their favorite restaurant with their sibling’s?  There are endless ways to use the “compare and contrast” lesson that really give kids a chance to express themselves.  In my experience, this has been one of the most fun summer writing activities for my kids every year.