Supporting Caregivers in Setting Up Writing Routines for Summer

A Backstory

     This past April, my middle daughter, Adi (age 10), completed her third Classroom Slice of Life Story Challenge. Every evening, she would settle in at my laptop, either at the kitchen island or the dining room table. She would brainstorm and draft a slice from her day. She quickly settled into a rhythm and in just a few days, she had established a writing routine. I was impressed with her initiative and independence. 

    As the end of April approached, I wondered what would become of Adi’s writing routine. How could I keep her writing life alive or at least plan to rekindle it during the summer? Throughout the month, there were so many celebrations and benefits from the dedicated time Adi carved out for writing each day, including Adi growing as a writer, the two of us connecting in the writing process and through her writing, and also the pleasure she gained in writing daily and sharing her writing with others.

     Most parents know the meaning of the phrase, “long days, short years,” especially during the summer months. I personally grapple with keeping my kids off of screens and not at each other’s throats all summer long. I know from twelve years of experience that reading and writing routines help. (You can read more about nurturing writing identities at home here.) So, as I began reflecting on Adi’s experience with the Slice of Life Story Challenge, I brainstormed tips I thought might provide support for other caregivers. 

The Details

• Setting Up Time and Space for Writing: With Adi, the evening became her go-to writing time. Thinking about a predictable time of day can help you and your family establish a routine for writing. Writing after camp could offer a quiet transition for some children, while after dinner might be a time when kids could be thinking and writing. My own children often end up working at the kitchen island as I get dinner ready or clean up after dinner. We can chat and solve problems in a shared space. When considering establishing a predictable time for writing, think about where writing might serve as a transition or a time that might need a bit of structure or activity. 
• Providing Engaging and Inviting Writing Materials: Over the years, I have seen the impact of new and fresh supplies in inspiring and engaging writers. Who doesn’t love a new journal or notebook? Summer could be the perfect time to stock up on fresh supplies, including fun writing utensils, art supplies, and paper. Pulling out different supplies throughout the summer can help keep the momentum going. You may also take cues from whatever your child gets interested in writing. For example, if they begin writing graphic novels, they may need rulers for creating writing cells or watercolors to bring their garden sketches to life.
• Invitations: Writing invitations are always a fun way to engage writers. I could imagine providing a few prompts for your child or even your family to engage with. Perhaps the invitations change regularly or you pull them out when your writer needs a little extra motivation.

Possible Invitations:

• Go outside (also works indoors!) and sketch something you see(tree bark, flower, house). What does it make you think about or remember? 
• Sit outside and draw for 5-10 minutes. When you are done, imagine you are in your picture and make a list of what you see, hear, feel, smell.
• Think about your day. Write about a moment that stands out to you.

The Impact

    The end of the school year is the perfect time to set students up to continue developing their writing identities. The end of a school year is also a great time to share with families the ways in which they can support their child. Helping families think about setting up writing routines over the summer will foster family connections and independence in children, foster a love of writing, and help children see the small moments that can be stories that live all around them. A bonus will be the records and memories captured in words and pictures. 

One Final Thing

Here is a one page tool that you can either print or email to caregivers to share tips for nurturing writing routines through the summer months.