What makes writing a great summer activity for kids is that the projects can be either short-term or long-term. And work-at-home parent’s children really need both—quick and easy projects to fill one afternoon and something to come back to again and again all summer. Pen pals don’t have to be distant strangers. Use your own social networks to find someone who would be willing to write to your child—could be a cousin or grandparent, the child of an old high school friend or work colleague. With social media, it is easier to connect with people. A journal encourages creativity, and it helps kids learn to organize their thoughts. It’s a good way to start the day or transition from one activity to another. And to keep things interesting try making a journal jar with suggested journaling topics to draw from, or having them keep a nature journal. Encourage kids to review just about anything—a new toy, a movie, a restaurant. Writing a review will get kids to think more deeply about the object of a review—to go beyond “it was great” or “it stunk” and think about why they feel that way.
