If you follow my blog, then you know that I homeschool my two girls. They are currently doing 4th grade level work, as we homeschool year round. While they love all the hands on learning they do, they hate to do copy work or writing assignments. It isn't that they don't like to write -- I find them making up their own storybooks complete with a story they have written out as well as illustrations -- but, when I tell them we are going to write or give them a writing prompt during class time, they give me that look, like "C'mon Mom, do we have to?" But, thanks to a fun new book I received recently to review from The Experiment Publishing, asking them to write isn't like pulling teeth, at least when it comes to having them pull out their "Adventures with Zap: 107 Creative Prompts for Beginning Writers" to work on.
This book is geared towards children ages 4+ and has them drawing and writing to complete an out of this world adventure featuring Zap, a spunky blue alien from the planet Vox Nova. Kids play storyteller in this playful writing practice books, where they will make up adventures for Zap and Meow, an Earthling stowaway, to go on, as they try and get Meow back home.
My oldest daughter, Savannah, is a huge dog and cat lover, so when she saw that there was a cat character in this book, she was excited to help draw pictures and create stories featuring this cute cat. I have found as a homeschooling parent that finding books and curriculum that feature topics and things my girls like, makes learning fun and easier. Ad, this writing workbook for kids is right up there with great educational books for kids, especially if they are reluctant writers. Younger children just learning to read and write can also utilize this workbook with the help of a parent, by having them write out the stories they come up with, and then letting the child draw the illustrations.
I ended up buying a second copy of this book off Amazon so that each of my girls would have their own copies. And, for the past couple of weeks we have been using as part of our writing lessons. The girls get excited when I tell them to pull out their "Adventures with Zap" workbook, and read and then write their next adventure, before they share their fun stories and drawings with each other.
I will definitely be checking out the other books available from The Experiment, as I am very impressed with this particular writing workbook, and how it got my reluctant writers to want to write.
You can learn more about this and other books from The Experiment by visiting www.theexperimentpublishing.com today.
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More about this workbook:
"Calling all Earth kids!
Meet Zap, a spunky blue alien from the planet Vox Nova. When a stowaway from Earth sneaks onto his spaceship, he makes lots of mistakes. Is the furry creature friendly? Or dangerous? Zots! Quick, grab a pencil to teach Zap about our world. Share memories, too, and make up adventures of your own.
- Can’t write yet?
Zip–zapper–zot! Find a helper who can be your reading, writing robot! - Learning to write?
Ka-zooks! No need to worry about spelling to be an author of this book! - Already a word wizard? You’re on top of your game. Play with fun ways to edit and shoot for the stars!
- create characters, settings, and action scenes
- bring pictures to life with words
- brainstorm when stuck
- write thoughts and dialogue
- use “power words”
- express feelings and wishes.
Adventures with Zap introduces the magic of storytelling through playful writing practice. Children build skills and confidence while creating a precious keepsake."
Disclosure: I was sent a review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All views shared are mine and mine alone.
My 5 year old daughter, who just started kindergarten, has a huge imagination. She already loves making up stories. I know she would love to start putting them on paper. This book looks like it would be great for her.
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