In most homes, it seems, the refrigerator door is the showcase for children’s artwork. From the tiniest toddler’s wobbly scribbles to a teen’s pencil sketch, the fridge gallery beckons everyone to enjoy the offerings.
The question is: Why don’t we do this as often with their writing?
A Purpose for Publishing
To make it more meaningful, children need an audience for their writing. If rough drafts are their only writing efforts—and they rarely (or never) rewrite, publish, and SHARE—it’s easy for them to lose heart. After all, they’re missing the point of writing: to share a published project with someone.
Granted, not all writing is meant for others’ eyes, such as diaries or personal journals. But for some reluctant writers, offering publishing ideas—and encouraging them to produce polished final drafts of their stories and reports—can make the whole writing ordeal worthwhile.
Non-Crafty Publishing Ideas and Projects for Kids
Publishing a project can be as simple as neatly rewriting the final draft and sharing it with Dad or Grandma. But there are loads of other ways to showcase a piece of writing, from plain and simple to craftily creative.
Since not every child will enjoy the creative element of publishing, an older student, or one who is not keen on crafty projects, may prefer displaying his final draft in one of the following simple but effective ways. Check out these five easy publishing ideas for kids!
1. Computer Publishing Ideas for Kids
This is probably the simplest way for kids to publish! Type the story or report on the computer—or let an older child type his own. Add clip art, if desired.
2. Mat Mount
The quickest, easiest way to display your child’s story is to affix it to a slightly larger sheet of colored scrapbook or construction paper. The construction paper forms a simple mat that gives the final draft a polished, published look.
3. Book or Booklet Ideas
Here’s another simple publishing idea kids enjoy. Your child can place his Writing Project inside a piece of 12- x 18-inch construction paper folded to resemble a book. Glue or staple the story or report inside. Have him draw a picture and write the story title on the cover of the “book,” and boom! Done!
4. Presentation Folder
Don’t underestimate the value of using a purchased report cover or presentation folder. There are many kinds from which to choose, such as ones with page protectors or pockets, but any report cover will lend a more professional or “official” look to children’s stories and reports.
“My daughter … liked how clean and nice the published project looked in the report folder.” ~Heidi D.
5. File Folder Publishing Ideas for Kids
You will need one file folder for each story your child publishes this way.
- Decorate the inside left of the file folder with illustrations, photos, or clipart.
- Staple the story along the top, positioning it on the inside right of the folder.
- Write the story title on the tab and front of the folder. Let your child decorate the cover to match the story or report.
Each time your children produce a polished final draft, encourage them to share it with a grandparent or other special person. These publishing ideas will make your kids feel like real authors!
WriteShop encourages students to write, edit, and revise in order to create a published final draft. The above publishing ideas, along with additional, more crafty publishing projects, can be found in both WriteShop Primary and WriteShop Junior elementary writing curriculum.