One of the best ways I have found to encourage my children to write and draw is to help them make their own book. The directions below are for the first book I help my children make. It is fast, easy, and only requires 8 x 11 paper and scissors. If you are a perfectionist, you may want to use a ruler and a pen, if not, just eyeball your cuts.
1. Take 6 – 10 pieces of 8×11 paper and divide them into 2 equal stacks.
2. Fold each stack in half so that they are 5 1/2” x 8”.
3. Unfold, and mark a 1 inch line on both ends of the center fold (you just have to do this on the top paper of each stack):
4. On one stack cut on the lines:
5. On the other stack cut on the fold between the lines, being careful not to cut on the lines:
6. Take the stack of paper on which you cut on the lines and loosely roll them:
7. Insert the rolled paper, through the gap in the other stack of paper:
8. Gently unroll the paper and insert the uncut portion into the notches: 
9. Fold the paper and you now have a blank book for your child to start filling up:
Andrew is filling his book with pictures of his favorite things.
How do you encourage your children to write and draw?
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April @ The 21st Century Housewife says
I love this Alea! What a great activity to do with your kids, and what an excellent way to inspire them! Thank you for sharing this post with the Gallery of Favorites 🙂
Anonymous says
nice post. thanks.