Skip to main content

Featured

🌬️STEAM FUN: Make a Paper Pinwheel

Pinwheels are more than just a colourful toy, they’re a hands-on way to explore science, math, art, and even reading. This simple craft is a great little STEAM activity touching on various aspects of science, technology, engineering, art and math. 🌈 What You’ll Need A square piece of paper about 6x6 inches (construction paper or cardstock) Scissors A push pin/brad fastener or pipe cleaner (depending on child safety concerns) A pencil with an eraser or straw or even fort building sticks Single hole punch or sharp pencil for punching holes Glue stick or tape Ruler (optional) Markers, crayons, or stickers ✂️ Step-by-Step Instructions 1. Start with a square Trim your paper into a square (6x6 or 8x8 inches works well). 2. Decorate first Add colors, patterns, or drawing, this makes the spinning effect even more exciting. 3. Draw diagonal lines Lightly draw an “X” from corner to corner. (Think Jamaican or Scottish Flag) 4. Cut toward the center Cut along each line, stoppi...

Types of Writing for Kids!

Writing is like a big, colorful world where people can share their thoughts, stories, and ideas in many different ways. It’s important for young children to start recognizing the different types of writing they might see or create. Let’s explore these types together and also learn about the difference between facts and opinions!


1. Storytelling (Narrative Writing)

Narrative writing is when someone tells a story. This can be a story about real things that happened, or it can be made-up, like a fairy tale. 


Example:

Once upon a time, there was a little girl named Lily who loved to explore the forest. One day, she found a magical talking rabbit…


In this type of writing, you’ll usually see characters, a setting (where the story happens), and a plot (what happens in the story).


2. Informational Writing

Informational writing is all about giving facts or information about a topic. This type of writing is like teaching someone something new. 


Example:

“Dogs are animals that come in many different shapes and sizes. They have four legs, fur, and often bark to communicate.”


Here, the goal is to tell you something true and helpful about the world.


3. Opinion Writing

Opinion writing is when someone shares what they think or feel about something. It’s okay if someone else doesn’t agree because opinions are personal and can be different for everyone.


Example:

“I think chocolate ice cream is the best flavor because it’s so creamy and delicious.”


This type of writing often starts with “I think” or “I feel.”


4. Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing is like opinion writing, but with a goal. The writer is trying to convince the reader to think or do something. 


Example:

“We should all help keep our playground clean. If everyone picks up their trash, the playground will be a nicer place to play!”


Here, the writer is trying to persuade others to agree and take action.


Fact vs. Opinion: What’s the Difference?


Understanding the difference between a fact and an opinion is super important, especially when reading or writing!


Fact: A fact is something that is true and can be proven. It’s the same for everyone.

  

 Example:

“The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.”

This is true no matter where you are in the world.


Opinion: An opinion is what someone thinks or feels. It’s personal and might be different for each person.


Example:

“Sunsets are the most beautiful part of the day.”


Someone else might think sunrises are more beautiful, and that’s okay!


Why Is This Important?


Understanding different types of writing helps kids recognize what they are reading or creating. Knowing the difference between fact and opinion helps them think critically about what they hear and read. They’ll learn that facts are things everyone can agree on because they are true, while opinions are things people can agree or disagree with because they’re based on personal feelings.


Take Away

Parents, you can help your child by pointing out these differences when you read together or when your child is writing. Encourage them to think about what kind of writing they’re doing and whether they are sharing a fact or an opinion.


With practice, kids will become more confident in their reading and writing, and they’ll be better prepared to understand the world around them!

Comments

Popular Posts