Using NANOWRIMO as a Homeschool Resource

This week I want to encourage everyone to take advantage of the upcoming NaNoWriMo project that takes place every November. 

National Novel Writing Month AKA NANOWRIMO is an online creative writing program that started back in 1999. It’s gained massive popularity over the years and many novels have been written because of this program. The original goal was to write a 50,000 word novel in one month. No editing, just write. 

Now it’s grown into a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides tools, structure, community, and encouragement to help people find their voices, achieve creative goals, and build new worlds — on and off the page.

This is a great FREE resource to encourage writing. It's often a gateway to writing for many people and can really lead to success in the writing world. I've known a few people that have had great success using NaNoWriMo to write their first novel.

NaNoWriMo has lots of great FREE resources that can be used in a variety of ways and I encourage you to check them out to see if some of the activities will work for your student. You can use some of the more structured lessons or leave that all behind and just write! 

Follow your child's lead. Be sure to leave the editing out of this! This is all about getting their ideas on paper and their voice heard. 

You can deal with grammar and spelling later. This is all about getting their ideas on paper.

Make this fun and cater to your child. If they want colored paper, color pencils, blank books, etc. then let them use whatever they like. Maybe buy a new notebook just for this to make it special.

If they want to type it on the computer, that’s fine too. 

Let them use whatever font they want. 

You can set goals according to your child's style. You can have a time limit each day, a certain number of words each day, fill a page each day, etc. Don't stress about the details, just make it a fun special writing event. I encourage the parent to write WITH the child each day and take the time to really engage in the activity. 

You also might want to make it special and have some treats to eat or tea while you write or light a candle on the table, etc. Make this as much or as little as you think your child will respond to.

If you’re new and want more info there’s a 101 link with great resources. They even have a calendar and workbook I’d that’s what you need. This 101 ideally starts in sept or oct to lay some ground work so you’re ready to just write in Nov, however! You can honestly start whenever you want so don’t feel discouraged or “behind” in any way

https://nanowrimo.org/nano-prep-101

Young writers program 

Your child can sign up and receive some great resources. 

Goal setting, writing tools, and motivation 

https://ywp.nanowrimo.org/

For educators 

Lesson plans, ideas, student workbooks, and more and it’s all broke down by elementary, middle school, and high school

It could easily be a whole writing class outline! 

https://ywp.nanowrimo.org/pages/educator-resources

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