CLOSED-500 Writing Prompts for Kids - Review and Giveaway!

I think that many of us already understand the importance of children practicing their written communication skills.   However, many of us can struggle with the implementation of this practice.  We know that writing is a skill---And like most skills, it can not be developed fully unless children are given the frequent opportunity to practice this skill.  Many parents and teachers can find it difficult to find ways to encourage children to practice this skill at home without making it a dreaded chore.  Especially if you live with a reluctant writer! So when Bryan Cohen asked me to review his new book 500 Writing Prompts for Kids I eagerly agreed.

My Thoughts:
The book contains 500 writing prompts divided into various categories such as Life Lessons, Memorable Events, Technology, and the Seasons.   Additionally, inside each of these categories, the reader can find a wide diversity of writing prompts divided into various sub-categories.  Most of the writing prompts are specific enough to give children a direction in writing.  Yet Cohen does a great job of keeping the prompts open-ended enough to encourage critical free thinking in children. 

I also like the fact that the author not only encourages children to write---he also encourages parents to write with their children.  In households where children can view their parents writing for pleasure, they are more likely to seek out that activity for themselves.  (And updating your facebook status doesn't count!) 

Perhaps my favorite section of the book is the appendix at the back of the book.  There Cohen provides a list of great ways to his writing prompts in the classroom or at home.  I loved this list!  It can really give parents and teachers some ideas on making writing an everyday pleasurable experience.

500 Writing Prompts for Kids covers grades first through fifth so parents could potentially use this book for years.  I have also found that even very young children could can use some of these prompts verbally to parents.  (One important pre-writing skill is the ability to verbally narrate.  So this book could potentially build that skill too.)

Bottom Line:
The book is available either in an electronic format or as a paperback.  Additionally, the book is listed at a very affordable price point which makes it realistically obtainable for most families.   I think that parents who wish to encourage writing at home would do well to have a copy of this book on their shelves.  I think that the book is a great reference book that I could see myself referring to often.   

Giveaway:  Enter to win a free copy of this book and even a $50 Amazon Gift Card!
Author Bryan Cohen is doing a giveaway of his book 500 Writing Prompts for Kids for the next week along with a grand prize drawing for a $50 Amazon gift card! Simply post your e-mail address and you are entered in the drawing for one digital copy of the book on this site (there are over 10 sites involved in the giveaway, with one winner of a book per site). One lucky winner will be picked from all the sites to win a $50 Amazon gift card. If Bryan's book, 500 Writing Prompts for Kids reaches the top 500 in sales this week, he will add another $50 Amazon gift card to the drawing. The drawing will occur on June 22nd, so post away!

For more information on Bryan Cohen and his book, you can visit his website at Build Creative Writing Ideas.

Disclaimer:  I was given a free electronic copy of this book in order to complete this review. I was not obligated in any way to provide a favorable review.  These are my actual opinions of the book.  Thanks for reading and good luck on the contest!