Spring Themed Copywork (Free Printable)

Spring is in the air! I like to switch things up every now and then by trying something new, especially when we are getting close to the end of our school year. Are you looking for fresh ideas? Do something different in your writing lessons by trying this Spring Themed Copywork (Free Printable). This is the copywork my kids will be doing in the next few weeks.

Video: How We Do Copywork | Everything You Need To Know

When I started homeschooling several years ago, the idea of using copywork and narration as the core for our Language Arts program seemed too simple. Drawing on my previous experience teaching in the classroom, we did a separate lesson for spelling, writing style and process, vocabulary, punctuation, and more. Each of these concepts was taught in isolation. Copywork is an all-in-one habit that covers all of these concepts.

After thirteen years of observing the habit of copywork in my kids, I am convinced that it is an excellent practice that is widely underestimated. Hand writing sections of quality writing slows down the mind. When you write something down at the start of your day, you are more likely to think of it again later throughout the day.

I am so convinced of the effectiveness of copywork that I have adopted this practice as an adult. When I read my Bible in the mornings and come to a meaningful passage, I jot it down on an empty space in my planner. Writing the verse on paper brings this thought back to me often other times in the day or week.

To see samples of the copywork I use with our kids and to read more about how we do copywork in our home, you may enjoy reading these posts.

Simple Step-By-Step Guide to Homeschool Writing

Helpful Habits for Writing Well #2: Copying the Best Pieces from Great Authors

Helpful Habits for Writing Well #3: Narration

Winter Themed Copywork (FREE Printable)

Pin it for later! Spring Themed Copywork (Free Printable)

What is copywork?

Copywork is simply the habit of hand copying selections of text from great authors. Think about it. How do we learn to do anything? We observe someone who is doing it! Copywork challenges kids to copy the written work of excellent communicators.

Are handwriting and copywork the same thing?

No, they are not. Handwriting should be mastered before copywork. When kids can fluently write, then they can begin copywork. Having said that, copywork is likely to improve handwriting skills, but it is also so much more than that. It teaches good writing form and exposes kids to quality pieces.

How will I know if my child is ready for copywork?

When kids can fluently write, then they can begin copywork. If copywork takes longer than 10-15 minutes, they may not be ready for it. This should not be a strenuous practice for them.

What are some good sources for copywork?

What quality books are you reading aloud to your kids? These are a great place to start! Copy passages of Scripture, Aesop’s Fables, poems, short stories or fairy tales, hymns, non-fiction books on topics that interest them, notable sections from each chapter of the fiction book they are reading. Here are some of my go-to resources for excellent literature suggestions.

Ambleside Online

Read Aloud Revival

You can also download files of the copywork we have used over the years in the post below.

Helpful Habits for Writing Well #2: Copying the Best Pieces from Great Authors

Copywork Materials

We use one spiral notebook for a year of copywork. At the beginning of a new day, have your child write the date, then copy the work below, leaving spaces between lines as needed.

How much chould a child copy?

A good rule of thumb is to have a child copy one sentence a day for first grade, two for second, and so on. If they want to do more, sure! But this metric is a reasonable developmental goal for most kids. 

How long should copywork take?

Short 10-15 minute lessons will help kids to enjoy the process. Remember how we dreaded long repetitive writing worksheets in school? Focus on quality, not quantity. Encourage them to keep a notebook of beautiful work. The goal is to have a habit of good writing.

Steps for Teaching Copywork

Copywork work is intended primarily to be an independent practice, however here are some steps to help a child who is beginning to learn copywork.

1. Show the child what is to be copied. Hand write the selection out on paper with spaces between lines. Have the child observe how your form each letter. (As kids progress over time, they should be able to copy directly from the printed piece.)
2. Have the child copy the piece.
3. When finished, the child should compare his work with the sample to find any mistakes. Briefly point out relevant topics such as punctuation, spelling, vocabulary, etc.

What is included in the Spring Themed Copywork (Free Printable)?

This PDF has 2 pages of help and FAQ about copywork followed by 6 pages of copywork samples for kids. This amounts to approximately 7 weeks of work, if a child practices copywork daily.

In this collection you will find spring themed copywork selections taken from passages of the Bible as well as poems from Robert Louis Stevenson, Christina Rosetti, Amelia Josephine Burr, Sara Teasdale, and Edith Nesbith. There are also quotes taken from the picture books and chapter books below if you would like to add them to your read aloud list. 

Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney

The Ox Cart Man by Barbara Cooney

Winnie-the-Pooh by A.A. Milne

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

The Long Winter by Laura Ingalls Wilder

The Little House by Virginia Lee Burton

How do I download the Spring Themed Copywork Printable?

1. Subscribe in the box above by entering your email.
2. Check your email inbox to confirm your subscription.
3. You will get a success message with the PDF link. Click on the link and print. Enjoy! Please remember, these are for personal use only!