Now before I get the hate coming my way, I need to clarify what we mean by graffiti . Jack uses boxes, My Name Is stickers and lots of paper for his graffiti. Not once has he been allowed to use a spray paint can or even write in a public place. Now, let me explain how this has helped with handwriting.

Jack hated learning how to write his letters. He fought me on this one particular subject every day. There were tears, shouting matches and thrown pencils but no progress what-so-ever. No amount of bribery or punishment could move him on this and my patience was worn thin. I think every homeschool parent has experienced this with at least one subject, so I know you feel my pain.

Pre-graffiti spelling words. Notice how the “h” is disconnected and there is a mix of capital and lowercase letters. The second column he was goofing around.

One day, we were doodling with Art Hub for Kids and I started to create some bubble letters for a picture we had just drawn. Jack became interested and over the next few days, he and his dad sat at the table and drew different types of letters. About that same time he was also consuming a lot of YouTube videos about parkour. Jack noticed that the locations where they shoot those videos tend to have lots of graffiti. He was hooked.

I purchased some markers and a ream of blank paper and Jack has never looked back. He is constantly writing his “graffiti”on everything (except the walls, I do have some standards.). He looks up graffiti videos on Youtube to teach himself new techniques and practices ALL THE TIME. Amazon boxes become buildings filled with graffiti shortly after they hit the porch (often before I can even get home to open them.). Printer labels are graffiti stickers that end up everywhere and the whiteboard/chalkboard is always filled with his creations.

Jack showing off his improved writing skills for a birthday party.

Now, when I let him pursue this particular interest I had no idea it would have such positive results. Not only has his handwriting improved greatly, so has his art skills. He plays with colors and shading and loves to create 3-d words. Another added benefit is improved spelling. Not only does he want to get the spelling correct for his graffiti, but his spelling in general has improved.

I write his weekly spelling words on the white board and have him copy them throughout the week. One day he asked if he could write them in graffiti style or as tags. I agreed, what harm could it do. Now it is a regular thing. He must write his spelling words normally on Monday and then the rest of the week he can write them in whatever style he wishes. Because he must focus on crafting the word much more when he is writing in crazy style or block letters, the spelling sticks better.

Spelling words in “tag” style; he was in a hurry. See all the graffiti stickers along the top and bottom?
Notice how his use of capital and lowercase letters has improved (the m is still wrong though)

I was never completely convinced that letting a child explore his interests would lead to a well-rounded education. Now I am a believer. Just letting my homeschooler explore graffiti has led to improvements in Art, Handwriting, Spelling and even Reading. It has also opened the door to conversations about respecting other’s property, consequences for defacing public property and where and when graffiti may or may not be appropriate. I have even learned to appreciate well-crafted graffiti and can differentiate between various styles.

So the next time your homeschooler shows an interest in something, let them go and immerse themselves in the topic. You never know what beautiful place it may take them and you may also learn something in the process.

Happy Homeschooling!