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Teaching Creative Writing To Children - 5 Steps
Teaching creative writing to children is easy since children already have a love for stories. Parents often read to their children at bed time so introducing a creative writing program in the classroom is simple. Here are 5 steps to help you get started.
1. Small beginnings. Start out by finding common topics to the children in the room. Parents, grandparents and pets are usually good examples. Have the students write 5 sentences about the topic. These can fictional and in story form.
2. Dictation. As children have heard stories and are fond of them you can help them move a step further. To do this each student can dictate a story to you. You can either use a tape recorder or write it down while they are talking. In a later class the students can read their stories a loud to the class. This helps them make a connection between hearing a story and actually making one up.
3. Word processor. Children take to computers like ducks to water. As soon as it is feasible have the students type their stories in a word processor. Initially do not be concerned about grammar, punctuation or spelling but let them type a way. After a few days start showing the kids how they can make capital letters and use the different grammar and spelling tools.
4. Idea box. Bring a box into the classroom and encourage the children to write ideas for stories on a piece of paper and put them in the "idea box." Make sure the children realize these ideas will be shared with others. If they want they can also make their own "idea box." Coming up with original subjects for stories is something that all writers are challenged with. This will give writing a boost.
5. Characters. Help the children come up with interesting characters in their writing. Show them stories from authors who are strong on character development. Make the main character likable. An author I like is Louis L'Amour. All of his main characters have high moral values and make honest choices. Of course they get the girl and are expert at everything they do.
Teaching creative writing to children can seem overwhelming at first but when taken in small steps it is not as challenging. Start with basic stories and then work the kids through ideas then into character development. There are other more advanced steps like plot development, editing and publishing but this will get these suggestions will help them get started.
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