Teaching creative writing to children is fun and rewarding. Kids naturally love to here stories read to them. As parents many times our children fall to sleep while being read to. Teachers can build a stimulating creative writing program in the classroom by giving the children a desire to write. Here are 5 steps to start a creative writing program.
1. Start small. Think of the most basic topic which is common to most of your students. Pets, parents and toys are some examples. Require the students to write 5 fictional sentences about the specified topic. You can have them write these 5 sentences as a story.
2. Dictation. You can get a tape recorder and one by one let the students dictate a story to you. You might find it easier to do without a tape recorder if you can write or type fast enough. On another day you or the child can read the story out loud to the class. This helps the students start to make a connection with hearing stories and making them 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. One of the hardest steps for most writers is coming up with good ideas. An "idea box" can help. Bring a box to class and tell the students that this is only for creative writing suggestions. Be sure to let the kids know that others will have access to their ideas so they may also want to have their own idea boxes. This will help with brainstorming for new stories.
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.