how to help your child with creative writing

Creative Writing for Kids: A Step-By-Step Guide to Writing a Story

Creative writing can be a real positive force for children’s lives and development, but how does a child get started with creative writing? There are many ways, but it can often be helpful to have a structure to work from, so we’ve outlined some simple steps on how your child can write a story and enjoy themselves in the process! As they brainstorm, a lot of ideas will come to mind, so we recommend they take notes throughout the process.

What is creative writing?

Creative writing is an expressive form of writing that allows children to explore their thoughts, ideas, and emotions in an imaginative way. Unlike academic or factual writing , creative writing encourages children to use their imagination to invent characters , settings , and plots , fostering a love for storytelling and self-expression.

In creative writing, children have the freedom to write stories , poems , letters , and even scripts for their own movies. It's an opportunity for them to unleash their creativity, experiment with language, and develop their unique voice as writers. Through creative writing, children learn to think critically, problem-solve, and communicate effectively, all while having fun and exploring their creativity.

Encouraging creative writing at home or as part of homeschooling not only helps children develop their writing skills but also nurtures their imagination and confidence.

Getting started

Your child may not be quite ready to start, and that’s normal - writing can be challenging!

Instead of jumping straight in, ease your child into it with activities like free writing. This will allow them to explore any topic without pressure, acting as a way to boost your child’s imagination before they start writing stories .

If your child is a reluctant writer, you can try different methods that don’t actively require them to put pen to paper, but are linked to creativity and storytelling. These include drawing , picking out new children’s books from the local library, telling stories out loud, or dedicating time to read your child’s favorite books as a family. Generally, reading lays the foundation for your child to be able to create their own stories, improving their narrative writing skills by exposing them to different techniques, genres, and styles.

When all else fails, encourage your child to read more. The more that your child reads, the easier it will be for them to start writing.

Step 1: Character development

Creating a character is a great starting point for your child to write their own story.

This character can be whatever your child wants them to be. They can be a human, an animal, a mystical creature, or something completely made-up! Once they have a general idea of what they want this character to be, they can brainstorm different plot points, which will further inform the characters traits, behaviours, and role in the story.

Here are some questions your child should be able to answer about their character:

• What is going on in this character’s life?
• Do they have a problem that they need to fix?
• Who are they interacting with in this story?
• How do they feel about other characters, and about the issue at hand?

A story normally relies on one character to be the hero, and on another to be the villain. The villain is typically portrayed as a negative character who introduces a problem (the antagonist), and the hero is a positive character who solves the problems (the protagonist). Once your child creates their main character, they should establish their role within the story. Are they writing from the perspective of the hero, or would they prefer to give the villain of the story a voice?

From there, they can create side characters! These are typically parents, siblings, and friends of the main character, but can also be total strangers. If your child is stuck on how to build their first character, they can use writing prompts to make it a little easier. Try this prompt:

Prompt: Create a character that is half dog, and half elephant and call it a Doggophant! What does a Doggophant like to eat?

Step 2: Setting and genre

The next step in your child’s creative writing process is to choose where it takes place . They should also decide the genre of their story, as some settings won’t work for some specific genres (for example, a sunny beach wouldn’t pair well with a moody mystery).

This story’s setting could be a real location, such as London, Paris, or New York, or a fictional location, like an enchanted forest or an underwater kingdom.

A helpful way to start brainstorming is to ask your child about places they’ve been to, seen on TV, or read about in stories. This is a chance for them to imagine how their story would look like in different settings, and will help them decide on the genre they’d like to go for too.

Prompt (continued): Where does a Doggophant usually live? Is it a magical Night Zoo?

Step 3: Structure and plot

Before starting to plan the plot, your child should understand the basic structure of a story . All good stories have a beginning, a middle, and an end.

The beginning serves as a way to introduce characters, set the scene, and show the "calm before the storm”. This happens before a conflict is introduced.

The middle of a story is where most of the action takes place. This is where your child should introduce the main problem, and the main character’s journey of trying to solve it.

Finally, the ending or conclusion of the story is where, normally, the conflict is resolved. This can change depending on how your child wants to end their story!

Prompt (continued): Doggophants love when people visit the Night Zoo, but a new character named Lord Nulth is trying to steal all of the creativity in the Zoo! Does Lord Nulth sound like a nice person? Why would he want to steal creativity? How will Doggophant and other animals stop him?

Step 4: Begin Writing

Now that all the planning is done, let’s get writing!

As your child starts to write, they’ll probably make changes and come up with new story ideas— this is normal and an integral part of the creative process.

It’s important that you offer your support throughout this process, especially if your child is a reluctant writer. While giving them space to concentrate, you can check-in every once in a while, offering help if they encounter any hurdles. Your role mirrors that of a writing prompt, providing your child with initial ideas and nudging them to develop their story further. This collaborative approach ensures their story unfolds organically, making the blank page a canvas for unlimited story possibilities!

Step 5: Keep Going!

One of the best things about creative writing is that it enables children to express themselves and grow in confidence with every story they craft. It pushes children to believe in the phrase "I can", as they embark on different writing exercises without the fear of failing or being held by the “what if’s”. As your child starts their journey through the exciting world of writing, it’s important to guide them in the right direction. Encourage them to not overthink and just write whatever comes to mind at first.

To keep the momentum, you can even set different goals, like writing different descriptions, drawing their main character, or brainstorming different story endings before writing the full story. For reluctant writers, setting small, attainable targets can make the process less overwhelming and more exciting. Avoid setting strict word counts or time limits, as these can add pressure and take the fun out of the writing experience.

It’s important to remember that progress isn’t linear, and that every child is unique. If they need to, you can allow your child to build their story gradually, creating a more fluid project that enables them to work when inspiration strikes. Once they finish their first story, you’ll probably see a change in their attitude, and a new motivation to write a different piece.

Creative writing can be a rewarding experience for you and your child. Make sure you give them positive encouragement, and to soak in the experience of reading the story once it has been completed. They’ll have created something one-of-a-kind, and it will give you an exciting look into their imagination!

Step 6: Try Night Zookeeper

Still having trouble getting your child motivated to write? You should try Night Zookeeper !

Our writing program for kids makes writing fantastically fun by turning different writing activities into games, keeping children engaged, entertained, and excited to learn!

We cover all styles of writing, and boost children’s writing skills using an array of different activities, including writing lessons, short story prompts, and challenges.

More creative writing activities

• 25 Creative Writing Prompts For Kids
• Writing Activities For Kids
• Story Writing Resources

Got any questions? Reach out to us via email at [email protected] . Follow us on social media:

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Khan Academy Blog

Encouraging Your Child’s Creativity: How to Write a Short Story with Khanmigo

posted on September 20, 2023

By  Stephanie Yamkovenko , group manager of Khan Academy’s Digital Marketing Team.

Storytelling is an essential part of a child’s development. It allows them to explore their imagination, develop language skills, and improve their understanding of the world around them. However, not every parent has the confidence to write a story with their child. That’s where Khanmigo , an AI tutor from Khan Academy, comes in. In this blog post, we will look at the importance of story writing for children and how parents can use AI to write short stories with their children. We will also provide step-by-step instructions on how to use Khanmigo to piece together a short story using Khanmigo’s AI prompts as well as offer examples of stories created using Khanmigo. 

Why Story Writing is Important for Children

Storytelling is an ancient form of communication, and it has always been an essential part of human culture. It is not just a leisure activity but has a significant impact on children’s growth and development ( Bietti, 2019) . Writing stories can be an exciting and fun way for kids to explore their creativity, develop their language abilities, expand their vocabulary, practice critical thinking, and build their communication skills (National Research Council, 2015) . Not only does writing stories improve a child’s writing skills, but it can also boost their reading comprehension, critical thinking, and self-expression. Check out some of the benefits children gain from learning how to write short stories, backed by research:

• Enhanced cognitive development: According to a study from Sook-Yi Kim (2014) , storytelling can enhance children’s cognitive development, particularly in areas such as memory and sequencing events.
• Improved language skills: Reports from the National Literacy Trust suggest that storytelling helps children develop a wider vocabulary and a better understanding of language structure.
• Boosted creativity: Per research in the Journal of Creative Behavior , storytelling allows children to explore different narratives and perspectives, thereby fostering creativity.
• Developed emotional intelligence: A study published in Reading & Writing Quarterly indicates that through storytelling, children can explore diverse emotions and situations, helping them better understand and express their feelings.

Prompts to Use for a Short Story with ChatGPT

To write a story using ChatGPT, follow these prompts:

• Start with a question: Think of an intriguing question that can capture the reader’s attention and lead them to the story’s plot. For example, “What would happen if gravity suddenly stopped working?”
• (optional) Choose a setting (e.g., Mars, an elementary school, or a grocery store).  
• (optional) Choose a conflict (e.g., a misunderstanding, a lost object, or a personal fear that holds back the protagonist).
• Create your characters: Develop a protagonist, an antagonist, and secondary characters. Give the characters personalities, traits, and quirks that will make them stand out.
• Make a plot: Craft an exciting and engaging storyline that includes a beginning, a middle, and an end. Use the question and topic as a starting point. Decide how your protagonist will overcome their conflict, and develop the story from there. 
• Review and edit: After finishing the story, review and edit it to make sure it flows smoothly and makes sense.

Using Khanmigo for Story Writing

Khanmigo can do all of this for you via a question-and-answer format that will walk your child through the entire process of writing a story. Khan Academy released a new feature in 2023 called Khanmigo—an AI-powered tutor that assists children in their learning journey. Khanmigo offers a wide range of interactive student-focused activities that can encourage creativity and support writing development, such as creative writing prompts.

Khanmigo’s AI tutor can provide invaluable assistance to parents who want to encourage their child’s writing development. When children use Khanmigo for story writing, they receive personalized guidance and suggestions that help them improve their writing skills. 

Khanmigo will ask your child questions about the story they are writing together to draw out ideas for plot, characters, conflict, and more. Even if these concepts are unfamiliar to your child, Khanmigo will help explain each step along the way. For example, “Now, let’s start with the setting. Where does our mystery take place? A spooky old mansion? A bustling city? A quiet little town? Or somewhere else entirely? And what’s the weather like? Remember, the setting can add so much to the mood of our story!”

Khanmigo can serve as a writing partner, providing feedback and support throughout the writing journey. Children using Khanmigo will be able to practice their writing skills while developing their creativity, imagination, and critical thinking abilities.

Parents can use Khanmigo to monitor their children’s progress, provide feedback, and make sure that children are effectively developing their writing skills and creativity. Through Khanmigo, parents can keep track of their child’s writing progress, view their work, and set weekly writing goals.

Start writing stories with your child

We promise, you’ll have an adventure…

How to Start Creating a Story with Khanmigo

Here is an example of how you may start an interaction to create a story with Khanmigo.

Khanmigo: “Would you like to write an awesome story together? Let’s do it.

• You can choose a topic from the list, or suggest another idea.
• If I use new words like ‘theme’ or ‘plot,’ just ask me to explain.
• At any point, you can ask me to show you what we have so far.
• Once we’re done, you can chat with some of the characters and admire the world we’ve built!”

…we don’t want to ruin the end of the story, but we hope this gives you a sense of the journey your child will go on while co-creating with Khanmigo. 

Raising Confident Story Tellers 

Encouraging your child to write stories is an excellent way to foster their creativity and imagination. By providing them with engaging prompts, you can help them develop their critical thinking and language skills while also having fun. 

With Khanmigo, parents can take their child’s creativity and writing to a whole new level. By leveraging Khan Academy’s AI tutor, parents can help their children practice their writing skills, expand their vocabulary, and develop their communication skills. Give your child a tool that will help shape their writing and help them grow into confident story writers.

Bietti LM, Lucas M., Tilston O, 1 and Bangerter A, “Storytelling as Adaptive Collective Sensemaking” Top Cogn Sci. 2019 Oct; 11(4): 710–732.

National Research Council; Institute of Medicine ; Board on Children, Youth, and Families ; Committee on the Science of Children Birth to Age 8: Deepening and Broadening the Foundation for Success ; LaRue Allen and Bridget B. Kelly, Editors, “Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8: A Unifying Foundation”, 2015

Kim, Sook-Yi, “The effects of storytelling and pretend play on cognitive processes, short-term and longterm narrative recall.” (1996). Doctoral Dissertations 1896 – February 2014. 5243. https://scholarworks.umass.edu/dissertations_1/5243  

Best. E, “Playful storytelling: The role of interactive audio in building children’s literacy skills and engagement”, National Literacy Trust, June 2021

Angus Fletcher, Patricia Enciso, Mike Benveniste, Narrative creativity training: A new method for increasing resilience in elementary students, Journal of Creativity, Volume 33, Issue 3 , December 2023, 100061

Catherine Z. Wright & Sandra Dunsmuir (2019) The Effect of Storytelling at School on Children’s Oral and Written Language Abilities and Self-Perception, Reading & Writing Quarterly, 35:2, 137-153, DOI: 10.1080/10573569.2018.1521757

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• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Improve Your Child's Creative Writing Skills

Last Updated: February 17, 2024 Approved

This article was co-authored by Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed. . Kathy Slattengren is a Parent Educator and Coach and the Founder of Priceless Parenting. With over two decades of experience, Kathy specializes in helping parents build strong, loving relationships with their children. She has helped thousands of parents around the world through Priceless Parenting's online classes, presentations, coaching, and books. Kathy holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Psychology from The University of Minnesota and a Masters degree in Education and Instructional Design from The University of Washington. Kathy is a member of the National Parenting Education Network, the US Alliance to End the Hitting of Children, the International Society for Technology in Education, and a founding member of Parent Learning Link. Priceless Parenting has been featured on ABC News, Komo News, King 5 News, National PTA, Parent Map, and Inspire Me Today. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, several readers have written to tell us that this article was helpful to them, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 254,735 times.

The ability to write well is vitally important to your child's success in life. Writing well can help your child succeed academically and professionally. Moreover, creative writing can be an important therapeutic outlet for your child to imagine new worlds and to express his or her feelings. Help your child improve their creative writing skills by supporting creativity, by playing word games, and sparking their imagination with clever writing prompts.

Encouraging Your Child to Love Writing

• In addition to reading to your child, have your child read to you if they are old enough.
• Ask your child questions about their favorite books. Why do they like some books and not others? Help them to develop their tastes as a reader and to be thoughtful about words, characters, settings, and plots. [2] X Research source
• If your child has a favorite author or book series, you might also consider taking your child to see the author speak or to a book signing in order to inspire your child to write.

• A notebook or journal
• Pens, pencils, and erasers
• A bookshelf to keep inspiration nearby
• An age-appropriate dictionary
• A thesaurus. A thesaurus isn't necessary for very young children, but it can be helpful for older children who wish to expand their vocabularies.

• You can also work with your child to make a special "book" out of their stories, including homemade illustrations and decorations. Stitch the book together with ribbon or yarn to create a special archive of their creativity. [12] X Trustworthy Source Reading Rockets Online resource supported by PBS providing research-based strategies for assisting children to become confident readers Go to source

Playing Creative Writing Games

• Encourage them to write a letter from the perspective of a character that they like to play
• Suggest that they write about "a day in the life" of their imaginary friend
• Help your child invent an imaginary country and ask them to write about what people do there
• Ask your child to create a "mashup" story that includes their favorite characters from completely different worlds [17] X Research source

• Magnetic poetry
• Catchphrase

• Write a story by switching after each sentence. First you write a sentence, then your child continues with the next sentence, then you take over again, etc. Try to add unexpected surprises and goofy twists to keep the story fun and exciting. [19] X Research source
• Draw a picture and ask your child to imagine a story behind the picture. [20] X Research source
• Make a list of words by having you and your child point to random words in a dictionary. Then brainstorm a way to use all of those words in a single story.

Helping Your Child Find Things to Write About

• Ask your child to look out a car window and think about where people on the sidewalk are headed
• Point out animals while you're walking and ask your child to think about what the lives of these animals are like
• Ask your child to come up with a new name for their favorite park
• Ask your child what their favorite building is and why they like it so much

Building Essential Writing Skills

• Recognize, however, that sometimes children will be reluctant to write. Let them take some time away from writing if they need to (unless they have to complete a school assignment). [29] X Research source

• For example, you could underline the words they have misspelled without giving them the correct spelling. Ask them to look up the correct spelling in the dictionary.
• Be sure that you provide your child with positive feedback as well as gentle suggestions for improvements.

Expert Q&A

• Be aware of your child's writing training in school. Many schools provide excellent writing coaching. You can have a better sense of your own role in your child's writing skills if you know what your child's teachers are focusing on in class. [36] X Research source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Remember that, as a parent, you are a creative writing helper: not a coach or a teacher. Do not act as though creative writing is a chore or obligation. If your child is going to be an effective creative writer, they must be passionate about it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Stay positive. You can point out where your child has made grammatical errors, but you should keep most of your commentary positive and enthusiastic. Be honest with your compliments, but try to emphasize what your child is doing well more than where they needs to improve. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
• Don't force a particular form of writing on your child (short story, poetry, etc) if your child shows no interest in it. Encourage your child in the areas of writing they show an interest in. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 0
• Some children show little interest in writing because they happen to enjoy other activities more. However, some children are nervous about writing because of an underlying learning disability. If your child is consistently behind her peers on spelling, writing, and vocabulary, talk to your child's teachers and learning specialists to see if perhaps a learning disability is at the root of these problems. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.readingrockets.org/article/launching-young-writers
• ↑ http://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/pages/encouraging-writing
• ↑ Kathy Slattengren, M.Ed.. Parent Educator & Coach. Expert Interview. 23 June 2021.
• ↑ http://www.ncte.org/positions/statements/howtohelpenglish
• ↑ http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/seven-ways-to-encourage-kids-writing/
• ↑ http://www.education.com/reference/article/ways-encourage-child-creativity/
• ↑ http://www.scholastic.com/parents/resources/article/writing-activities/prompt-your-child-to-be-better-writer
• ↑ http://www.greatschools.org/gk/articles/your-teen-and-writing/

About this article

The ability to write well can help your child academically and professionally as well as offer an outlet for their feelings and imagination. To help improve your child’s creative writing skills, encourage them to love writing by reading to them every day so they can experience a variety of styles and subjects. Ask them about their favorite books to help them think about what kinds of writing they enjoy. You'll also want to give your child the tools to create their own stories, like a journal, pens, an age-appropriate dictionary, and a thesaurus. Encourage your child’s creativity by focusing on their ideas, not their spelling, grammar, or handwriting. If your child has a hard time starting a story, spark their imagination by asking them to write a letter from the point of view of a favorite character, or help them invent a new country and ask them to write about what people do there. To learn how to help your child revise their writing, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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Creative writing techniques for kids: a step-by-step guide to writing a story

The way literacy is taught in primary schools has changed radically in the last couple of decades; when I was at school in the 80s we copied from blackboards, had whole hours of handwriting practice and sweated over spellings without any formal teaching of phonics whatsoever. While I think the more structured approach to literacy teaching we see in classrooms today makes learning more fun and accessible, my one worry is that there’s little time left for writing creatively.

When I was at school I adored writing stories – even stories with chapters and illustrations. I know my author brother did too – we found some of his old stories a few years back, and I felt so pleased he’d had the time to write these endless pages of action, adventure, characterisation and twisting plotlines.

As a primary teacher I ensured I would have a week each term when, during literacy sessions, we would focus solely on creating stories. I wasn’t deviating from the curriculum – far from it. During this week children would be consolidating their learning of phonics and  be ‘writing for purpose’, considering carefully the aspects of story and who their audience might be.

It may very well be that your children write stories at home regardless of whether they’re required to for school, because most children have a seemingly natural urge to want to do so from time to time. This is just a little guidance on how you can support them and encourage a more structured approach to their story writing.

Plot planning

Firstly, ask your child where the story is going to take place . It could be somewhere fictional or real, it could be a planet, a country, a town or a house – anywhere! 

Then, ask when the story is taking place – now? In the future? In the past? 

Finally ask what they think is going to happen . Remember that this doesn’t have to be accurate and they don’t have to stick to what they say; many of the best writers say that their plots develop organically as they write. If they do have a firm idea of where they want to go with the plot, though, they can create an outline by completing a story planner, which could look something like this:  

• And finally….

Download a FREE Creative Writing toolkit!

• KS1 & KS2 workbooks
• Bursting with fill-in prompt sheets and inspiring ideas
• Story structure tips, style guides and editing suggestions

Characterisation

Ask your child who is going to be in the story. How do they want their readers to feel about each character? Again, they may want to jot some ideas down. You could make a table for them to help them organise their thoughts, with these headings:  

• Name of character
• Relationship to other characters
• What he/she looks like

Story language

Ask your child to think of some fabulous words to use in their story writing . They might be long words or simple ones, or they might be great descriptive words or words that help create pace and tension. Encourage them to jot these down and refer to the list as they write their story.

Story starters

All writers know that you’ve got to capture the attention of your readers right from the start; you want to make them desperate to read on. Ask your child to think of some good story openers that’ll entice people to find out more. Here are a few examples:

First sentences that are mysterious… Molly had no sense of the day that lay ahead.

Story starters that use language tricks like alliteration… It was damp, dark and dreadfully dusty when Molly entered the house.

Story openers that create tension… Molly could hear her heart beating faster than ever before. Could this really be happening?

Stories that go straight into dialogue… “But I don’t want to go to school, Mummy,” groaned Molly.

Encourage your child to look at some of the books they like to read and see how they begin in order to offer inspiration.

Get writing!

Once they’ve got all of these ideas in place, they can start writing. They could do a draft in the first instance and then a neat, polished version later. They may wish to write in short chapters, use illustrations, or make their own book to write in – let them use their imagination and creativity when it comes to presentation, and make sure you show how much you value the end product by keeping it to read again with the other books in your house.

If your child finds writing a story a little daunting, start with something small from our list of 9 fun writing projects to do with your children .

We also recommend the free art and creative writing challenges on the Night Zookeeper website ; your child will be contributing to a co-created animated television show.

You could also try a great story-making app and get your child writing fiction on their tablet!

Plus, find out how to support storytelling skills for children in EYFS , KS1 , KS2 and KS3 to get them thinking about story elements, plot and character development.

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9 Easy Ways to Improve Your Child’s Creative Writing Skills

Creative writing skills boost problem-solving, innovation, and resourcefulness. Helping our kids build these skills is important. Plus, it also gives them an outlet for all their creative ideas. How do you build those skills without making it seem like work?

Here are 9 ways to make creative writing skills fun:

1. Read Often

Books are the best precursor to writing. So get your kids reading! With repeated exposure to words, ideas, and styles, and in books, kids build the ability to mimic and adopt them.

Flood them with exposure to books and watch their skills rise. Yes, it will look a lot like what they’ve read at first. That’s ok! They’re just playing “dress up” with other people’s ideas. They’ll soon start writing like themselves.

Encourage your children to read more than one type of writing. If they gravitate toward non-fiction, maybe try historical fiction. If they only like superhero stories, introduce them to a story with a main character of a different gender or ethnicity.

2. Identify Ways to Practice

Just like anything, improving creative writing skills takes practice. Set your children up for success by making practice easy and fun.  This will only help them in future grades when they are required to write book reports . 

You can piggy-back creative writing off of other imaginative play and encourage your child to write down episodes of the games he plays. Allow the free flow of ideas – the more creative the better!

Focus on this type of activity can be tricky for kids. It’s important to give kids a dedicated writing space. Fill it with fun paper or a kids’ journal, great pencils, and few distractions.

3. Encourage Your Child to Write

Children are often predisposed to wanting to write. Even before they can form letters correctly, many children will say they are “writing.”

Nurture this desire!

When children feel writing is powerful, and their writing matters, they will want to keep trying. However, they want to start writing is how they should write.

If your child struggles with the physical act of writing, consider helping with that part. You can use talk-to-text features in apps or even agree to be their “scribe.” Then they worry less about the act of writing and pay more attention to the ideas they are forming.

4. Encourage Journaling

Journaling is a great way to encourage creative writing. It gives them a concrete way to see their “progress” writing.

A handful of kids’ journals often come preloaded with prompts and ideas, which helps kids get started. It also helps that journaling is usually a daily activity. By having smaller, but more frequent, writing sessions, it helps children develop a perspective on what writing can be.

Journaling also helps build emotional intelligence. By writing about their feelings, children work through their thoughts and emotions and are better able to recognize and accept them. It gives them the opportunity to talk about difficult things without embarrassment, advice, or recrimination.  

5. Use “Feeling” Words

Another benefit of building creative writing skills is children learn to use powerful words to draw in their readers.

You can encourage this development by helping them give their character’s feelings. When writers allow their characters to feel, they make them more relatable and interesting. But since the feelings of the characters don’t necessarily come to mind for kids, direct suggestion may help.  Help them get there by asking questions about the characters. Why was the hero doing that? What was she thinking? How was she feeling?

Additionally, use inclusive language to make readers feel part of the story as it evolves.  Educate children on the diversity of readers and encourage them to introduce characters that are from different cultures and backgrounds. 

6. Use Writing Prompts

Does your kid express an interest in writing only to freeze when they actually try to write? Writing prompts could help your child overcome it.

Writing prompts can be found in many places. Look for interesting signs, funny pictures in advertisements, or even just asking “what if” and “why” questions . You could even play a song to inspire ideas and writing.

The idea is not to make them write about something, but to give them enough of an idea to push past the fear of getting started. Once kids get past the first few sentences and are “in” their story, their ideas will come to the surface.

7. Practice Storytelling

The reason why many creative writers write is their love of story. To help your child build creative writing skills, foster that love.

The key is to focus on telling a great story, not the writing. Let your child’s imagination run free as he piece together details that can complete a tale.

You can build stories together, with each person telling a few lines of the story before passing it along to the next. Or you can “get stuck” telling your story and need their help figuring out what happens next.

Whatever twists and turns in the plot happen are magical because it shows your child is learning they are driving the story. They get to create.

8. Play Games

A robust vocabulary is another important creative writing skill. To help your child build their vocabulary, try playing word games.

Word games are great because they put the emphasis on the game, not the vocabulary learning. The competitive aspect increases their intrinsic motivation to learn the words. The games themselves are great family activities.

If your child isn’t competitive, there are plenty of team-oriented options. You could also try magnetic poetry, other game-like world builders, or even a cool journal for kids where they write down fun words they’ve heard.

9. Provide Inspiration

The best inspiration for kids to write comes from loving the work of other writers. When your child has a book or series they love, keep it going! Encouraging their love of reading – and their love of story – will help them internalize the way their favorite authors write.

Reading to your children helps too. Because you can read higher-level books while your child listens, it allows them to focus on the story. It also gives you a chance to have conversations about meaning, characters, and plot.

As children read, they build vocabulary and understanding of how good stories develop. They will eventually be able to incorporate these ideas into their creative writing.

Creative writing is sometimes seen as a hobby- something to enjoy, but not to be taken too seriously. But building creative writing skills positively impacts children because they learn to express themselves, they practice writing about emotions, and they practice making their writing compelling to their readers.

Whichever strategies you use to help your child improve their creative writing styles, make sure you keep it light-hearted. When it is fun, they’ll want to keep trying, and that’s where the growth happens.

About the Author:

Alexandra Eidens is the founder of Big Life Journal, an engaging resource to help kids develop a resilient growth mindset so they can face life’s challenges with confidence.

Read more about writing and why it’s important to teach your kids cursive writing .

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How to Help Your Child Learn Writing Skills

Michele Constantini / PhotoAlto / Getty Images

Many kids just aren't that into writing, and it shows in their school work through the years.   You may save your child's cute early writings . But with the exception of homework assignments , writing isn't a big part of our kids' everyday life at home. What can parents do to help their child develop good writing skills during the elementary years?

Start Writing Early

Advancements in educational research shows that reading and writing development are intertwined in early learning.   The physical act of writing letters and early words enhances the child's ability to read. The complementary relationship between reading and writing continues long after these early efforts. Parents enhance their child's skills dramatically by encouraging the writing habit in childhood.  

Follow the lead of early childhood educators by allowing phonetic writing rather than worrying about proper spelling in preschool and kindergarten.  

Focus on the Building Blocks of Good Writing

A rich language environment is a foundation for good writing.   Games and activities that build vocabulary can help increase the range of words your child will know how to write. Word games are classic and fun for families. Now, you can find fun word games online or on mobile apps.

Checking your child's homework for spelling and punctuation errors will reinforce the skills your child is learning at school. When they have a report to write at home, help them take the time to write a first draft that you can check. Then, mark the spelling, capitalization, and punctuation errors for them to correct.

Most middle elementary children are able to use a word processing program to write reports. Teach your child to use the spellchecker.

Provide Tools and Opportunities for Writing

Mechanical pencils, gel pens, and plenty of paper, both lined for your child's grade level and unlined, should be available for spontaneous writing play and projects . Brightly colored note cards and stationery make writing letters and notes to friends and relatives a fun—and regular—writing habit. Let your child write the shopping list before a trip to the store. Encourage journal keeping for special times such as a family trip.   If your child has a creative streak, gifts of writing activity books will help to encourage that talent.

Learn Easy Strategies for Elementary Writing

Susan Wise Bauer and Jessie Wise, co-authors of The Well-Trained Mind , discuss a step-by-step guide to the writing process for teaching elementary students at home.   This includes practicing oral composition by encouraging your child to talk about what it is they are going to write. Children can also learn narration or dictation practice by copying sentences from books or from story dictation onto paper. This teaches sentence and paragraph structure.

Don't be discouraged by your elementary child's lack of writing skills, since every child develops at their own pace. As Julie Bogart, homeschool educator and founder of the online writing program, Brave Writer , states on her blog, "It is much more effective to look at how writers grow naturally than to focus on scope and sequence, grade level, ages, or the types of writing that ought to be done in some “established sequence.”"  

Your child will eventually develop good writing skills over the years with plenty of practice. Help them build their scope of language by encouraging them to talk about everything they're interested in—and then have them write it down. Remember, there's no need to be critical of their creative writing efforts, either. Make the process fun for them and they will foster a love for writing from an early age.

Goldstein D. The New York Times . Why Kids Can’t Write . August 2, 2017.

Lonigan CJ, Allan NP, Lerner MD. Assessment of Preschool Early Literacy Skills: Linking Children's Educational Needs with Empirically Supported Instructional Activities . Psychol Sch . 2011;48(5):488-501. doi:10.1002/pits.20569

James KH, Engelhardt L. The effects of handwriting experience on functional brain development in pre-literate children . Trends Neurosci Educ . 2012;1(1):32-42. doi:10.1016/j.tine.2012.08.001

Ouellette G, Sénéchal M. Invented spelling in kindergarten as a predictor of reading and spelling in Grade 1: A new pathway to literacy, or just the same road, less known? .  Dev Psychol. 2017;53(1):77-88. doi:10.1037/dev0000179

Rodriguez J. Scholastic. How Journaling Benefits Your Child . July 20, 2017.

Wise, Jessie, and Bauer, Susan Wise. The Well-trained Mind: A Guide to Classical Education at Home . United Kingdom: W.W. Norton & Company; 2004.

Brave Writer. Natural Stages of Growth in Writing .

By Kimberly L. Keith, M.Ed, LPC Kimberly L. Keith, M.Ed., LPC, is a counselor, parent educator, and advocate for children and families in the court and community.  

7 great ways to encourage kids’ writing

by: The GreatSchools Editorial Team | Updated: December 7, 2023

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It’s natural for young children to bubble over with ideas, schemes, and jokes. Unfortunately, capturing those ideas on paper does not always come as easily. Here’s how you can help your child get in the flow and learn to enjoy writing.

Help your reluctant writer at home

If your child struggles with writing, practicing at home will help, but you don’t want to make it seem like another school chore. The answer is to sneak writing into play — and vice versa.

As Joseph Pearce says in The Magical Child , “The child can never learn to play without the parent playing with the child. Play … is a huge creative potential built within the child, which never develops unless it is stimulated by the adult model, the parent.”

Remember that your role as a home writing coach is to have fun and to honor your child’s imagination. You don’t have to be the drill sergeant in charge of spelling. In fact, research shows us that in the long run, it’s far more important to encourage the communication of ideas than to hamper a child’s style for the sake of correct spelling.

Here are three key lessons from research that help back up the ideas shared here. “ Three lessons from the science on how to teach writing ,” a 2014 meta-analysis in The Hechinger Report , provides suggestions based on hundreds of studies. First, they advise trying to encourage all kids to write for 15 minutes a day, with extra time beyond that being even more helpful for maximizing writing skills. Poland raised their PISA scores after they implemented a rule requiring kids to spend four hours reading and writing each week.

“Write on a computer” is the second lesson. Why? Using software with spelling and grammar correction relieves kids from these distracting and demoralizing burdens, allowing them to focus on the substance of what they are trying to communicate. The third and final tip, “Grammar instruction doesn’t work” backs up the second lesson. According to the report, six different studies showed that writing quality deteriorates when kids are taught traditional grammar rules. Their essay grades drop below those of students spared the tedium of memorizing the functions of irregular verbs, conjugations, indirect objects, future perfect tense, and the like.

The root of the word “communication” is “to commune” — in other words, to coax the ideas in your child’s brain down through the paper and up into your brain. You can help by:

• Saying, “Let’s play a game.” There’s no need to mention “writing game” if your child is a reluctant writer
• Choosing subjects your child loves, like brontosauruses or monster movies or soccer or TV shows.
• Talking through ideas, asking questions, and listening carefully to answers.
• Making drawings, notes, and story maps together, if your child can’t remember ideas.
• Taking dictation or having your child use a computer.
• Praising honestly and liberally.
• Keeping games short.
• Sharing the work! Post written work on the wall or refrigerator, or sending it to family members and friends. Writing is meant to be shared.
• Quitting if it isn’t fun for your child or for you.

Try these writing games for grades K-2

Eat your words.

The reluctant writer of any age often needs to return to the word level. Make it fun by baking dinner rolls or cookies in the shape of words that mean something to your child. For example, if your child loves comic books, bend purchased dough into “Pow!” or “Shazam!” If it’s their birthday, bake their wish, like “Gameboy II.” (And if all this is too messy, use PlayDough or craft clay for words — but don’t eat it.)

Pretend you are stranded on an island somewhere in your apartment, house, garage, or local park. You need to write “Help!” so you will be rescued by planes that are searching for you. You don’t have a pencil or paper (and if you did, the writing would be too tiny to be read from the air). Tie towels around your head and take water (it’s hot on the island). You and your child must survey your surroundings and invent non-pencil ways to write HELP! If you’re in the bathroom, you might make giant letters out of toilet paper (and hope there’s no wind). If you’re in the garage, you might find paint and brushes. If you’re in the park, you can always write with your toe in the sand box. Suggest as little as possible, unless your child needs prompting. This game allows the child who balks at writing to experience the power of a single word when it is used for a reason. And if your child’s imagination is fertile, don’t stop at the first idea. Find as many ways as possible in each room or location.

Flying messages

You’ll need a ball or Frisbee, some tape, and paper cut into six 1-1/2 – 2″- wide strips the long way. Both you and your child should write three commands, one on each strip of paper, that tell the other person to do something physical. For example, you might write, “Hop on your left foot six times” or “Squeak like a mouse.” Try not to see each other’s commands. Go outside and stand as far apart as your child can toss the ball or Frisbee. You start the game by taping your first strip to the ball or Frisbee. Toss it to your child. They read the message and follow the instructions. Then they tape their first strip to the ball or Frisbee and return a flying message. If you don’t have a place to play outside or the weather won’t cooperate, you can stuff the message in a sock, ball it up, and toss it inside. (Hint: Don’t play this game on a day when you’re pooped.) In school, a child with learning problems may not connect why ideas in their head need to land on paper and be read. But when messages fly through the air, affect the other person’s behavior (and especially make them look silly), writing makes sense to the child.

Try these writing games for grades 3-5

Fortunately/unfortunately.

The writer Remy Charlip wrote a classic children’s book called Fortunately , in which one good event happens, followed by its unfortunate opposite. The book opens with, “Fortunately one day, Ned got a letter that said, ‘Please Come to a Surprise Party.’ But unfortunately the party was in Florida and he was in New York.” You do not need the book to play this game, but it’s more fun if you first read it together. (If your local public library doesn’t have the book, they can find it for you through interlibrary loan.) Each person playing the game receives one sheet of paper. Write in large letters at the top of a sheet of paper “Fortunately.” On the reverse side, write “Unfortunately.” Talk with your child about a trip they have always wanted to take. To Disney World? Across the United States by bicycle? To the moon? Help your child think of a first sentence about the trip, starting with something like “Fortunately, we won the lottery. Our whole family decided to buy bicycles and ride across the United States. Mother quit her job.” Write the “Fortunately” sentences. Then pass each paper to the other player. Turn it over and write the “Unfortunately” part. For example, “Unfortunately, it rained every day, and our bicycles rusted.” If your child wants to play more, you can either make new Fortunately/Unfortunately sheets or you can draw a line under the first part and continue the story. Number each part on the front and back, so you can read the finished stories out loud more easily. Remember, this is not the time to fuss about spelling. If it’s easier for your child with LD, let them dictate to you. Your role is to help your reluctant writer communicate their ideas to the world.

A day in the life

Photographer Rick Smolan has published a series of books called A Day in the Life… showing 24 hours in the life of an astronaut, a country, a state. Now it’s your child’s turn to create a similar book. Buy your child a disposable camera or let your child use your phone. Page through one of the Smolan books and explain the concept. Then talk about documenting one day in your child’s life (or the pet’s or sister’s or friend’s or whomever your child wants). Start the day by photographing your child asleep just before you wake them. Then let your child take a photo every hour of the entire day. (A timer set to an hour will help you remember.) Finish by taking a last shot of your child, asleep. Print the photos and paste each one on a piece of construction paper. Help your child write the details that explain each picture — why your child picked the subject, why it is important to their day, and who was nearby but not shown. Make a title page by writing “A Day in the Life of [your child],” with the date of the photographs. Punch three holes in the left margin and tie the pages together with yarn or dental floss. Keep the book forever, and show it to everyone. Talking about your child’s ideas is a crucial part of writing. It helps your reluctant writer capture those elusive details that sometimes scramble in their brain.

Family time capsule

Start by gathering a shoebox, paper and writing tools, and an envelope for each person in the family. Tell the family that you will be making a Family Time Capsule, to be opened in one or five or 10 years (or for whatever length of time you and the family vote for). It is to be a record of who you were, who you are today, and who you want to be. Have each member of the family write a private letter, telling the world about their life. Where were you born? How old are you today? What do you look like? What are your favorite activities? Foods? Books? Movies? Colors? Vacations? What’s going on in the world today? Where do you want to be in one or five or 10 years? If you have pets in the family, have the children write letters for the pets and take pawprints. When each person is finished, seal the letter in the envelope and write the person’s name and date on it. Then add more items to the Family Time Capsule, like baby and current photos, tapes of children singing and talking, postcards from vacations, and drawings. Also include the front page of today’s newspaper. Have everyone help seal the box with tape. Then write on the outside “Do NOT open until [date]!” Stash the box somewhere and forget it until Opening Day.

If I ruled the world

Your child has been elected to rule the world. They will need to give an acceptance speech on TV to their adoring subjects, but must supply the text of this speech to the person (you) who types it for the TelePrompTer. Other members of the campaign (i.e., the family) can also help with all steps leading to the final speech — proper costumes for Sibling Subjects, setting up the TV studio, and typing the speech. First, choose the props. What hat or crown should the Ruler of the World wear? What outfit? Does your child have a personal symbol of greatness, such as a favorite stuffed toy, blanket, item of clothing, or sports equipment? Set up the TV studio. You will need something to function as a camera (it can be pretend), lights turned on the Ruler, a microphone-like object, and something to serve as a podium. You can take a video on your phone. Now plan the speech. If your child has trouble with handwriting or sequencing, talk first about their ideas for ruling the world. What needs to be changed in the world? What would make it fun for their subjects to live in his world? Is there anybody your child wants to thank for helping them reach this important position? What are their plans for the future? If your child’s learning difficulties prevent them from handwriting comfortably, you can audiotape the brainstorming, jot down the key ideas, or take dictation. Then enter it into a computer or print by hand. Tape the papers together so that they form one long sheet. Have another child or friend hold up the paper next to the “camera” and let the Ruler deliver their speech. Share the video with family, especially at a gathering if you can, for the rest of your kid’s life.

Make writing a game, not a chore

Writing has many stages before it reaches paper — generating ideas, noticing likenesses, deciding on one main idea, eliminating other ideas, choosing appropriate words, and putting them in an order that readers can follow — and these stages can all be fun!

Your child may not always love to sit down and write. But if they can learn to enjoy the creative process and write for a reason and an audience, half the battle is won. Incorporate writing naturally into play and it need not be a chore for your child or for you. Let those ideas flow into print and sparkle.

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Home » Articles » Little Authors: Encouraging Creative Writing in Young Children

Little Authors: Encouraging Creative Writing in Young Children

Creative writing does wonders for kids! It’s like a playground for the mind, helping little ones grow in so many ways. When kids write stories, they stretch their imaginations and build self-esteem. It’s like they’re saying, “Hey, I can create whole worlds with my words!” This increases their confidence and shows them that their ideas are valuable. So, we’re not just talking about making up stories; we’re shaping confident, creative thinkers who believe in their own potential. 

In the academic context, the art of writing becomes even more crucial. Many students, juggling numerous assignments, often find themselves thinking, “I wish someone could do homework for me .” Writing services are ready to offer support and help students manage their workload. However, the foundation of strong writing skills begins in childhood. By encouraging creative writing early on, we lay the groundwork for students to excel in academic writing and beyond. 

Now, let’s explore how we can inspire and cultivate the next generation of little authors, fostering their development into articulate and imaginative writers.

Benefits of Creative Writing for Young Children

Creative writing is more than just an academic activity; it’s a powerful tool that nurtures young minds in numerous ways. Let’s delve into the various benefits that creative writing offers to young children.

Nurturing Imagination and Creativity

Creative writing serves as a canvas for young children to paint their thoughts and ideas, providing a space where imagination knows no bounds. Through storytelling, children explore different worlds, characters, and scenarios, fostering their creative thinking and problem-solving skills. This imaginative play entertains and encourages them to think outside the box and view the world from multiple perspectives.

Building Confidence and Self-Expression

When kids create their own stories, they feel a real sense of pride and ownership over what they’ve made, giving their self-esteem a big lift. Writing gives them a space where they can safely share their feelings, experiences, and ideas. This kind of expression is key for their emotional growth, helping them put their inner thoughts into words. It’s a great way for them to boost their communication skills and get to know themselves better.

Enhancing Language Skills and Vocabulary

Engaging in creative writing from a young age helps children improve their language skills. They learn new words and experiment with various styles and structures. This exposure to language in a creative context enhances their vocabulary and grammar, laying a strong foundation for literacy and effective communication.

Developing Emotional Intelligence

Writing stories enables children to empathize with characters, understand diverse viewpoints, and explore various emotional scenarios. This exercise in empathy contributes to their emotional intelligence, teaching them about feelings, responses, and human interactions. 

Promoting Cognitive Development

Creative writing challenges young minds to plan, organize, and execute their ideas, which are critical cognitive processes. This mental workout enhances children’s focus, planning, and task management, boosting their cognitive growth. Turning thoughts into words improves their memory and learning, which is key to academic achievement and daily problem-solving.

How to Encourage Creative Writing

Fostering a love for creative writing in young children can be a delightful adventure. By providing the right environment and tools, we can help them unleash their storytelling potential. Here are practical ways to encourage the little authors in your life to express themselves through writing.

Creating a Stimulating Environment

Set up a special corner in your home or classroom that’s dedicated to writing and storytelling. This space should be inviting and stocked with colorful pens, paper, and books to inspire young minds. For example, a “storytelling tent” filled with cushions, fairy lights, and a variety of picture books can create an enchanting atmosphere that stimulates creative thoughts.

Leveraging Paper Writing Aid Sites for Inspiration and Guidance

Parents and educators can guide children in writing sites as a source of inspiration. In the digital age, paper writing aid sites have become valuable resources for providing guidance to young writers. These websites offer various tools and services, from writing and editing help to style guides. By exploring these sites, children can find new ideas for stories, overcome writer’s block, and improve their writing skills. 

Providing the Right Tools and Materials

Children should have access to a variety of writing materials, like notebooks, journals, and age-appropriate writing apps or software. These tools need not be expensive or high-tech; even simple items like chalkboards or whiteboards can spark the joy of writing. Personalized stationery or character-themed notebooks can also motivate children to start their writing journey.

Introducing Writing Prompts and Story Starters

Sometimes, all a child needs is a little nudge to get started. Writing prompts or story starters can ignite their imagination. For instance, starting a sentence with “Imagine if you could fly…” or “What would happen if animals could talk?” can lead to fascinating stories. These prompts can be adjusted according to the child’s interests and age, making the writing experience more relatable and enjoyable.

Reading and Sharing Stories

A great way to inspire writing is through reading. Introduce children to a diverse array of literature, from fairy tales and poems to non-fiction works. Discussing the stories and asking questions like “What would you do differently if you were the character?” can help children think critically and creatively. 

By integrating these strategies, we can provide children with the opportunities and motivation they need to explore the world of creative writing, nurturing their development as confident and imaginative writers.

Final Thoughts 

Creative writing is like a secret garden where young minds can play and grow. It’s more than just putting words on paper; it’s about opening doors to new worlds and building confidence along the way. By guiding our little ones with the right tools, spaces, and a sprinkle of digital help from paper writing aid sites, we’re giving them a fantastic start. This journey of words isn’t just about crafting stories; it’s about setting the foundation for a lifetime of imagination, expression, and discovery. 

Author Profile

Nicole Hardy is renowned for her insightful and meticulous journalism in education and the arts, particularly noted for her coverage of performing arts education. With a career spanning over a decade, Hardy has established herself as a respected authority in the field. Her work is characterized by deep analysis and an engaging narrative style. She holds a Master’s in Journalism from the University of Arts, specializing in arts and culture reporting.

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9 Benefits of Creative Writing to Help Your Children

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There they go again! Your children run through the house, mimicking characters right out of the latest Disney movie. You sense some special energy is attached to their activity, but you don’t know how to turn it into gold.

Lucky for you, we’ve got the answer… writing!

This article will demonstrate how the benefits of creative writing will change your children’s lives, enhance their thought processes and improve their school grades. The countless ways creative writing will help your kids are simply amazing if you just invest the time in learning how to tap into it.

Table of Contents

What is Creative Writing?

Creative writing is a free-form style of writing based on the author's imagination, thoughts, and feelings. The style may be prose, poetry, playwriting, screenwriting, songs, essays, or several others. Creative writing is original and expressive of the author’s self.

While there are many types of creative writing options for adults, there are a few that children, especially, can excel in as they learn and grow. The depth and complexity should correlate to the child’s age, ability, and preference.

Types of Creative Writing for Children

• Picture stories

How to Develop Good Creative Writing Habits

Routine and practice.

To develop and grow any good habit , you must plan a routine, work it into a regular schedule, and practice daily. Your children also need to learn this skill. It will carry over into all aspects of their lives as they learn and grow. When they mature, routines, schedules, and practicing will structure their personal lives and professional careers, making them the envy of all.

Reading and writing go together like two peas in a pod or like Mickey and Minnie or Shakespeare and Marlowe. You get the idea. Reading books serves as an example of how stories flow and communicate, but they also help develop good creative writing skills. The more a child reads, the better their writing will become, and their reading and comprehension will improve.

You probably didn’t expect nutrition to come into play with creative writing, but alas, it has. Healthy food helps a child’s brain function at the top of its game. Without it, a child will feel sluggish and unmotivated. Make sure your child has the healthy fuel they need to perform like a rock star.

Other ideas

Additional ideas to spark your child’s creative writing engine:

• Present a picture and ask your child to create a story to go with it.
• Begin a short story and ask your child to develop the characters and finish the story.
• Read a story to your child and ask them to create alternative endings.
• Give your child a list of words and phrases and ask them to write a story using them.
• Ask your child to write words or phrases on separate index cards, shuffle them, and then ask your child to make up a story in the order the cards come up.

Every child is a creative writer. They may only know how to write in their heads, but they have the gift. This list of nine benefits of creative writing to help your children will demonstrate how the benefits develop and improve your children's lives. The objective is to help you understand how to help your children make the most of this wonderful asset and grow it into something lifelong and marvelous.

1. Language Development and Linguistic Competence

Creative writing strengthens language arts skills and improves children’s grades in all areas of coursework. It helps them understand and develop good grammar habits, sentence structure, vocabulary, and dialogue.

Linguistically, children learn to communicate and comprehend language, dialects, and idioms. They may not even realize what they are doing, but the result of learning complex communication tools will be evident in their writing, reading, speaking, and interactions. These tools will help children not only in their school performance but also in their creative development.

2. Enhancement of Imagination and Creativity

Children have excellent imaginations and creativity, but they often don’t know how to harness it and develop it to get the most from it. Creative writing provides the vehicle and the fuel to let their creativity and imagination soar. It will also help your children learn language, organization, structure, form, and voice to help them in all areas of their lives.

Our childlike addiction to imagination wanes into the past as we grow older. The harsh day-to-day realities of our lives dominate our thinking, and our vision diminishes. With creative writing, it won’t fade. In fact, it becomes honed and perfected like a skilled blacksmith shoes a horse. If your children learn early how to make creative writing part of their lives, it will never leave them, even as they gallop off into the sunset.

3. Emotional Intelligence and Empathy Development

Creative writing enhances a child’s emotional intelligence and empathy development through practice and experimentation in writing. Not only will a child channel their thoughts and emotions into their writing, but they will also connect emotionally and empathically with their characters. This skill will be an enormous help to a child throughout their school years, personal life, college, and future career challenges.

4. Self-Confidence Builder

One of the primary benefits of creative writing for children is boosting self-confidence. Every time they practice, they improve. As they improve, they develop positive self-confidence. If they continue to practice creative writing throughout their school years, their writing skills will be spectacular by the time they prepare for college.

Creative writing provides a safe, supportive environment for a child to express their thoughts and feelings. As the child experiments with writing, they will eventually discover their voice and tone. The exuberant reward for this discovery is a strong and positive self-confidence.

5. Problem-Solving and Research Skills Development

Although creative writing is the self-expression of thoughts and ideas, it requires a narrative and structure. You need to know what you are talking about, which means you will need to do some problem-solving and research to make your creative writing authoritative and meaningful.

For children, this is one of the best ways to hone these skills. These children will be incredible thought leaders. As they develop creative writing routines and habits, they will excel in all areas of their life where they need to do problem-solving and research.

When a child writes creatively, their imagination sparks neurons in their brain to figure out narratives, plots, subplots, solutions, and character backgrounds and development, identity, and motives. Tackling these problems boosts brain activity, development, and growth . Story analysis and research skills will follow as the child yearns to learn more about making their stories better.

6. Therapeutic and Healing Benefits

Creative writing serves as a therapeutic treatment for those battling diseases, difficult emotions, or mental health issues. Scientific studies show that creative writing also helps physical healing through an increased antibody response in the body.

Creative writing helps children effectively and therapeutically process difficult emotions, stress, trauma, fear, and anxiety. A survey by the National Literacy Trust in the UK found that children who engage in literacy are “three times more likely to have higher levels of mental wellbeing” than those who don’t, by a margin of 39.4% to 11.8%.

As far as physical health, creative writing is associated with an increase in CD4+ lymphocyte counts , which are vital to immune system functions. This means that creative writing aids in chronic pain management, reduction in mood swings that produce an imbalance in brain chemical release, and hormonal processes. Yes. Creative writing indeed provides healing benefits for the physical body.

7. Self-Expression Builder

Self-expression is the foundational element of creative writing and helps children funnel their feelings, emotions, thoughts, ideas, and opinions into a written form that validates their identity. Self-expression is vital for good mental health and development. It teaches children how to release their thoughts in a positive, creative way that matters.

Creative writing allows a child to express themselves without judgment. This provides for the exploration and discovery of their unique identity, which is key to self-confidence and success.

8. Communication Builder

Because creative writing teaches children how to organize thoughts and structure them for presentation in writing, it also improves their overall communication skills. While they may not be writing it down in their heads, they remember the habits they learned from creative writing. It will even help them be better persuasive communicators because of their creative writing skills.

Being adults, we all understand that communication is the foundation of any relationship, personal, social, or work-related. When communication is cloudy or confusing, our relationships suffer. When our communication is clear, we thrive. Effective communication is one of the benefits of creative writing that your children will reap from learning how to do it well.

9. Interpersonal Connection Builder

One of the least considered benefits of creative writing for children is that it enhances their peer relationships. Creative writing serves as an interpersonal connection builder because it opens endless avenues for increasing social interaction, discussion, exchange of ideas, cultural learning, empathy, and trust.

As a child advances in creative writing, language skills, vocabulary, and communication skills, their interpersonal relationships vastly improve. Everyone loves a clear communicator and one who can persuade others on various topics. It’s kind of like how kids choose the best ballplayer to be on their team. They want the best. To be the best, you need practice and resources.

Resources for Creative Writing for Children

• Creative writing workshops for children
• Home entertainment projects
• Gifting projects
• Self-publishing
• Kids’ book clubs
• Vocabulary-building games
• Kids’ writing competitions

The benefits of creative writing to help your children far outweigh any burden or investment you need to make to see it through. Children who learn to write creatively and practice often rise to the top of their class in all areas. Children who suffer from trauma, illness, or mental health complexes have not only stopped the progression of their problems but also have reversed adverse effects.

The lifelong good habits your children develop from creative writing will follow them for the remainder of their lives. Creative writing is one of the best gifts you will ever give them. You never know how far your child might rise with their creative writing skills.

Final Thoughts on Benefits of Creative Writing to Help Your Children

With words, humankind has started wars and signed peace treaties. We have issued manifestos, signed pardons, written laws, and authored works that have changed the world, for worse and for good.

Your child may just be the one who brings peace to the planet and comforts the brokenhearted. Teaching children creative writing skills is the secret to opening doors of opportunity for the entire world.

Please visit our site at Develop Good Habits . Also, check out 13 Growth Mindset Videos for Kids to Watch on YouTube . Your children hold the keys to the future for us all.

Rain Story is an author and screenwriter. She is an alumna of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the University of New Mexico, and the University of Kentucky. She earned two B.A.s and four years of graduate studies in literature, languages, and creative writing before personal tragedies pulled her away from her graduate work. She is also a Donaghey Scholar and fellow of the William G. Cooper, Jr. Honors Program in English.

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Helping Busy Moms Balance Diapers and Deadlines

Lisa Tanner Writing

Helping Moms Balance Diapers and Deadlines

Last Modified on June 18, 2021 By Lisa Tanner

65 Simple Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

This post may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. You can find my full disclosure page here .

Want to keep your children busy while you get some work done of your own? These creative writing prompts for kids can help! Learn how to use creative writing prompts with kids of different ability levels, and find 65 different prompts to keep them engaged !

And if you don’t think creative writing prompts will be a great fit for your kids, here are over 100 other scree-free activities your kids can try!

Finding time to grow a business as a busy mom is hard! One strategy that helps you carve out time is to have a prepopulated list of ideas to engage your kids.

If your kids are busy doing something creative or fun, they’re more likely to focus on that task. That gives you time to focus on your work.

By implementing a Family Writing Time a couple of days a week, you will gain much needed time for your business. And during that time, your kids will be practicing:

• Working quietly
• Working independently
• Using their creativity
• Storytelling
• Writing skills

Below you’ll find 65 creative writing prompts to help spark your child’s imagination.

But first, I want to share some fun ways to make writing prompts accessible for kids of different ages and abilities, explore the supplies you should have on hand, and help you make Family Writing Time a habit in your home.

Ready? Let’s go!

How to Use Creative Writing Prompts for Kids of Different Ages and Abilities

A typical list of writing prompts for kids is going to have a long list of prompts. And if your kids are at the right age and ability, they can have a lot of fun with it.

But, there are a lot of children who are not yet at that level. They don’t yet have the skills needed to sit down and respond to a prompt on their own.

If you have kids who are struggling writers, or who just aren’t developmentally ready for writing prompts, here are some ways to make this writing time more inclusive. Instead of sitting down and simply writing, you can encourage your child to:

• Draw a picture in response
• Create a skit
• Make a comic strip
• Tell their response to a stuffed animal audience
• Create homemade story cards on index cards and use those to tell the story
• Paint story rocks
• Write a poem
• Decorate a file folder with the setting and create paper characters that can get stored inside
• Use a story creation app
• Create a power point
• Cut pictures out of a magazine or newspaper and glue them down to tell the story
• Use a text-to-speech app or software

There are so many fun ways for kids to engage with creative writing prompts. They don’t just have to sit down and write a story.

Before They Begin…

It’s important to read the prompt aloud with each child and give them a couple of minutes to brainstorm. Be available during this time to help them select how they are going to respond and help them get what they need.

One fun way to keep track of the prompts is to print out the list and cut each one out. Then let your child draw three and pick one to use.

You can also just read a couple of ideas aloud and then let your child pick one.

By offering a choice, you help your child learn to evaluate options and think about what they want to create. That’s an important skill!

Help Your Children See Themselves as Writers

The more that children believe in themselves, the more likely they are to succeed. So make writing time fun, not boring. You want them to see themselves as writers, and believe in their ability.

This means you shouldn’t look at their effort and immediately point out all the flaws. Instead focus on what they did right.

Does their b go the right way? Did they leave spaces between words? Can you tell they worked hard on their coloring to make it look nice?

Find some areas of your child’s work that you can genuinely compliment. And use that as the starting point of your conversation.

If your child already struggles with writing, hearing you nitpick all their errors is sure not going to build their confidence.

Now yes, there is a time and a place for correct spelling and constructive feedback.

But, when you just want your child engaged with an activity so you can get some work done is not that time! Don’t make them feel miserable – celebrate what they did and offer encouragement!

Supplies You Need for Family Writing Time

In order for Family Writing Time to be a success, you need to have the right supplies on hand. You don’t want to ask your kids to go create story cards and then realize you ran out of index cards!

Here are some versatile supplies that my kids are always using during our Family Writing Time. We’ve used them all, and I highly recommend them!

• Reams of copy paper (we buy it by the case since we go through so much!)
• Spiral notebooks (I get one for each child to use during Family Writing Time)
• Quality pencils (out of all the brands we’ve tried, we found these pencils hold up the best)
• Colored pencils (my oldest kids use the expensive kind, I just buy Crayola for the younger ones!)
• File folders
• Index cards
• Pencil sharpener (I finally bought an electric one and I love it!)
• Old magazines/newspapers that can be cut up
• Crayons (always Crayola – they last so much longer than the cheap ones! I just stock up when they’re $0.50/box at Walmart in late summer…)
• Paint pens (for painting rocks!)
• Smooth rocks (I make my kids find their own outside and wash them. But you can also buy them…)
• Glue sticks
• Construction paper

Definitely don’t go stock up on all of these right now. You know what supplies will be a good match for your kids – but do make it a point to have the supplies they will use on hand. You want to make this easy on everyone!

How to Make Family Writing Time a Habit

If you’re looking to make Family Writing Time with creative writing prompts a new part of your routine, here are some tips for making it work.

Do It Regularly

Are you going to do Family Writing Time once a week? Or three times a week?

There is no right or wrong answer here. But, if you do want to make it a habit, it needs to be a regular part of your family’s schedule.

Use a Timer

Don’t just let everyone write until chaos erupts. Because kids who are working hard on a project will go from perfectly fine to upset in no time flat.

Instead, make it a point to stop everyone while it’s still going well. You want to end on a positive note and have them want to keep going. Then they can have something to look forward to the next time you announce it’s Family Writing Time.

To make this happen, use a timer! I started at just a few minutes with my younger kids. We’re now up to everyone working for 30 minutes.

Any more than that is too long for my littles. I do have several who could go for a full hour, but I purposefully keep it short.

Do what works for your family. But do set a timer and stop when it’s done.

Write During This Time

Kids like it when we lead by example and they can mimic us. Use this time to write and not scroll mindlessly on social media. If you have a business, you can:

• Write a post for your blog
• Research for an upcoming post
• Pitch a new freelance writing client
• Work on writing a book
• Update your resume
• Create a lesson for a course
• Write out a week’s worth of social media posts
• Creatively free write to get rid of writer’s block

Whatever you do, spend this time wisely. Your kids won’t be engaged happily forever, so make the most of it when it happens! 😀

Integrate a Sharing Time

When everyone is done, work together to clean up. Then, have a quick time to share.

Let everyone share or tell something about what they worked on. Make sure you share as well.

This is the part my kids love best. Even my toddler loves showing off his latest picture and pointing to his favorite parts. It’s so much fun for everyone to show off and tell about their work.

And during this time…listen to the kids. Don’t be on your phone!

65 Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

Now that you have a better understanding of how to use these prompts and how they can help you free up time for your business, it’s time to dive into the creative writing prompts for kids!

• You were just given a key to your dream house. What do you see when you walk through the front door?
• You’re enjoying a nice afternoon on the beach when suddenly a huge wave comes out of nowhere. When it rolls back, you are shocked to see…
• Today you are going to a cloud castle. You can’t believe your luck! You are going to…
• Your favorite television character just hopped out of the TV and announced that you get to spend the day together. What happens?
• One night you go to bed with a strange feeling. The next morning you awake to discover that you can now…
• You just got sucked into the book you are currently reading. Where are you and what do you do?
• Someone just gave you $100 and the only rule is that you can’t spend it on yourself. What do you do with it?
• You’re going to be spending 8 hours in the car with your family. What do you pack in your survival bag?
• You look out the window and discover the seasons are all mixed up! What is happening out there?
• You’ve been asked to throw a surprise party for your best friend. What does the event look like?
• You’re now the main character in a fairy tale. Which one do you choose and how do you change what happens?
• It’s your turn to cook dinner! What’s on the menu and what do you need to make it?
• Yikes! A huge snowstorm is approaching and your house will lose power for 24 hours. What do you need to do to prepare?
• You walk outside and notice a large hole in your backyard. Why is it there and where does it lead?
• For two whole days, you can only eat one single food. Whenever you’re hungry, that’s all you get. What are you going to pick and why?
• You just left the room. What are your toys going to do now?
• You wake up and realize you’ve gone back in time! When is it and what are you going to do?
• For today only, you can talk with animals. Which ones will you talk to and what will you ask or say?
• You and someone in your family have to switch places for the day. Who are you going to switch with and what will your day be like?
• If you had the power to make any toy come to life for a week, which one would you choose and what would you do?
• Where would you go if you could pick your family’s next vacation destination?
• You’re opening a new restaurant! What’s on the menu?
• What new rule would you add to your favorite board game? How would that change things?
• You get to pick one book to get turned into a movie. Which one is it going to be? Share some details about the film…
• Good news! You’ve just been asked to guest star on your favorite television show! Which one are you on and what are you going to do?
• A TV show you loved when you were little needs a rebooted theme song. How is it going to go?
• Imagine the setting changed for your favorite book. Where does it now take place and how does that change the plot?
• You just discovered a new creature in the jungle. It appears to be a combination of two common animals. What is it and what do you call it? Describe its habitat and what it does.
• Your favorite car company wants you to design their new car. What’s going to make it special? What features will it have?
• What is something that many people are scared of that you are not? Why aren’t you scared of it? Why do you think other people are scared?
• You want to try something new, so you decide to go pull out your sled in the middle of the summer. What are you going to do with it that’s fun?
• It’s time to invent a new holiday! Why should people celebrate this day with you?
• You’re visiting the farm and notice something strange. The cows are…
• You get to design a robot to do one chore for you. What do you program it to do and how does it work?
• Your friend just got an unusual new pet. What did they get? Tell all about it!
• When you found that egg underneath the tree, you had no idea this would be inside…
• You just traveled 100 years into the future. What is life like?
• Zap! You’ve just been shrunk and are now the size of a mouse. What are you going to do now?
• In the forest you discover a magical stone that will let you relive any day from your past. Which day would you want to live all over again and why?
• You’re on a walk with your family and suddenly discover a little cottage made out of candy and sweets. What happens next?
• What does your dream playground look like?
• If you got the chance to audition for a national talent show, would you? Why or why not? What act would you perform?
• You find yourself alone on an island. How do you survive while you wait for help?
• If you could lead a tour of your city for a group of new children, where would you take them?
• It started off just like any Saturday. But then…
• You have to listen to one song on repeat for an entire 24-hour period. Which one would you like the most? Which one would you like the least? Why?
• The next thing you build out of LEGOs is going to magically turn life-sized. What do you build? What happens when you’re finished?
• NASA just selected you to name a new planet discovered way out in the edge of the solar system. What do you name it and why?
• You’ve been asked to teach a child two years younger than you to do something. What are you going to teach and how will you do it?
• What’s the best part about being your age?
• You discover a secret door in a tree that can instantly transport you to any one place in the world. Where are you going?
• You’ve been given 100 plastic bags and asked to upcycle them. How are you going to use them?
• If you could change one thing about today, what would it be? Why?
• You just found some seeds and planted them. You never imagined that this would grow…
• There are 15 kids coming over to your house tomorrow. What activities are you going to do? What should you serve for a snack?
• What book should all students in your grade read? Why?
• What makes you unique?
• What is inside the picnic basket for your perfect afternoon picnic?
• An awful villain has just invaded two of your favorite television shows and now the characters must work together to save the day. Who is involved and what happens?
• If you could decorate your room anyway you wanted, what would it look like?
• What is a book or movie that really needed a sequel? What should have happened in it?
• You’ve been asked to take pictures of your favorite snack for a food blog. What are you photographing and how will you stage your shots?
• You and your friends just created a YouTube channel for kids. What are your videos going to be about?
• What is your favorite treat and how is it prepared?
• You’re supposed to be cleaning your room. But, when you open your closet door you are instantly transported to…

Enjoy These Creative Writing Prompts for Kids

What’d you think of these creative writing prompts for kids? Are there any that you know your kids will love writing about?

If you’re looking for even more ways to keep your kids engaged while you get some work done, check out these resources:

• The Ultimate Guide to a Successful Family Writing Time (my eBook that helps you create the habit and offers dozens of creative ideas)
• 9 Fall Activities to Keep Your Kids Busy While You Write a Blog Post
• 50 Fun Activities for Kids
• 25 My Little Pony Activities for Kids
• Unlocking Kids’ Brain Power: Semi-Weekly Writing Prompts to Expand Young Minds

And if you found this post useful, please Pin it for later!

Lisa Tanner

Lisa Tanner is a former teacher turned homeschooling mom with 11 kids. She's also a successful freelance writer. Lisa enjoys helping other busy moms find time to start and grow a side hustle of their own.

Reader Interactions

October 1, 2019 at 6:59 am

That’s brilliant and things in there I never expected. Love using every day items!

October 1, 2019 at 7:07 am

Thanks Katy. Using everyday objects keeps it so simple to have a creative and fun family writing time without having a huge expense!

October 1, 2019 at 10:32 am

These are great tips for getting kids writing. If you can get a kid to love reading and writing, everything else tends to fall into place academically.

October 1, 2019 at 10:45 am

That’s definitely true Charissa! Kids who are confident in their reading and writing can tackle the other subjects more easily.

October 1, 2019 at 9:40 pm

These are great writing prompts!!! It so makes me miss homeschooling my kids! But, they are all grown now. I also love that you point out that writing should be done regularly. It is such a good habit to be in, and makes it so much easier to continue on.

October 10, 2019 at 6:43 am

Writing regularly definitely helps the whole family get used to this time Jennifer. And I know I’m so going to miss homeschooling when my kids all grow up!

October 2, 2019 at 10:09 am

These are great ideas to start with. My son is just learning to write but will keep these in mind

October 10, 2019 at 6:44 am

Thanks Jalisa! As your son begins to gain confidence in his writing you can definitely use these prompts and the non-writing ideas to help him grow up seeing writing as fun and not hard.

October 2, 2019 at 10:47 am

This is great! My son loves to read so I’d like to get him to do more creative writing. These prompts are perfect!

October 10, 2019 at 6:45 am

I’m so glad these creative writing prompts will be a good fit for your son Emily! Hopefully it gives you lots of time to get work done.

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• Guest Posts

12 Tips to Help Build Your Child’s Writing Skills

Writing helps in the communication of thoughts, demonstrating mastery of skills and complete tasks. It’s vital for every elementary school learner’s education. Therefore, need for how to enhance writing skills for kids . Writing isn’t an easy task for every student. For struggling scribblers tackling assessments and assignments might leave them discouraged and frustrated. Putting thoughts into words in an organized manner can be challenging. But don’t worry, here are 12 tips to help build your child’s writing skills.

Start writing early

Research shows that scripting and reading development are tangled in early learning stages. The physical act for kids to draft words enhances the child’s ability to use a pen. The corresponding relationship between writing and reading goes on past these early efforts.

Provide various writing

Pretty papers and fun pens can be a brilliant motivational tool. Switch away from pencils and pens. Finger paintings, salt writing tray or sidewalk chalk on the driveway, these all are fun activities that sharpen their skills. Take a look at these fun writing activities for more inspiration.

Create writing space at home free from distractions

Set a corner in your home that is devoted to writing. Having an isolated area entirely dedicated for penning will free young children from disturbances and give them the focus they need.

Pick learning vocabulary from home for the week

Integrate these words in your daily figure of speech and written work. Words like “curious” and “obstacle” are a good start. You can even suggest some funny words to use. Your child should utilise them both in a written story. For more tips on vocabulary, take a look at these 8 ways to improve your child’s vocabulary .

Encourage kids to write on various niches

Your child could author a fictional story, make a shopping list or send a letter to distant family members, insist on handwritten work. Transcribing is becoming a lost art. Pen pals are a great idea too, draft letters and drop for them to find.

Take advantage of technology to improve writing skills for kids

Persuade your child to publish a story online and send email to friends and distant family members. Imagine Forest is a great tool for publishing stories online and getting feedback on your child’s stories. Let your child benefit from technology as you allow him or her to create their own blogs.

Let your child observe you writing since this can challenge them

Smile while doing and be a great model too! Share your writing with her or him as you tell them how you use this skill in your professional and personal life. Show them different written work; journal pages, business communication, and printed letters. Invest time in your child’s work; be available when they need your help in proofreading and spelling. If you make writing a priority for you, it will be easier for them to improve.

Bond your child’s passion with writing

If your daughter has an interest in “Magic House” book series, ask her to draft a letter to Mary Osborne. You can do that with your son who is interested in mystery, to hunt the scavenger with addressed hints for a lost treasure.

Make writing a daily routine and come up with a schedule on how to help your child

For improved writing skills, learners must spend time scribbling. This will help them gain confidence. Regular reading strengthens kid’s prowess and expands their vocabulary showing different ways of using words. Starting reading early makes children become influential authors. Make sure each day there is something that they are scribbling about, from drafting journals to a grocery list. This practice goes a long away improving a child’s writing skills.

Writing should be on practical basis.

It requires a lot of patience and time developing great authoring skills; you can take advantage of these writing exercises for kids. Frequent lettering time in a designated place, lots of reading, and incorporating games and fun writing activities will go a long way in boosting their art. Building affection of scribbling beyond messy and quick world of tweeting and texting is a brilliant idea for children.

Parents should enrich and support their kids drafting skills in a home environment.

Helping them may make the whole affair enjoyable and more comfortable. Julie Bogart makes a point that “basic age kids are poor composers because it takes about ten years of practice to pen well”. Encourage performance, talk about everything and build their vocabulary.

Content and genre knowledge

When kids are exposed to reading with explicit instructions on how to be taught about memoir and biography. It’s through this exposure that young children get to know the art of scribbling on their own. They gain ground knowledge through field trips, reading and family outings.

Finally, you should always try to keep writing fun and creative to keep kids excited about writing. For more tips, see this post on creative writing tips for kids .

Alyssa Johnson has been working with Essayontime over the years. She provides essay writing, coaching, ghost editing services and ghostwriting. Her educational background in journalism has given her broad expertise in handling many topics. She enjoys writing assignments for individuals with busy schedules.

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Creative writing: How parents can help their child get the best out of 500 Words

Part of Parents' Toolkit

Creative writing is a great way to get your child’s imagination flowing. Children can have lots of fun writing a story of their own – whether it's funny, mysterious, scary or cute.

Writing has great positives for children - according to the National Literacy Trust, one in three children say that writing helps them to relax while the Reading Agency points to research showing that children who engage in literacy are "three times likelier to have higher levels of wellbeing than children who are least engaged with reading and writing."

So how can parents help to encourage their child to write and create in order to enjoy these benefits?

The 500 Words competition 2023 has now closed.

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Young children like to scribble, make marks that look like letters, and play with writing. Chances are, your child will experiment with writing long before he or she learns to read. Here are some ways to help your child learn about and practice writing.

• Display children’s writing in a special place.  Hang your child’s work on the refrigerator, a bedroom door, or a cork board; tape it to a bathroom mirror or tile. Or, scan the writing and send it to the grandparents. You will be telling your child that her writing is important and worthy of being shared. She will want to write more and more.
• Write in front of your child and talk about it.  Whether writing a shopping list, thank you note, or e-mail; completing an application; or ordering from a catalog, explain what you are doing. Ask him what to add to the list or what to say in the thank you note or e-mail.  
• Invite your child to dictate stories.  While playing together, encourage your child to tell you a story about where the cars and trucks are going or who lives in the Lego house. Write down exactly what she says. Read it aloud afterward. Suggest that she draw some pictures to illustrate her story.
• Create greeting cards for special occasions.  Provide paper and crayons or markers so children can make cards and then "sign” their names when finished. Show them old cards with phrases like "Happy Birthday,” "I Love You,” and "Season’s Greetings” to copy on their cards.
• Create an "office” for your child.  Gather different kinds of paper, envelopes, pencils and pens, crayons, stickers, and labels. Place them on a shelf near a desk or table or in a basket your child can carry to a comfortable place for writing. Add interesting and exciting items like address and date books, calendars, or an old computer keyboard.
• Involve your child in writing while running errands.  Offer a pad and pencil and suggest  your child make a "reverse shopping list”—a list of things you’ve already bought At the bank, give her a blank deposit slip while you fill out yours. These tasks let children write and keep them busy as they learn new skills!
• Put writing materials in several places around the house.  Provide pencils, crayons, or markers in coffee cans or baskets, along with a basket of small unlined pads, notebooks, or clipboards with paper. Place these collections in the bathroom, kitchen, or living room. Be sure to remind your child to write on the paper and nowhere else. 
• Take it outside!  Let your child write or draw with chalk or old paintbrushes and water on sidewalks and fences. Fill a backpack with writing tools and paper to take in the car or while doing errands.
• Encourage all writing efforts.  Make writing an everyday part of your children’s lives at home!  Remember, those first scribbles are important—they are the first step in learning to write.

Source: Adapted from the Message in a Backpack for J. Strasser & L.M. Koeppel, 2008, "Supporting Writing in Preschool," T eaching Young Children  1 (3): 10–12.

How to Help Your Kids Discover Their Creative Side: A Guide

N urturing creativity in children is a gift that can last a lifetime. It not only provides them with an outlet for self-expression but also enhances their problem-solving skills, boosts confidence, and fosters a love for learning. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various strategies and activities to help your kids unlock their creative potential. 

From providing an abundance of art supplies to encouraging outdoor adventures, we’ll delve into specific ideas that can inspire your children to embrace their creativity wholeheartedly. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a toolkit of approaches to empower your kids on their journey of artistic and imaginative discovery.

Art Supplies Galore 

The foundation of any creative journey often begins with the right tools. Create a treasure trove of art supplies, from colored pencils and watercolors to clay and sketchbooks. Having an array of materials readily available not only sparks artistic exploration but also allows your children to experiment with different mediums and techniques, fostering a deeper connection to their creative side.

Their Own Sewing Equipment 

Introducing your kids to the world of sewing can be a delightful and practical creative outlet. Consider providing them with their own sewing machine or a set of beginner-friendly sewing tools. There are sewing machines suitable for children that offer simplified controls and safety features to ensure a fun and secure sewing experience. Sewing not only encourages fine motor skills but also allows them to design and craft their own clothing, accessories, and home decor, nurturing their sense of individuality and style.

Musical Instruments and Lessons 

Music is a universal language that ignites creativity and passion. Encourage your kids to explore their musical talents by providing access to instruments like keyboards, guitars, or even a simple set of drums. Enroll them in music lessons or classes to develop their skills and appreciation for melodies, rhythms, and the joy of creating harmonious sounds.

Cooking and Baking Together 

The kitchen is a canvas for culinary creativity. Involve your children in cooking and baking adventures where they can experiment with flavors, textures, and presentations. From decorating cookies to inventing their signature dishes, cooking together not only sparks creativity but also teaches valuable life skills and fosters an appreciation for the art of gastronomy.

Encourage Storytelling and Writing 

The power of words and storytelling is a profound way to nurture creativity. Encourage your kids to write stories, poems, or journals. Provide them with colorful notebooks and writing prompts to ignite their imagination. Reading together and exploring different literary genres can inspire their storytelling abilities, enhancing their language skills and imaginative thinking.

Outdoor Creative Adventures 

The great outdoors is a boundless playground for creativity. Organize outdoor adventures that allow your children to connect with nature, whether it’s painting landscapes, building forts in the woods, or embarking on nature scavenger hunts. These experiences not only inspire artistic expression but also instill a deep respect for the environment and a sense of wonder about the world around them.

Celebrating Creative Achievements

Encouraging your children’s creative pursuits extends beyond providing them with the tools and opportunities to explore their talents. It’s equally important to celebrate their creative achievements, no matter how small or significant. Recognizing and applauding their efforts not only boosts their self-confidence but also reinforces the value of creativity in their lives. 

Whether it’s displaying their artwork proudly on the fridge, framing a story they’ve written, or attending their recitals and performances, showing genuine appreciation for their creative endeavors fosters a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to continue exploring their imaginative side. By celebrating their creative achievements, you create an environment where creativity is not just encouraged but cherished, paving the way for a lifetime of artistic exploration and self-expression.

In the journey of helping your children discover their creative side, the possibilities are as endless as their imagination. Providing them with a rich tapestry of art supplies, their own sewing equipment, musical instruments, and culinary experiences set the stage for creative exploration. Encouraging storytelling and outdoor adventures further enrich their creative journey. As they express themselves through various mediums and experiences, they not only develop essential skills but also build a lifelong appreciation for the arts and the boundless wonders of the world. 

Embrace these creative adventures together, and watch your children’s imaginations flourish as they paint the canvas of their lives with creativity and joy.

The post How to Help Your Kids Discover Their Creative Side: A Guide appeared first on Sunny Sweet Days .

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Write down your thoughts and shred them to relieve anger, researchers say

Writing negative reactions on paper and shredding it or scrunching and throwing in the bin eliminates angry feelings, study finds

Since time immemorial humans have tried to devise anger management techniques.

In ancient Rome, the Stoic philosopher Seneca believed “my anger is likely to do me more harm than your wrong” and offered avoidance tips in his AD45 work De Ira (On Anger).

More modern methods include a workout on the gym punchbag or exercise bike. But the humble paper shredder may be a more effective – and accessible – way to decompress, according to research.

A study in Japan has found that writing down your reaction to a negative incident on a piece of paper and then shredding it, or scrunching it into a ball and throwing it in the bin, gets rid of anger.

“We expected that our method would suppress anger to some extent,” said Nobuyuki Kawai, lead researcher of the study at Nagoya University. “However, we were amazed that anger was eliminated almost entirely.”

The study, published in Scientific Reports on Nature , builds on research on the association between the written word and anger reduction as well as studies showing how interactions with physical objects can control a person’s mood. For instance, those wanting revenge on an ex-partner may burn letters or destroy gifts.

Researchers believe the shredder results may be related to the phenomenon of “backward magical contagion”, which is the belief that actions taken on an object associated with a person can affect the individuals themselves. In this case, getting rid of the negative physical entity, the piece of paper, causes the original emotion to also disappear.

This is a reversal of “magical contagion” or “celebrity contagion” – the belief that the “essence” of an individual can be transferred through their physical possessions.

Fifty student participants were asked to write brief opinions about an important social problem, such as whether smoking in public should be outlawed. Evaluators then deliberately scored the papers low on intelligence, interest, friendliness, logic, and rationality. For good measure, evaluators added insulting comments such as: “I cannot believe an educated person would think like this. I hope this person learns something while at the university.”

The wound-up participants then wrote down their angry thoughts on the negative feedback on a piece of paper. One group was told to either roll up the paper and throw it in a bin or keep it in a file on their desk. A second group was told to shred the paper, or put it in a plastic box.

Anger levels of the individuals who discarded their paper in the bin or shredded it returned to their initial state, while those who retained a hard copy of the paper experienced only a small decrease in their overall anger.

Researchers concluded that “the meaning (interpretation) of disposal plays a critical role” in reducing anger.

“This technique could be applied in the moment by writing down the source of anger as if taking a memo and then throwing it away,” said Kawai.

Along with its practical benefits, this discovery may shed light on the origins of the Japanese cultural tradition known as hakidashisara ( hakidashi sara refers to a dish or plate) at the Hiyoshi shrine in Kiyosu, just outside Nagoya. Hakidashisara is an annual festival where people smash small discs representing things that make them angry. The study’s findings may explain the feeling of relief that participants report after leaving the festival, the paper concluded.

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