Getting Kids Excited About Creative Writing

Whether you have a child of your own or you’ve worked with them before, you already know that most kids have incredible imaginations. They are naturally creative and great at storytelling. However, they don’t always get the opportunity to write down those incredible stories on paper. 

Getting kids excited about creative writing gives them a chance to hone in on their natural storytelling talents. 

Beyond that, creative writing is beneficial for kids. It fosters their imagination, encourages self-expression, and can boost their self-esteem. It can also broaden the way they think, allowing them to come up with alternatives to problems and creative solutions they can use in real-world situations. 

So, how can you get the children in your life excited about creative writing? What can you do to encourage them to put their incredible stories to paper and foster a love of the written word from an early age? 

Spark Their Imagination

It’s usually easy for kids to come up with interesting stories, but when you tell them to sit down and write something, it’s just as easy for them to draw a blank!

One of the easiest ways to encourage young minds to start writing is to give them a prompt that sparks their imagination. Use creative story starters to get their wheels turning, and you might be surprised what they can come up with on their own. Some ideas to offer include:

• What I could do if I could fly
• What I would do with one million dollars
• What I would do if I was famous for a day
• The person I most admire

You can also spark their imagination by reading an existing story! You never know what a child might pick up on from a book they enjoy. They might be able to relate to certain situations and experiences and write about their own. Or, they might be inspired by a particular character and use some of those traits to create someone completely new. It’s just one more reason that daily reading should be a part of every kid’s routine. 

Keep Them Engaged

Let’s face it – kids don’t always have the longest attention spans. Even when they’re excited about something, it can be hard to keep them dedicated to a specific project for any length of time. Letting them verbally share a story is different from having them write something down. 

So, how can you keep kids engaged while they’re writing? 

Try offering a fidget toy to help them while brainstorming. It can help them stay focused on the task at hand and encourage new ideas that excite them. 

Keep in mind that kids can feel “stuck” or experience a block in their writing just as easily as adults. They might feel overwhelmed with having to come up with new ideas while learning about the ins and outs of grammar and punctuation. 

Do what you can to be encouraging. Teach them not to give up when things get tough. By using positive statements in your encouragement, you’ll foster a growth mindset, and teach them to embrace and overcome challenges well into adulthood. 

Finally, don’t be afraid to let them take breaks. Even adult writers need to step away from their work so they don’t get burnt out. Children might need more frequent breaks to stay excited and inspired. Let them spend time outside, socialize with others, and use their imaginations in different ways before coming back to their writing. 

Let Them Share

Again, most kids have no problem being creative and coming up with unique stories on the spot. While writing things down will take more time and effort, every child should be acknowledged and praised for their work. 

With that in mind, make sure you offer opportunities for your kids to share their writing. If they’re doing it at home, sit and listen to their stories before bed each night, or have a weekly “story day” where they share what they’ve written with the family. 

If you’re a teacher, encourage your students to share their stories with the class, and let them answer questions from their peers. Discussions about creative writing can lead to even more unique ideas in the future. 

Getting kids excited about creative writing is easier than you might think. With positive encouragement and a little help along the way, you can foster the next generation of writers, and they’ll experience lasting benefits as they continue to learn and grow. 

Amanda Winstead is a writer from the Portland area with a background in communications and a passion for telling stories. Along with writing she enjoys traveling, reading, working out, and going to concerts. If you want to follow her writing journey, or even just say hi you can find her on Twitter.