Teaching Creative Writing To Children
Author: ZachariasAllred Total views: 19 Word Count: 473
Teaching creative writing to children is easy since children already have a love for stories. Parents often read to their children at bed time so introducing a creative writing program in the classroom is simple. Here are 5 steps to help you get started.
1. Begin small. Start out by picking a subject that all of the students can relate to. Pets, toys, friends can all be good places to start. Get each child to write at least five sentences. These sentences can be fictional but should be in story form.
2. Dictation. You can get a tape recorder and one by one let the students dictate a story to you. You might find it easier to do without a tape recorder if you can write or type fast enough. On another day you or the child can read the story out loud to the class. This helps the students start to make a connection with hearing stories and making them up.
3. Word processor. As soon as children are able they should learn to type. Teaching children to type is simple as children naturally take to electronic tools. Do not worry about grammar and punctuation at first. After a while start showing them how to make capital letters, commas and periods. Typing is much easier than writing so they will enjoy it more.
4. Idea box. Bring a box into the classroom and encourage the children to write ideas for stories on a piece of paper and put them in the "idea box." Make sure the children realize these ideas will be shared with others. If they want they can also make their own "idea box." Coming up with original subjects for stories is something that all writers are challenged with. This will give writing a boost.
5. Character development. A big advantage that books have over movies is character development. A movie is always limited on time so character development takes place as the movie itself develops. This is not so with creative writing. Teach the students that the main character of their stories needs to be likable. If you have read any of Louis L'Amour's books then you know what I mean. His characters are always the best cowboy in that part of the country with the best morals and values.
Teaching creative writing to children can be a very exciting addition to your curriculum. Children are already familiar with stories so you will only need to guide many of them. Help them come up with ideas and lead this into character development. More advanced steps like plot development, editing and publishing will come later but these steps will get you started.
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