Teaching creative writing to children is fun and rewarding. Kids naturally love to here stories read to them. As parents many times our children fall to sleep while being read to. Teachers can build a stimulating creative writing program in the classroom by giving the children a desire to write. Here are 5 steps to start a creative writing program.

1. 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. As children have heard stories and are fond of them you can help them move a step further. To do this each student can dictate a story to you. You can either use a tape recorder or write it down while they are talking. In a later class the students can read their stories a loud to the class. This helps them make a connection between hearing a story and actually making one up.

3. Word processor. Children take to computers like ducks to water. As soon as it is feasible have the students type their stories in a word processor. Initially do not be concerned about grammar, punctuation or spelling but let them type a way. After a few days start showing the kids how they can make capital letters and use the different grammar and spelling tools.

4. Idea box. Bring a small box to class and tell the students that this box is only for ideas for stories. Let them know that others in the class will also have access to their story ideas so they may also want their own “idea boxes.”

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.

Children often have active imaginations which is a necessary part of creative writing. You can get a creative writing program off the ground by first helping the kids come up with ideas that they can identify with. You can use things like dictation and word processors to make the writing easier. “Idea boxes” and character development are ideas that will get the children thinking more creatively. Have fun.

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