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. Kids take to computers very quickly and most of your students are probably already familiar with them. If possible have them start typing their stories on a computer as soon as possible. Using a word processor is much easier than writing by hand and so the writing will be easier. At first do not be too concerned with grammar, punctuation and spelling. After awhile you can gradually start showing the students how to make capital letters and use some of the grammar and spelling tools offered in most word processors.

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. Characters. Help the children come up with interesting characters in their writing. Show them stories from authors who are strong on character development. Make the main character likable. An author I like is Louis L’Amour. All of his main characters have high moral values and make honest choices. Of course they get the girl and are expert at everything they do.

Teaching creative writing to children can 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.