Kids love writing when we make writing fun for kids. Here are some fun creative writing ideas to get your kids wanting to write. They will probably even want to share their writing so make sure to allow for the opportunity for kids to shine.
Provide Comfortable Writing Spaces
Make writing a special time. When I pick my kids up from recess and they ask what’s next, I answer “writing” and they cheer “YAY!” Set the tone with expectations. My expectations are simple; kids need to be quiet and productive.
Let kids find their own spot to sit and write. Whether kids are at school or at home, give them different opportunities during writing time. You can create these opportunities at home or at school just by adding some accessories such as a clipboard, beanbag, writing box or binder and ideas! Below are some ideas from my classroom that provide kids unique writing experiences. We even go outside to write sometimes!
- Desk or table and under the desk or table; use a tri-fold office for privacy if kids are using a shared space. Decorate the tri-fold with inspiring pictures (I use scenery pictures from old calendars).
- Lapdesk and pillows on the carpet or floor; kids don’t mind sitting on the floor especially if they have comfortable pillows, scoopchairs and lapdesks to use. They even just like a simple clipboard.
- Teacher’s or parent’s desk; sitting in an adult’s space is very special. Kids tend to work extra hard when sitting in this space.
- Blanket fort; a special reward in class or gather all those blankets at home and create a fort for kids can write in. Provide them with a flashlight, booklight or headlamp so they can continue their writing adventures in private. You may not see them for a while if you also provide a snack and water to fuel their brains.
Make Writing Boxes
Wriitng boxes can include everything kids need for writing. You can use a simple shoe box or a plastic box that will last longer. Kids love having special writing supplies. We start with the basics and add special writing accessories throughout the year.
Here is what we start with:
- Paper, lined and plain
- Pencils
- Sharpener
- Flair Pen
- Colored Pencils
- Whiteboard (good for assitance with spelling)
- Dry Erase Marker and Eraser
Here is what we add later:
- Paper Books
- Post-it Notes
- Highlighter
- Stapler
- Colored Pen
If you don’t want to make writing boxes, a writing center can be just as effective. I make sure that expectations are set so kids know when they can access the writing center. Otherwise, they tend to want to use it all day long. A writing center can include all of the same items that are in a writing box. Here is an example of my wriitng center:
I love writing so much, I started with a writing center and added writing boxes so now I have both.
Brainstorm Lots of Topics
Brainstorming is a very important part of writing. If kids don’t think of a topic that they can get excited to write about, then they aren’t going to enjoy it. We cover a vast list for each genre of writing. This ensures that every child has an idea that will spark their interest to write.
Narrative; personal experience stories. Focus on smaller moments so kids can add more detail.
- First Time Doing Something
- Celebrating a Special Moment
- Going to a Favorite Place
- Memorable Times with Friends or Family
- Funniest, Scariest, Saddest or Happiest Moments
Information; Kids teach about a topic that they are interested in. Encourage ALL topics, even video games! Allowing kids to write about video games is the only way I know anything about Roblox!
- Hobbies or Interests
- Favorite Game to Play; board games, card games, video games, active games (even hide and seek)
- Favorite Place to Go
- How to….Anything
- Plan a Party, Be a Good Student, Take Care of a Pet
Fantasy; stories that are made-up fiction and could NOT happen in real life. Don’t wait to introduce this genre. Of over 1,000 kids that I have taught, this is by far the FAVORITE and way out ranks the others.
- Change a Fairy Tale Plot
- Add a Sequel to a Favorite Published Book
- Use Magic, Superpowers or Talking Animals
- Create a Problem and Solution
- Teach a Lesson
Opinion/Persuasive: Kids thoughts, beliefs or feelings about a topic. What is their favorite ____? Why should we do it or why should it be our favorite too?
- Best ______ to ______ (place to go, food to eat, game to play, book to read, etc.)
- Convince Someone to Try Something (get a pet, plant a garden, go camping, play outside)
- Write About Something Kids Want to See Changed (don’t litter, game night on Friday, wear a hat in school)
Branch into other forms of creative writing as kids wrap up the other genres such as mystery writing or poetry. Or let them continue to explore their favorite genre. Most importantly, let kids choose a topic that they want to write about and keep an ongoing list of ideas so they never run out of stories.
Write Short Stories
As kids choose an interesting topic to them, it’s time to start writing! Make sure they have a good introduction and let them free write. Many times we are only teaching the structure of writing, but kids need to be able to let their ideas flow. The more they write, the more they will improve their writing. Read what they write, give praise first and set a goal for a noticiing you had while reading thier story. A noticing can be using punctuation in every sentence, adding describing words or strengthening an introduction to a story.
Let kids have choice! It is important to teach the different genres of writing, but allow choice from time to time. Kids LOVE making up stories so let’s allow them to reach for that creativity.
Let Kids Be Proud and Share
When kids are proud of what they write, they love to share. Make sure to pencil in the time for kids to read what they write. I recently invested in a microphone, just another way for kids to get excited about sharing! I had a fake one and kids loved using it so I thought I would up my game and get a real one. I also love letting kids put their stories under the document camera and read it to the class with a pointer.
Even when I teach writing online, kids love the simple task of reading their stories to classmates and showing an occasional illustration. So remember, encourage kids to share. Even if they don’t the first time, ask again because they may just surprise you and say “YES!”
