Skip to content
Pragmatic Mom
Menu
  • Home
  • About
    • Contact
    • Policies
    • Media Kit
    • Privacy Policy
    • Copyright
    • KidLit Blogroll
  • My Book Lists
    • My List of Lists
    • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
    • #OwnVoices
    • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids
    • Asian American Children’s Books
    • African American Children’s Books
    • Arab American Children’s Books
    • Latinx American Children’s Books
    • Native American Children’s Books
    • LGBTQIA+ Children’s Books
    • Diverse Books for Kids
    • Best Books for Kids
  • Education
    • STEM/STEAM
    • Math
    • Social Studies
    • Art Projects for Kids
    • Applying to Art School
    • Applying to College
    • Book Club for Kids
    • 70+ Free Educational Games
  • Controversial
    • Sexual Misconduct in Children’s Book Publishing #MeToo #TimesUp
    • Rethinking & Examining Dr. Seuss’ Racism
    • Blood Feud over YA #BloodHeir
    • Tulsa Race Massacre: What They Don’t Teach You in History Books
    • The Chinese Exclusion Act – What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • Segregation in California Schools: What They Don’t Teach in History Books
    • SCBWI Minnesota Racist Illustration and Gaslighting Response
  • My Books
    • My Book Announcements
    • Origami French Fries: Activity for THE TRAVELING TACO
    • Book Announcement: A Place to Call Home! {and a new title …}
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE makes Sunshine State Young Readers Award Orange Blossom List for Nonfiction!
    • Cover Reveal of my latest picture book … FORTUNE COOKIES FOR EVERYONE!
    • Picture Book Announcement! BARBED WIRE BETWEEN US, illustrated by Violeta Encarnación
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • Book Announcement! Postcards from Malcolm X: How Yuri Kochiyama Became a Civil Rights Activist
    • Kirkus Reviews My Newest Picture Book: THE TRAVELING TACO
    • We Sing From the Heart is a Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People Winner!
    • We Sing From the Heart gets a few stickers!
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART wins California Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is Orbis Pictus Recommended Book
    • WE SING FROM THE HEART is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection
    • Dorktales Podcast: Simon Tam, Hidden Hero of History
    • Food for the Future Wins Nautilus Silver Book Award
    • Food for the Future makes Mass Book Award Long List!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE Makes Green Earth Book Award Long List!
    • Food for the Future is a finalist for 2023 INDIES Book of the Year!
    • New! Food for the Future Activity and Discussion Guide!
    • FOOD FOR THE FUTURE is a Junior Library Guild Gold Selection!
    • ‘Food for the Future’ selected for Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best books
    • Scholastic Purchased CHANGING THE GAME!
    • Starred Review for FOOD FOR THE FUTURE from School Library Journal!
    • Sumo Joe makes Bank Street Best Children’s Books of the Year list!
    • How To Coach Girls wins Silver Award!
    • Posts on My Books
  • My Book Events
    • My Book Events
    • I’m Signing Books at ALA 2025 in Philly!
Menu
The Search for the Stone of Excalibur: Book Two of The Chronicles of the Stone.

Getting Kids Involved with Creative Writing

Posted on January 28, 2015May 14, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

Please welcome my guest author today, Fiona Ingram with tips for teachers on getting kids involved in creative writing.

—————

Creative writing for kids is one of the most challenging and fulfilling aspects of the classroom. Many teachers who are not writers may struggle to explain the nuts and bolts of writing in relation to the imaginative and creative process involved in making a story. Children may also not grasp the solid hard work involved in creating the structure and plot of a good story. Here are some easy classroom tips to make the creative writing process both successful and fun.

Many young writers feel challenged by what seems to be such a daunting task—writing a story. They wonder how they will ever remember the who, what, why, when, and where of their proposed story. Nothing is easy without practice and as we all know, practice makes perfect. My suggestion for a young writer wanting to put their own story down is to start with stories they already enjoy.

Read some of your favorite books, the ones that had you longing for more excitement. Or the one that was so fascinating you read it more slowly so the book did not end too soon. Or the one where you were so tired but could not put it down until you knew the hero was safe … for now. Think about why the author had you captivated from the start. The author probably came up with a great idea right away, an idea that gripped you. It could have been a mystery, a quest, a journey, a mission, and perhaps something that seemed impossible for the hero to accomplish. The author then drew you into the story which had unexpected twists and turns, surprises, and sometimes disasters that affected the hero. The plot is what makes a hero or heroine who they are. Every plot has a story to tell, and that story follows a certain sequence. Sure, you can jump around and have side excursions, but every writer should bring his hero back to the main story soon enough.

Tips for Teachers: Getting Kids Involved in Creative Writing

Any good story is composed of two important elements: a really gripping plot and realistic, believable characters.

How To Choose a Great Story Topic

You may think, “But what can I write about?” Write about what you know best, or what excites you, or what you enjoy. You’ll find that when you are really keen on something—it can be an activity, a place, an event, or a person (real or imaginary)—it becomes easier to write. Do you love reading about faraway exciting places? Then research a place you find interesting and set your story there. Do you enjoy mysteries? Think about something that’ll keep people guessing. Are you good at a skill or a sport? Set your story around a character with those abilities.

Plot Comes First

What comes first? Everyone has his or her own ideas but I believe the plot should come first. What’s the point of great characters if they sit around and don’t achieve very much? So, step one, write your plot down in a few words (that’s all you need). “My story is about (name) who manages to (achieve the task) and goes on to (resolve the problem).”

How to Construct Your Storyline

Structure is very important otherwise you’ll end up writing away like crazy but forget some vital detail here and there, and your story will fall to pieces. Sit down and draw your storyline—remember, you have already written it down in a few words. You may not stick to it exactly, but it’s important to map out where the story is going. You don’t want to give away the plot too soon or tell the reader everything all at once. So begin with a simple 3-point system: the Beginning (your hero appears—what is he doing? What does he want to achieve?); the Middle (something will happen to him and he has to …?); the Ending (your hero resolves the situation). From those three vital points, you will fill in your other plot points—how did… why did… what happens next…

Make Your Characters as Interesting as Possible

Tip: take them from real-life examples. You could write about someone like yourself, or else model the characters on friends at school, teachers, or other people you know. The dialogue between your characters is also important because that’s one place to develop the plot line. Their interaction will reveal the chain of events as the characters work out various situations. Don’t forget to break your dialogue with various activities so that readers don’t get bogged down in lots of talking but no action.

Make Your Information to the Reader as Interesting as Possible

You can do this by weaving it into the story. Don’t say that it’s cold. Get your character to shiver because he left his jacket at home. You can set the scene around your characters by using adjectives and adverbs to enhance your descriptions and actions but don’t overdo it. The reader is also going to use his or her imagination, so don’t overload your writing. At the same time, you can help the reader along by using your five senses to engage them: sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Is your hero in a hot, exotic climate? He (or she) will be sweating, the sounds will be different, the taste of the food unusual, etc. Is your heroine (or hero) in a strange place – what is she experiencing e.g. confusion, anxiety, excitement, or curiosity? You will create the environment for your readers so they appreciate exactly what the hero is experiencing.

The Hard Part

If you love what you’re writing about, and you trust your imagination, then writing will be as fun and exciting as you can imagine. However, two important elements must never be forgotten: research and grammar.

Research for Your Story

You will find that research will be necessary whether your story is set in the real world, or if it’s an imaginary, fantasy, or sci-fi land. Make notes before and during your writing process. Your heroes are likely to be around your own age, so think about how they are going to get places and achieve things. If they are traveling, are they alone (not likely) and will they need assistance (possibly)? If they are in a foreign country then make sure your facts are accurate. How did they get there, who are they with, and how are they going to accomplish their task/challenge? If it’s a fantasy setting, then make sure you don’t lose track of your characters and the various places and items found in your fantasy world. Make your own research notes about your fantasyland.

Grammar and Spelling

Spelling and grammar are very important otherwise your readers will never get through the first few pages. So make sure you use your spelling and grammar check on your computer (if you’re using one) and your dictionary and style guide (if you’re writing by hand). In any case, you’ll have to check everything yourself because sometimes computers will accept a word that is spelled right but is actually the wrong word for the sentence or context.

A final piece of advice: writing should be fun and exciting. Just enjoy yourself and let your imagination take you to places you only ever dreamed of…

About Fiona Ingram

Fiona Ingram, The Search for the Stone of Excalibur: Book Two of The Chronicles of the Stone.

Fiona Ingram was born and educated in South Africa and has worked as a full-time journalist and editor. Her interest in ancient history, mystery, and legends, and her enjoyment of travel resulted in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, the first in her exciting children’s adventure series—The Chronicles of the Stone. This was inspired by a family trip the author took with her mom and two young nephews aged ten and twelve at the time. The book began as a short story for her nephews and grew from there. The Search for the Stone of Excalibur is a treat for young King Arthur fans. Fiona is busy with Book 3 entitled The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper, set in Mexico.

The Search for the Stone of Excalibur: Book Two of The Chronicles of the Stone.

While writing The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, Fiona fostered (and later adopted) a young African child from a disadvantaged background. Her daughter became the inspiration for the little heroine, Kim, in The Search for the Stone of Excalibur. Interestingly, the fictional character’s background and social problems are reflected in the book as Kim learns to deal with life. Fiona’s experiences in teaching her daughter to read and to enjoy books also inspired many of her articles on child literacy and getting kids to love reading.

About The Secret of the Sacred Scarab

Continuing the adventure that began in Egypt a few months prior in The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, cousins Adam and Justin Sinclair are hot on the trail of the second Stone of Power, one of seven ancient stones lost centuries ago. This stone might be embedded in the hilt of a newly discovered sword that archeologists believe belonged to King Arthur: Excalibur.

However, their long-standing enemy, Dr. Khalid, is following them as they travel to Scotland to investigate an old castle. Little do they know there is another deadly force, the Eaters of Poison, who have their own mission to complete. Time is running out as the confluence of the planets draws closer. Can Justin and Adam find the second Stone of Power and survive? And why did Aunt Isabel send a girl with them?

Join Justin and Adam as they search not only for the second Stone of Power, but also for the Scroll of the Ancients, a mysterious document that holds important clues to the Seven Stones of Power. As their adventure unfolds, they learn many things and face dangers that make even their perils in Egypt look tame. And how annoying for them that their tag-along companion, Kim, seems to have such good ideas when they are stumped.

The Search for the Stone of Excalibur Giveaway

Win a hard copy of Fiona Ingram’s book by entering the Rafflecopter below! Thanks!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Reading & Writing Fun on Pinterest.

My books:

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

 Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World

  • Junior Library Guild Gold selection
  • Massachusetts Book Award Long List
  • Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
  • Starred review from School Library Journal
  • Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
  • 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
  • Green Earth Book Award Long List
  • Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids

 Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me

cover for Sumo JoeChanging the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia WenjenAmazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

How To Coach Girls by Mia Wenjen and Alison FoleyAsian Pacific American Heroes

21 thoughts on “Getting Kids Involved with Creative Writing”

  1. Barbara Ann Mojica says:
    January 28, 2015 at 10:21 am

    Good resource for teachers…hopefully writing curriculum will allow for implementing it in their classrooms.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 28, 2015 at 2:53 pm

      Hi Barbara,
      Hopefully teachers will be able to use it. I know all my kids have creative writing units this year in English Language Arts.

      Reply
  2. Fiona Ingram says:
    January 28, 2015 at 12:15 pm

    When I give book readings at schools I often find teachers are keen for me to talk on creative writing for kids. It’s a wonderful way for kids to discover books as well.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 28, 2015 at 2:54 pm

      Hi Fiona,
      When we book author visits at our elementary school, it usually costs extra (and an extra session) to have the author do a writing segment with the kids. We used to use Barbara O’Connor who was wonderful but she just stopped doing them this year so we used Jacqueline Davies this year to rave reviews. Kids do love learning how authors write and doing the exercise they set up for them. We also hire a poet to do 3 sessions with our 4th graders.

      Reply
  3. Patricia Tilton says:
    January 28, 2015 at 1:49 pm

    Teachers would love to have a resource like this. What a fun way to teach kids to begin to look at what is included in a story so that they “see” with knew eyes when they read their next book. And, a good way to encourage them to begin writing short stories. Great post.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 28, 2015 at 2:55 pm

      Hi Patricia,
      I really enjoy the guest posts from KidLit authors. They always bring something interesting to the table. I’m so glad to have Fiona Ingram today!

      Reply
  4. Renee Roberson says:
    January 28, 2015 at 4:47 pm

    I love these ideas, too! I’m going to have to share this post on social media and Pinterest so I can reference it time and again. Mia, thank you again for hosting Fiona.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 28, 2015 at 5:04 pm

      Thanks so much for sharing Renee!! So glad you found her post helpful!

      Reply
  5. maryanne @ mama smiles says:
    January 28, 2015 at 11:42 pm

    Emma writes stories ALL the time. Having pretty notebooks definitely encourages her, but I think this is also a natural strength for her.

    I love the cover art for this book!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 30, 2015 at 4:57 pm

      Hi MaryAnne,
      It’s great that Emma writes on her own! I wish my kids would do that more!

      Reply
  6. Fiona Ingram says:
    January 29, 2015 at 12:53 am

    Thanks for hosting me, Pragmatic Mom. I’m really glad people have enjoyed this post. I find that talking to kids about books, reading and doing their own writing is very rewarding. I once did a book reading/talk at a literacy center in quite a poor area. It was Book 1, The Secret of the Sacred Scarab, set in Egypt. I did not know what to expect but the organiser is passionate about child literacy so I said yes. It was incredible. The kids came dressed as Egyptians (many Cleopatras! many Tutankhamuns!). I think the parents had sacrificed quite a few bed sheets. The kids had also made models of pyramids, drawn maps of Egypt and written poems. I was bowled over. The organiser made it into a real event with popcorn and cold drinks. We had a Best Dressed Ancient Egyptian Contest as well.

    Thank you for the comment about the cover, Maryanne. I will pass that on to the artist/illustrator. She is busy with Book 3 and the images are stunning.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 30, 2015 at 4:58 pm

      Hi Fiona,
      Wow! That school visit sounds really special! I hope you were able to get a lot of photos! I think kids are naturally drawn into Ancient Egypt. I know I am and two of my kids are as well.

      Reply
  7. Rebecca Douglass says:
    January 29, 2015 at 1:04 pm

    Great suggestions, Fiona, and not just for kids!

    By the way, is the giveaway for the Sacred Scarab, or the Search for Excalibur? The header says one thing, the picture is of the other. You are advertising it as the latter, but when I clicked to tweet, it said the former. I don’t want to send it out there with the wrong thing!

    Reply
    1. Fiona Ingram says:
      January 30, 2015 at 12:41 am

      It is for The Search for the Stone of Excalibur. However, if anyone is keen to read an e-pub of Book 1, let me know.

      Reply
    2. Pragmatic Mom says:
      January 30, 2015 at 5:00 pm

      Hi Rebecca,
      I fixed the error. It’s the Search for Excalibur.

      Reply
      1. Fiona Ingram says:
        January 31, 2015 at 5:21 am

        Pragmatic Mom: about the book reading at the literacy center – what moved me was that it was a poor area, yet every single child came with something to contribute. Every child clearly had a parent’s help with a costume, ‘Egyptian’ make-up and a headdress (lots of aluminium foil and gold paint, and a few tasselled curtain cords!). That told me that every parent was involved somehow in supporting their child’s activities, even if it meant cutting up a bed sheet and spending a few hours on a costume to make sure their child felt included. I think that’s a good point as well to make: when kids feel their parents and teachers are involved and enthusiastic, it gets them involved and keen too.

        Reply
        1. Pragmatic Mom says:
          February 2, 2015 at 3:37 pm

          Hi Fiona,
          How moving that parents in a poor area were willing to put in time and sacrifice a bedsheet to participate in your author event. I totally agree with you! I think parents are the MOST IMPORTANT role model for getting kids reading. Not just kids seeing their parent reading, but having parents actively involved in making reading a priority and something that is fun. I highly recommend hosting a book club for kids as a parent. It’s turned out to be my kids’ favorite activity we ever did and it only seems to work in elemetary school for us; after that kids are so busy that it’s nearly impossible to find a time that works for everyone.

          Reply
  8. Larissa says:
    January 31, 2015 at 11:16 pm

    I don’t have kids, but my nephews aren’t old enough to be up to this yet. I imagine they will, since my sister was a great story writer as a kid.

    Reply
    1. Fiona Ingram says:
      February 1, 2015 at 2:58 am

      Parents can easily lead by example and when kids see their parents enjoy reading and stories, they will follow!

      Reply
      1. Pragmatic Mom says:
        February 2, 2015 at 3:40 pm

        Yes! Totally agree Fiona!!

        Reply
    2. Pragmatic Mom says:
      February 2, 2015 at 3:40 pm

      Hi Larissa,
      I hope your nephews enjoy writing and are inspired to write on their own. It’s tough for me to get my kids writing at home so I’m always looking for fun ideas to tempt them.

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Looking for something? Search here.

I’m Mia Wenjen!

Mia Wenjen Pragmatic Mom

Hi, I’m Mia Wenjen. Nice to meet you!

I blog excessively about diverse children’s books (picture books through middle grade). I am also the co-founder of Read Your World Celebrates Multicultural Children’s Book Day on Jan 25, 2024, our 11th year!

I’d love to chat with you. Let’s connect! PragmaticMomBlog (at) gmail (dot) com or through my social media handles.

Free Blog Updates in your Inbox (RSS feed)

Monthly Newsletter with Subscriber Only Giveaways in your Inbox

My Linktree (click for my links & socials)

my linktree

My Websites

  • How To Coach Girls
  • I Love Newton
  • Mia Wenjen (My New Author Website)

Camp Cody: Overnight Camp in New Hampshire

Read Your World LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch!

https://www.pragmaticmom.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Read-Your-World-FINAL-Merchandise-Video.mp4

Purchase Read Your World Merch

LGBTQIA+ Books Save Lives Merch.

Buy it here!

Search Amazon

Find Children's Books

Newton Children’s Book Festival 2025

Newton Children's Book Festival 2025

Get My Books Signed or Inscribed through my shop (click to purchase)

Mia Wenjen signed books

Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime! (click to purchase)

Cover Reveal: Boxer Baby Battles Bedtime!

We Sing From the Heart (click to pre-order)

We Sing From the Heart picture book cover reveal of The Slants Simon Tam

FOOD FOR THE FUTURE (click to purchase)

Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World by Mia Wenjen, illustrated by Robert Sae-Heng

CHANGING THE GAME (click to purchase)

Changing the Game: Asian Pacific American Female Athletes by Mia Wenjen

SUMO JOE (click to purchase)

Sumo Joe cover reveal

Asian Pacific American Heroes (click to purchase)

Asian Pacific American Heroes by Mia Wenjen

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures // I have 3 haiku poems (click to purchase)

GNOMES & UNGNOMES: Poems of Hidden Creatures 3 haiku by Mia Wenjen
Read Your World is Multicultural Children's Book Day

ClothingRIC- A Premium Coupon Website!

ThingsFromMars- The Wondrous World of Wacky Gift Products!

How to Get Kids Reading

  • Multicultural Books for Children: 60+ Book Lists
  • Getting Kids to Love Reading
  • Summer Reading Lists for Kids By Grade
  • Summer Reading Lists for Middle School Kids

Heim Nest Kid Mattress Exclusive Deal

Heim Nest Kid Mattress

AdvancedWriters.com is an expert writing service which helps students with academic writing.

educational toys

CEX.IO is a versatile crypto exchange platform where users can buy, sell, and trade cryptocurrencies, as well as access resources and tools to learn how to trade effectively.

MyPaperDone.com
is surely one of the best when it comes to paper writing assistance.

My Custom Essay
will guide you through academic life.

Essay Writing Services

If you ask "write my essay", Topessaywriting can help you with paper writing

TranslationReport can help you to choose the best translation service

If you are looking for the most trusted essay writing service, check this article about best essay writing service reviews at Econotimes

educational toys from dhgate stores

Assignment Writing Services Offer Assignment Assistance In UK Based Company 50% Discount Students

Playing at online casinos can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and you can find the best options at casinoszondercruksonline.com. 

For those seeking a safe and reputable gambling experience, the Meest betrouwbare buitenlandse casino lijst is an invaluable resource.

Archives

Categories

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship (click to purchase)

The Elusive Full Ride Scholarship: An Insider’s Guide

HOW TO COACH GIRLS (click to purchase)

How To Coach Girls silver award winner

Archives

I’ll be sharing WHAT I WISH I KNEW BEFORE I STARTED MY KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

HOW TO COACH GIRLS book trailer by Mia Wenjen & Alison Foley

https://youtu.be/j74M0bBxrGg

Recent Posts

  • Cover Reveal for Fight for the Right to Read June 16, 2025
  • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025! June 13, 2025
  • Sumo Joe turns 6 Years Old and 6 book GIVEAWAY! June 11, 2025
  • 7 Interfaith Picture Books & GIVEAWAY! June 9, 2025
  • Read Your World Summer Flash Sale! June 6, 2025

Categories

© 2025 Pragmatic Mom | Powered by Superbs Personal Blog theme
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.Accept Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are as essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT