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
    • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025!
    • We Sing From the Heart makes Bank Street Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025!
    • The Traveling Taco featured in Booklist
    • 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
Writing Tips for Children from NS Blackman

Writing Tips for Children

Posted on March 9, 2015May 14, 2024 by Pragmatic Mom

What if… your child wants to write a really great story but can’t?

Writing Tips for Children from author NS Blackman of The Secret Dinosaur series

Kids who love reading very often like writing too – there’s no surprise in that.  It’s fantastic if your child gets the writing bug. They’ve spent hours reading a great book and now they want to move on from being absorbed in someone else’s story to creating one of their own.

Wow – result! Anything creative: involving thinking, imagining, and expressing ideas is fantastic for your child’s development and it’s really going to help them at school too.

But along with ambition comes … frustration. It’s pretty much inevitable. Your child doesn’t want to just write a simple story, they want to create something as fantastic, brilliant, and impressive as the book they’ve just read. In fact, they want a whole book of their own, with their name on it.

Civil War United States

No one wants to hear that writing isn’t easy and it can take years to get good. And there’s also the small problem of facts. They want to write a story set during the Civil War, or ancient Rome, or the Ice Age… but they do not know enough about those times (at least not to write their grand story).

Ancient Rome

As a parent, it’s painful to see despondency setting in and all those wonderful creative ambitions dissolving or being crumpled up along with the paper.

ice age

So what do you do? Naturally, you reach for those phrases which you think make good sense (but which actually don’t help) such as: ‘keep trying’, ‘you’ll get better with practice’, ‘nothing worth doing is easy’ or – worst of all, believe me – ‘you’ll find it easier when you’re older’.

keep trying meme

Your young writer doesn’t want to wait until they’re older.  As a child, I didn’t want to wait until I was older – my confident younger self was quite sure that my masterpiece could be written that very weekend!

And, really they don’t want to practice either. And they don’t want you to tell them how to do it (although they do want you to make everything alright).

They just want to write as easily as they read; they want to enjoy doing it and they want to be genuinely pleased with what they create.

So what can you tell them? Every child is different of course, but here are some ideas that I’ve found helpful – these are simple steps and they are not that different from techniques used by professional writers, but they are particularly helpful to children:

1)      A great story doesn’t have to be long, or complicated. What your young writer should do is try to keep the reader hooked, even if it’s just for five minutes. Tell them that lots of people can write pages and pages that aren’t very good, but it’s a real achievement to write something short that readers respond to.

2)     Try writing just a scene or two – it may be short but it will be great and you can leave your readers wanting more. (They’ll want you to write more mini adventures with the same characters – and, if you have the ambition, you can build up your collection of small stories into something bigger).

3)      Start with a situation (funny, scary, exciting, mysterious – you choose!). Put your character/s into that situation and use your imagination to think about what would happen to them.

This leads to the most important step, and the most enjoyable…

4)    All stories are ‘what ifs’.  So, if you are stuck on what to write, play a what-if game with yourself (or with a friend).

Here’s an example that I’ve used in talks at schools (with children aged 5 to 8) – it gets everyone thinking and making suggestions. I ask: what would you do if, when you’re walking home from school, a T-Rex suddenly steps out of the bushes ahead of you? It’s a big T-Rex (a really hefty one, like the ones in Jurassic Park) and it’s looking around, sniffing. But it hasn’t spotted you yet.

T Rex

How would you feel (surprised, yes – incredulous, sure – but honestly? terrified of course); and if you don’t want to get eaten, what’s your best survival strategy? Stand very still? Climb a tree? Hide in a bush? Try to scare it away. Run? Run where? And what happens when you do?

T rex

Each one of these ideas will make a short story in itself (admittedly, in some cases the story would end sooner than others… don’t try scaring a T-Rex away unless you have some serious hardware with you).

The point is, once you start thinking of ‘what-ifs’ you are no longer thinking about writing, you are writing – you’re just doing it in your head. You’re letting your wonderful imagination get going, and most importantly you are enjoying yourself.

In the example above, the young writer might decide to explain how and why the T-Rex appeared – and they can do that if they want – but that might just get complicated. The really exciting part of the story is the fact that it is there, the description of it, and what happens to the child who sees it.

Don’t try to be too complicated, enjoy thinking of what-ifs, and you’ll write a story that’s really good to read.

NS Blackman
NS Blackman

Nigel Blackman is a London-based writer, illustrator, and father of two.   He has been writing and drawing since his own school days, but was particularly inspired to write the Dinoteks series for his own children, during their dinosaur-mad phase!  Illustration is as important to him as writing.   His early reader books have many dinosaur pictures and activities and he is a judge for the annual Children’s Art Competition at the Dulwich Festival in London.

The opening chapter of the Dinoteks series is featured in Hodder Education’s forthcoming Literacy Handbook for Teachers – as an example of good fiction writing, specifically how to write a really exciting beginning to a story.  Nigel visits many schools in the UK to talk about his work and to give the children tips on producing good creative writing as well as illustrating tips for their work. 

In May he will travel to Los Angeles for a series of talks in elementary schools, having been invited to visit by some ardent Dinotek fans! 

Nigel’s next book series will be out next year, with a sci-fi feel for an older age group. To learn more about NS Blackman, please visit his website.

 

To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.

Writing Tips for Children from NS Blackman

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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

* all images from Wikipedia

 

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.

Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities 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

19 thoughts on “Writing Tips for Children”

  1. Jeanette Nyberg says:
    March 9, 2015 at 8:49 am

    I’ve been insanely excited to see how much Fen loves to write, so I’m actually going to print this out for her. So much of this advice can be used for frustrated young artists as well!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      March 9, 2015 at 1:51 pm

      Hi Jeanette,
      Thanks so much for making the connection to anything else creative like art! I hope Fen likes it! She is so seriously talented (like her mama and papa!) … I’ve seen her art on Instagram and it never fails to amaze me especially as she’s so young! I love her manga!

      Reply
  2. Patricia Tilton says:
    March 9, 2015 at 1:40 pm

    I am sure a lot of parents will welcome this post. It is a very helpful guide to get your kids who want to write started, but not overwhelmed.

    Reply
  3. Ali Collins says:
    March 9, 2015 at 6:35 pm

    Thanks for this great list of suggestions! I confess… I have often fallen into the “Keep trying” Mantra. Next time my little writers try writing something, I’ll have some great concrete ways to help. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      March 22, 2015 at 9:45 am

      Hi Ali,
      I’m so glad you found NS Blackman’s post helpful! I think it’s so great you get your kids writing! I wish mine would write at home!

      Reply
  4. N.S.Blackman says:
    March 10, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    Thanks, I hope it helps! (Oh, and don’t forget to sit down together when the story is finished and enjoy reading it out loud. That’s got to be the best reward for any young writer…)

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      March 22, 2015 at 9:46 am

      Thanks so much for your great post N.S. Blackman!

      Reply
  5. Erik TKRB says:
    March 10, 2015 at 8:56 pm

    WOW! This is a great article – especially for me – a kid who likes to write! :o)

    Reply
    1. N.S.Blackman says:
      March 12, 2015 at 6:33 pm

      Thanks – and good luck with your writing Erik – have fun with it!

      Reply
      1. Pragmatic Mom says:
        March 22, 2015 at 9:51 am

        Hi N.S.,
        I’m not sure if you know but Erik is also a published author and has a wonderful blog reviewing KidLit.

        Reply
    2. Pragmatic Mom says:
      March 22, 2015 at 9:47 am

      Hi Erik,
      I’m so glad you liked it! 🙂

      Reply
  6. Joanna says:
    March 11, 2015 at 8:37 am

    Excellent post. I have bookmarked it for school visits too and if I ever get back into the classroom. Thank you.

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      March 22, 2015 at 9:47 am

      Hi Joanna,
      Thank you so much for your kind words!

      Reply
  7. Ann says:
    March 11, 2015 at 2:34 pm

    Great post and I am going to have my daughter read it too. It is hard as a parent to see your child disappointed by unrealistic goals. This happened just this week. My daughter wanted to write and put on a play with her friends from her acting class but she couldn’t even get anyone to commit to a time to meet. She was so disappointing.

    Reply
    1. N.S.Blackman says:
      March 12, 2015 at 6:31 pm

      Thanks, I know how that feels Ann – if she keeps going with her love of drama I hope she’ll connect with some friends who are as enthusiastic as she is. Meantime, maybe get her to write a script for a family ‘read through’ (for a special occasion?) – it’s really motivating to have an event to aim for, and of course great fun for everyone on the day.

      Reply
      1. Pragmatic Mom says:
        March 22, 2015 at 9:51 am

        Hi N.S.,
        How wonderful that she’s motivated to write a play!

        Reply
    2. Pragmatic Mom says:
      March 22, 2015 at 9:48 am

      Hi Ann,
      I love that your daughter is acting and creating plays! I hope she can get a time figured out. Sometimes logistics are the hardest part of any project!

      Reply
  8. maryanne @ mama smiles says:
    March 14, 2015 at 7:05 pm

    I love Tip #4. So important! Thanks for sharing these tips!

    Reply
    1. Pragmatic Mom says:
      March 22, 2015 at 9:57 am

      Hi MaryAnne,
      So glad you liked the post from NS Blackman!

      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

  • My Daughter’s Start Up SWARM wins $100k from VentureCat! June 20, 2025
  • The Traveling Taco on Reading Rockets’ Summer Reading Guide 2025! June 18, 2025
  • 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

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