Kids Creative Writing

Early writers should be encouraged to write anything anyway they feel like writing. It's important to reward simply the effort of writing, whether or not the results are spectacular. Crushing aspirations right off the bat can have harmful affects to a child's self esteem. Since writing is such a vital skill, both for school and career, you want to minimize any fears or doubts.

Once kids have developed a joy for writing, guides like Story Wizard - Creative Writing Software for Kids book writing software can give them the help they need in understanding how to plan, design, and write their own creative works of art. This software helps them choose characters and setting and gives them a place to log their writing. They can even create their own book cover.

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There are lots of creative writing contests available for kids. Before you select one online, however, make sure the contest is being put on by a reputable company. I've highlighted a few that offer something unique to the experience of creative writing:

Scholastic puts on an annual creative writing contest for kids in grades K-8. The entry must contain both writing and accompanying pictures. This contest only allows a team entry with each team consisting of three children in the age group. An adult must assist the team in meeting the submission requirements. Not only does this allow kids to practice teamwork but if a child who likes to write but doesn't want to draw, they can leverage the skills of their friends, each playing an important role in the creation. Submissions for the 2010 contest are due in March 15, 2010.

Tus, a childrens' magazine available in multiple languages, does a monthly writing contest for kids under 12 years of age and publishes the monthly winners on the website. Winners receive a little prize and the pride that goes with seeing their own work online. Entry is simple and done online and the stories do not have to be very long. Each months' contest is tied to a writing prompt provided for that month. Get creative and let kids have some fun with this one! They'll also enjoy the games and activities on the site.

Amazing Kids is a non-profit organization supporting child development and excellence in all children. Not only do they put on an annual creative writing contest but they have other regular contests for children in art and creative sciences including greeting card design, book cover drawings, and T-shirt art.

If a child is just beginning to write and you want them to be able to share their work and receive recognition, use your Facebook, MySpace, or Family blog or newsletter to share their work. As they receive praise from family, they'll build up confidence in their work and feel good about continuing their efforts.

Kids today are much more familiar with technology than we were at their age. They're learning to type and use computers at such early ages. While many of us in my generation started writing with a pencil and paper, today's kids may feel much more comfortable at the keyboard.

If they're old enough to have computer time and know how to type, or are just learning to type, let them do their writing on the computer, if they're so inclined. Set up a folder on your computer where they can store work they write online. You can even use some of today's blogging platforms as an online writing journal for kids. Free blogs like Blogger are easy to set up and can be made private so that no one or only designated friends and family can see the blog. Kids can add pictures to their writing and practice using HTML to format their work.

Photo by: deryckh / CC BY-SA 2.0