Elementary Creative Writing
The art of creative writing is first taught to students in elementary school, as soon as they have a good grasp on the alphabet, reading, spelling and handwriting. It is amazing how creative these students can be, and many of them delight in weaving stories. For elementary schoolers, many of the creative writing projects are accompanied by artwork by the student. Elementary creative writing is the student’s introduction to this art form, and often the first time a student discovers they love to write.
For some students, writing is a pleasure, something they enjoy doing. For others, it is difficult, like pulling teeth. Either way, creative prompts from the teacher to get started can help. In the younger grades a teacher may give students a topic and a length, and ask them to write a story, poem or essay. Sometimes the student might be given a broad subject and allowed to choose their own more narrow topic to write about. By the time a student is finished with elementary school, they should have a pretty good grasp on creative writing and by now should know if it is something they love.
When moving up in grade, middle school creative writing can be more challenging. In most areas middle school consists of 6th, 7th and 8th grade. These students get more in depth when it comes to creative writing and produce higher quality works. Some may even attend workshops or special programs to encourage their talent and confidence. Many of the world’s most successful writers have written their whole lives, only attaining fame as a published author in adulthood or even late adulthood. For example, the prolific author Nora Roberts was in her thirties when her first book was published in 1981, and today she has a staggering 165 romance novels under her belt.
It all starts with a burning desire to write, a love of creative writing. This is usually spotted in elementary creative writing. Normally a student who is naturally talented and enjoys creative writing would make an ideal career writer, or writing teacher. Even students without natural aptitude who like to write can learn the skills necessary and become successful in writing also. Elementary school teachers should nurture and encourage students who enjoy writing, as a little encouragement can go a very long way. As a child my elementary art teacher encouraged my short stories, and as an adult I love writing and have never forgotten her contribution to my life.