Source: picjumbo/pixabay
There are so many ways to inspire and exercise the mind of young writers, from reading books and writing their own stories to creating scrapbooks and playing games. If you need a little aid for your own little writer, here are 7 great resources you can use!
1. Imagine Forest
Photo credits Imagine Forest
Packed with a library of resources, from Story Idea Generator with thousands of funny story ideas, downloadable short stories, story-writing lessons and worksheets to printable writing activities, papercraft ideas and writing games, Imagine Forest aims to inspire young minds and improve the writing skills of children. You can even write your own stories and share them with the Imagine Forest community.
2. Story Factory
Photo credits Story Factory
Story Factory is a not-for-profit creative writing center based in Australia for marginalized young people from 7 to 17 years old. In response to the current COVID-19 situation, Story Factory has created a range of online programs and resources to allow young ones to continue engaging with creative writing. Within the Resources for Creative Writing, you can find writing prompts and activities that you can do with your little ones, such as the Martial Mail pack, wherein little ones get creative about what life is like on Mars.
3. NaNoWriMo for Young Writers
Photo credits National Novel Writing Month
During the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in November, participants are challenged to draft an entire novel within the month. The word-count goal for adult program is 50,000 words, while the Young Writers Program, for those 17 years and under, allows participants to set their own word-count goals. Outside of November, you can also take part in mini-events held in April and July, and even create your own personal writing challenges. You can also access free inspirational and motivational resources on the site.
4. LearnEnglish Kids by British Council
Photo credits British Council
LearnEnglish Kids by British Council is a platform for young ones to learn and practice their English in a fun way. Packed with songs, short stories, writing practices, videos, craft activities, and an array of online games, from Story Maker to word games, the site is suitable for kids aged 5 to 12 years.
5. ABCya!
Photo credits ACBya
ABCya has over 400 educational games, from Story Maker, spelling and grammar games to science, geography, math and music games, suitable for kids from Pre-K (3 years old) and up. Additionally, they also have a collection of videos on craft activities that you can try out such as How to Make An Origami Bird, Paper Football & Goalpost and a Lei Bracelet.
6. Scholastic
Photo credits Scholastic
Scholastic has a host of free resources that you can make use of to develop your little ones’ creative writing. In addition to writing, reading and listening activities like Story Starter, A Clifford Interactive Storybook Game and Read-along Books, you can also find science and history activities, as well as quizzes and games. While the resources are aimed at teachers, it will be useful for parents as well, especially during this period of Home-based Learning.
7. Once Upon A Picture
Photo credits Little Oil/Jhao-Yu Shih via Once Upon A Picture
Once Upon a Picture houses a curated collection of pictures, including illustrations and digital art. Each picture is paired with a list of questions that you can discuss together with your kids to engage their mind and stimulate their imagination, and write stories based on the images.
