How To Teach Writing to Children

Most children's book authors have a way of inspiring children not just to read more but also dream big - and become a writer. You can give the same inspiration directly - by teaching writing lessons to children.

1. Find multiple opportunities to be able to teach writing to children.
   • School is a good place to start. However, if you plan to teach writing to children on a long-term basis, you may need to meet the specific school's curriculum goals. Rather, try to see if you can volunteer during special school events.
   • Your neighborhood. See if you can chat with fellow parents who are looking to give special creative writing lessons to their children. Other kids may also need some tutoring with their writing subjects.
   • Home-schooling organizations. Most home-schooling organizations will let you post an ad in their newsletter for free. However, you may not be able to get information on their member families.
   • Special community programs. There may be a prominent writer or sponsor families in town willing to work with you in giving a special (seasonal) creative writing program for children.
   • The local theater or other recreational art centers. These are very good venues to teach writing to children. You'll be able to teach scriptwriting, plus, you can also help recreation centers promote and expand their arts programs.
   • Libraries and bookstores. This is especially good if you plan on teaching themed writing on holidays or special days - like Christmas, Halloween, or a famous author's birthday.
   • Summer camps. You can organize your own week-long language arts camp, or just join a casual camp where you can teach children how to write a better "what I did last summer."
2. Have what is takes to teach writing, to children. Any writer can teach writing even if they are not teachers; on the other hand, there must be something in you that enjoys children naturally. You need a special desire to show children how much fun writing could be. And you also have to simply love talking about writing. To be able to talk about writing...
3. You must have a good enough experience in writing, just enough experience. You don't have to be published extensively (children won't care about that), but make sure you have something to show on how interesting your job as a writer is.

You may need to learn more about the real action - how to teach writing to children efficiently and effectively. Stay tuned for part 2: "How To Work with Young Writers".