creative writing classes for kids

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Young Writers

Lighthouse's Young Writers Workshops are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing. There are no grades here, just the stories. We offer workshops at Lighthouse including afterschool and weekend workshops, the Young Authors Collective, and summer camps, as well as youth outreach in schools, at juvenile residential treatment centers, and in collaboration with other arts organizations.

For the latest on workshops and events,  sign up for our Young Writers Program e-newsletter . 

Lighthouse connects kids and teens to words, new friends, and a writing community. We offer workshops in poetry, fiction, nonfiction, playwriting, screenwriting, and many other genres and topics. Our classes are taught by published authors and are designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing.

Summer Writing Camps

Lighthouse's Young Writers Camps are led by published and award-winning writers, and each workshop is designed to foster creativity, self-expression, and excitement about writing in young writers aged 8 to 18. Registration for half-day camp and applications for full-day camp will open on January 1, 2019.

School Outreach

The Young Writers Program offers creative writing workshops in public and private schools as well as juvenile residential treatment centers throughout the Denver metro area. Led by working, published writers with a passion for sharing their craft, our outreach workshops provide access to our innovative creative writing programming for young people who cannot come to Lighthouse.

The Young Authors Collective, or YAC, is a group of talented, word-obsessed high school writers dedicated to experimenting with new creative forms, collaborating with other arts organizations, and writing a ton. We meet once a week at Lighthouse to generate new pieces, give friendly feedback, and work towards publication.

Support Young Writers

Our Future Scribes Depend on Your Support. Nearly all of the workshops and projects that will engage 2,300 students this year are free to attend, and for the sessions that do have tuition, such as summer writing camp, financial aid is available for any student who needs it. We want all young people who want to write to be able to do so and for them to be nurtured by the best instructors and mentors available. This only happens with the support of generous donors like you.

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36 Best Kids Creative Writing Classes in 2024

Showing 36 courses that match your search.

Coding with Minecraft Online

Writing Adventures

In this course, students will use Minecraft Education Edition to learn core coding concepts such as sequencing, variables, functions, loops, and if/then conditionals, with interactive classes conducted via Zoom.

Website: https://www.hisawyer.com/online-classes/free

Categories: Kids

Start date:

August, 2024

Prerequisites: No prerequisites

Young Writer's Blueprint

Writing Blueprints

A hands-on, step-by-step guide for children ages 6-10 focusing on gathering ideas, character creation, writing short stories, longer works, poetry, and editing. Includes downloadable videos, worksheets, and writing prompts for offline use.

Website: https://writingblueprints.com/p/writing-course-ages-6-10

Open all year round

Outdoor Adventure Writing with Jamie Siebrase

Denver Writes

The course combines creativity with education while focusing on outdoor adventure themes. It is part of a series of workshops that also aim to build a community of young writers.

Website: http://www.denverwrites.org/workshops/

September, 2024

How to Write a Novel

Your story matters. Unlock your potential with daily video lessons from bestselling ghostwriter Tom Bromley, and finish your first draft in just 3 months. Learn more →

2024 I Love to Write Camp

Kansas City Writers

In this course, students in grades 2-8 will participate in creative writing workshops that focus on various writing techniques and types, with an emphasis on free writing and enjoying the process without the pressure of grades.

Website: https://www.kansascitywriters.com/workshops-for-kids.html

Novel Writing for Kids

Juni Learning

This course guides middle and high schoolers to write novels, enhancing their creative writing skills and accountability with structured support.

Website: https://junilearning.com/

Prerequisites: Completion of 5th Grade English/Language Arts coursework.

Wild, Weird, and Supernatural: Sci-Fi and Fantasy Camp For Ages 14-18

Lighthouse Writers Workshop

The course explores speculative fiction genres like sci-fi, fantasy, supernatural, horror, dystopian fiction, and surrealism through prompts, character building, and world creation. Participants will complete a short story or multiple chapters.

Website: https://lighthousewriters.org/

Writing & Illustrating a Children’s Picture Book

Curtis Brown Creative

The course includes video modules, writing and illustrating tasks, comprehensive resources, professional feedback from an expert editor, and access to a student forum for peer support.

Website: https://www.curtisbrowncreative.co.uk/

October, 2024

Writing Foundations

Word Up Kids

This course focuses on inner form and creative expression, and offers options for students to publish work in an anthology or their own book. The method is tailored to each child's age and needs.

Website: https://www.wordupkids.com/

High School/College Prep

This course addresses writing as a means of shaping thought, helping students bridge the gap between thinking and writing. It aims to prevent writer's block and enhance idea expression.

Crafting the Chapter Book

The Writing Barn

This online course consists of 6 sessions led by Marcie Colleen. It focuses on drafting chapter books and includes weekly lectures, exercises, and critiques. Participants will learn about creating engaging characters, plotting, and crafting pitches for their series.

Website: https://thewritingbarn.com/upcoming-classes/

Adopt a Class Pet

The Writer's Workshop for Kids

A 4-week virtual writing class for K-2 students, featuring a weekly 35-minute Zoom call, engaging materials on Google Classroom, and personal feedback.

Website: https://ronnirowland.com/adopt-a-class-pet/

Poetry Junior

Dream Create Write

This course includes funny poetry readings, rhyming practice, and writing exercises. 4-week class with 35-minute weekly Zoom calls and Google Classroom materials.

Website: https://ronnirowland.com/poetry-junior/

How to choose a creative writing class for kids

Looking to help a child build their writing skillset, learn more about the craft of writing, or finally finish that story they've been working on? You’re in the right place. That’s why we built this directory of the best creative writing courses.

However, creative writing classes aren’t one size fit all. If you’re planning to enroll your child in a creative writing class for kids, you’ll want to make sure that it matches what you’re seeking.

So make sure to consider the following questions when you’re researching kids writing courses:

• Who is the instructor? How many years of experience do they have in working with children?
• Is there something in particular you’d like your child to learn about writing? Does this course include it?
• How long is the course, and where is it taught?
• How much does the kids writing course cost? Does it fit into your budget?

More kids creative writing resources

Whether you’re a new or established author, there are always evergreen resources out there to how to help a kid get a headstart on writing. 

Free online materials

• Creative Writing Prompts (resource)
• Book Title Generator (resource)
• Character Name Generator (resource)
• Plot Generator (resource)
• Short Stories (resource)
• How to Write a Novel (blog post)
• How to Edit a Book (blog post)

Recommended books

• For writers in the UK:  Writers' & Artists' Yearbook  
• For writers in the US:  Writer’s Market 2020

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The Writer's Workshop for Kids

Online writing classes

The Writer’s Workshop for Kids offers creative, non-sectarian online writing classes for kids in grades K-8. The *live* writing classes are fun! Kids write humor, action, and more while learning different writing techniques. Find weekday writing classes for homeschoolers, after-school and weekend writing classes, and summer writing camps.

Sign up for Fall 2024 writing classes!

🍂 Download the Fall 2024 Schedule (PDF) ! Updated 9/19: Adjusted time for Tuesday Poetry class. Times are listed in PST, so please adjust for your time zone.

🤩 Popular Classes

🤩 Fall 2024 Schedule At-a-Glance

🍂 Download the Fall 2024 Schedule (PDF)! Updated 9/19: Adjusted time for Tuesday Poetry class. Times are listed in PST, so please adjust for your time zone.

The Writer’s Workshop for Kids offers fun *live* online writing classes via Google Classroom & Zoom.

We meet weekly on Zoom (1 hour for grades 3+ and 35 minutes for grades K-2), and curriculum materials are hosted on Google Classroom. Class sizes are small, so writers have many opportunities to share ideas and showcase their work!

Grades K-2 Junior writers learn rhyming, the parts of speech, & more in a fun environment.

Grades 3+ From pirates & poetry to fantasy & science fiction, writers find their “voice!”

Grades 6-8 Learn how to write a research paper step by step. Or gather a group for creative writing.

My Philosophy

We have fun in class! Writing is all about sharing ideas & playing with words. We support & encourage each other. Discover what you like to write & read.

Workshop Delivery

Explore different writing styles and skills in fun, interactive online workshops . Delivered via Google Classroom, Zoom, brainstorming & discussions, videos, & more!

Feedback Style

I give personal feedback and highlight what kids are doing right. I nurture progress in writing skills with positive support & guidance!

The Writer’s Workshop for Kids is an approved vendor for California charter schools, including: Blue Ridge Academy, Cabrillo Point Academy, Compass Charter Schools, Excel Academy , Granite Mountain Charter School, IEM Schools (South Sutter, Ocean Grove, Sky Mountain) , iLEAD , Mission Vista Academy, Pacific Coast Academy, and Sage Oak Charter Schools ! You may submit a PO for my workshops if you are a member of these charter schools. Or you may pay via PayPal, Venmo, & Zelle: [email protected] .

Receive occasional updates about classes, schedules, helpful writing tips, free resources, and more.

Get ready for a fun adventure on the page !

My Writing Experience in Numbers

years of writing & editing experience

diverse industries

dedicated instructor

committed to you

Hi. I’m Craig.

I am a professional writer and educator for 20+ years. i’m here to say writing is not enrichment. it is essential., we are living in a new era. creative thinking is crucial to survive and prosper. so why is creative writing still called an “elective”, it deserves to be the cornerstone..

If your child loves to write and wants more creative stimulation and mentoring, you are in the right place. If your child avoids writing like the plague because it’s too hard to organize thoughts or they just simply don’t like it, you are in the right place. If your child is dealing with emotional challenges, finding it hard to open up and needs something therapeutic, you are in the right place.

Courses and classes, all classes are virrtual, writing foundations level 1, all ages & levels.

Most writing classes for kids focus on form and outer structure – Word Up Kids’ technique focuses on the inner form. Where do ideas come from? How do we bridge the gap between thought and expression? Why is finding the inner voice so hard?

We take the mystery out of writing and make it simple – and endlessly fun. Students have the option to publish their work in our Anthology series or in their own book.

My method is individualized based on your child’s age and needs.

Schedule:  

Session 1 June 8 – June 29 Tuesdays 4.30-5.30pm Ages 7-12 June 9 – June 30 Wednesdays 6.30-7.30pm Ages 13 and Up

Session 2 July 6 – July 27 Tuesdays 4.30-5.30pm Ages 7-12 July 7 – July 28 Wednesdays 6.30-7.30pm Ages 13 and Up

Session 3 August 3 – August 24 Tuesdays Ages 7-12 August 4 – August 25 Wednesdays Ages 13 and Up

4 weeks, 1 class per week | $300.

All classes are virtual.

HIGH SCHOOL/COLLEGE PREP

Most courses on writing consider the main purpose of writing to be communication. Few courses see writing as a way of shaping thought.

Yes, writing needs to be a clear, direct communication of thought and ideas. But many of our thoughts first come into clarity only after the pen hits the paper. 

This course provides high school and college students with a method for bridging the gap between thinking and writing that will prevent falling into writer’s block. It will dramatically improve one’s ability to come up with and express ideas, and be of great educational and practical value.

Session 2 July 6 – July 27 Tuesdays 5.30-6.30pm (High School) July 8 – July 29 Thursdays 5-6pm (College)

4 weeks, 1 class per week | $300

Private sessions & mentoring, 1 to 1 tutoring, (or build your own class).

If you are looking for 1 to 1 writing mentoring – or wish to build your own class – this is for you. These sessions will be tailored to your writing goals and schedule needs. Students have the option of publishing their work in our Word Up Kids Anthology series, or work on creating their own book.

Price: $125/hr. solo | $150/hr. duo | $175/hr. trio

FAMILY WRITER’S CIRCLE

I have tried to create the workshop I have most wanted to attend with my own family. In these interactive sessions I’ve designed interpersonal writing and sharing exercises that help family members take off their masks in a safe space so that they can better see, hear, understand and love one another.

The family that writes together…

Price: $200 per hour

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