Ah, creative writing! Two words that strike fear into so many homeschoolers! Though there are many resources to choose from, his subject can get a little monotonous. Want to spice this subject up a little? Here’s a method that has really helped my concrete, non-imaginative writers. Best of all, it’s inexpensive both in physical and emotional cost!
First, you’ll need access to the internet. Begin the assignment by choosing a short animated movie clip of your choosing. With the sound off, play the clip in 10-15 second increments. Each time you hit pause, allow your children’s creative minds to interpret vocally and then in writing what they just saw. This will serve as a rough draft or sloppy copy. If you have very young children, you can transcribe the story for them. Continue playing the clip, verbalizing, and writing. Once they complete this step, your child can go back and edit for spelling and grammar. You can encourage their word flow by having them jazz it up with alliterations, adjectives, or their own alternative endings.
Believe it or not, this is a massive help for reluctant writers as they are not spending hours trying to figure out what to write! You’re providing a visual basis that they can combine with their very own unique interpretation. Then, they can quickly move into the editing phase.
This is also another great way to combine subjects. Choose an animal-based show as their viewing material. Following the above method, once they get their rough copy completed, they can go back and put in more facts as needed. This helps the reluctant writer with the flow of information for a more informative essay.
Creative writing doesn’t have to be tedious or boring. Using today’s technology lifts a burden from mom’s shoulders while inspiring a reluctant writer with creativity!
Check out these resources from Rainbow Resource Center.
