Since we talked earlier this week about composition, I thought I'd share one of the items I use to help spur on creative writing in my home. Sometimes, the children have a great idea for a story, and I let them run with it! Other times, I know they need to be writing, but we are all out of new ideas for stories. Well, that's when I turn to Story Starters.
This is a collection of dozens of pictures and story beginnings that will jump-start your stumped writer. The pictures are wonderful black and white drawings from the 19th century - and lend a feeling of wonder and playfulness that will inspire your young writer to write great stories!
Each story starter also has a few extras - like a brief description of a real-life person who lived out what is described in the story, or writing helps - like questions that could be answered with the portion of the story your child writes. I don't use the writing helps unless my child is truly stumped about where to take the story. All the stories have been fascinating for us, so far! One more thing - some of the stories have one of two marks - (B) to indicate that it's a good choice for a beginning writer, and (I) to indicate that this story is intense. Otherwise, the stories are presented for you to pick and choose which ones to use.
This resource is helpful for composition at all ages! For my younger children who do not read or write well, I read the starter to them. Then, I get a telling of the end of the story. These are often quite fun and can get long and involved! Once they start writing, the stories tend to get shorter...
I have found this resource to be a great help - it takes a load off my brain when it comes to creative writing time. My children have really enjoyed the variety of stories and the hints and tips often give them even more ideas.
I hope this review has been helpful for you. What about you - do you enjoy the creative writing process?
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