10 ways to improve your child’s creative writing skills

By Beth Evans
Mentor

Creative writing is a powerful tool for children to express themselves, fuel their imagination, and build confidence.

Whether preparing for exams or simply improving their skills, creative writing enhances both self-esteem and academic performance. Here are 10 practical strategies to help boost your child’s creative writing abilities.

 Read on to:

• Discover ways to nurture your child’s creativity

• Learn how to make writing an enjoyable experience

• Understand how to help your child develop a strong vocabulary and writing habits

• Find out how to provide the right support at home

• Get tips for overcoming writer’s block and making writing a regular habit

1. Encourage regular writing practice

Consistent practice is key to improving creative writing. Encourage your child to write regularly, even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes a day. Writing doesn’t always have to be a big project—short stories, journal entries, or simple creative descriptions can spark inspiration. The more they write, the more confident and fluent they’ll become in expressing their ideas.

2. Make writing fun and imaginative

Writing should be an exciting chance for your child’s imagination to flourish. Try fun activities like writing prompts such as “What if you had a superpower?” or “What’s behind the secret door in your school?” You can also play games by creating stories from random words or images. Making writing enjoyable helps your child view it as an adventure, not just a task.

3. Read together to inspire writing

Reading and writing go hand in hand. By reading together, you can introduce your child to different styles and genres, sparking their creativity. Discussing stories—what makes them interesting or how authors build excitement—helps them think critically and apply these insights to their own writing. A love of reading naturally fosters a love of writing.

4. Build a rich vocabulary

A rich vocabulary is essential for creative writing. Help your child grow their vocabulary by introducing new words in everyday conversations and encouraging them to use new words in their writing. Keep a “word diary” where they note down interesting words they come across, along with their meanings. Encouraging them to experiment with these words in their stories will help them develop more precise and imaginative writing.

5. Teach the power of planning

A blank page can be intimidating, but with the right planning, writing becomes much easier. Encourage your child to plan their writing before they start. Use simple outlines, mind maps, or bullet points to help them organise their thoughts. Planning the structure of their story or essay ensures that ideas flow logically and reduces feelings of overwhelm. A little preparation gives them confidence to get started and helps their creativity flow more easily.

6. Offer positive and constructive feedback

Feedback is vital for growth, but it’s important to be both constructive and encouraging. Celebrate what your child does well, whether it’s a vivid description, an engaging plot, or a well-developed character. This positive reinforcement will motivate them to continue developing their skills. When offering feedback on areas for improvement, frame it as an opportunity to grow: “This part is great—how could you make the ending even more exciting?” This approach fosters confidence and makes writing feel rewarding.

7. Explore different genres and styles

Encourage your child to explore different genres, from fantasy to mystery and even poetry. Writing in various styles helps them develop versatility and discover new techniques. For example, poetry teaches rhythm and imagery, while a mystery story encourages suspense and plot development. Trying different genres will enhance their creativity and writing skills, while broadening their understanding of various styles.

8. Set manageable writing goals

Setting realistic writing goals helps keep your child motivated and focused. Start with small, achievable goals, like writing a 500-word story or finishing a draft by the end of the week. Long-term goals can focus on mastering techniques like character development or plot structure. Celebrate their progress to boost their confidence and inspire them to keep growing. Regular, attainable goals make writing feel more manageable and rewarding, encouraging steady improvement.

 9. Help them tackle writer’s block

Writer’s block is a natural part of the creative process. If your child gets stuck, suggest taking a break or trying a new approach. Encourage them to write freely, without worrying about perfection—great ideas often come unexpectedly. A change of scenery, like a walk or drawing, can also help refresh their mind. Remind them that writing is about exploration and expression, and not everything needs to be perfect from the start.

10. Consider tailored mentoring support

Sometimes, extra support can really help your child unlock their writing potential. At Oppidan Education, we provide personalised mentoring to help students improve their creative writing. Our experienced mentors can guide your child through the writing process, offering tailored feedback, suggestions for overcoming challenges, and strategies to boost their confidence. Whether they’re preparing for exams or just looking to develop their skills, mentoring can provide the support they need to thrive as writers.