7 Amazing Benefits of Creative Writing

Writing is a key part of the English National Curriculum. I believe fostering children’s creative writing helps their communication skills flourish. 

What is creative writing?

Creative writing covers: 

• Fiction (short stories, long narratives)
• Non-fiction (persuasive, recount, diary, news report)
• Poetry

Creative writing enables children to express their individuality within a creative structure. The subjective nature of writing makes it a uniquely enjoyable discipline for children. Young writers can have huge fun harnessing their creative thoughts and ideas.

Here are 7 ways that creative writing can benefit your child:

Develops writing skills

Children who regularly exercise their creative writing muscles will learn to adjust, evaluate their writing and build their skills. Writing is a multi-layered process and regular practice is a powerful plan for long-lasting success. It’s often the effort that goes into regular practice that has the strongest impact on individual progress. 

Writing isn’t meant to be easy, but finishing a piece feels satisfying. It’s great for children to try something difficult which will grow their self-discipline and commitment. 


Encourages individual creativity

Plotting a character’s journey allows children to develop their natural creative confidence. Ideas spring to mind from books they read and thoughts swirl, before coming alive on a blank page. 

These elements are spun together to create a unique piece of writing. This creative freedom enables children to explore risk-taking in a healthy way. 

We all see the world through our own lens and children’s writing encapsulates this perfectly. 

3 tips to boost your child’s creativity

• Read a variety of fiction books
• Headspace to quieten unwanted distractions
• Encourage a ‘have a go’ mindset

Helps your child’s self-expression

Children who love to read often enjoy writing. The medium of writing allows them to have fun with their imagination. Those who have a tendency to be self-critical benefit from a balanced approach, namely curiosity and supportive feedback. 

Exploring ideas requires a non-judgmental space for children to write at a comfortable pace. Here they can channel their individual thoughts on paper that would otherwise go unsaid. This helps children to find their ‘flow’ and to be the best writers they want to be. 

Increases empathy

When children write stories they learn to consider a character’s motives, deciding how actions will build and develop. Empathy encourages children to listen to other people’s perspectives. It’s a way to press pause on our own thoughts and feelings to consider an opposing point of view. 

To understand that people represent a melting pot of experiences and varied perspectives is an invaluable life skill. 

3 ways creative writing develops empathy 

• Exploring the perspectives of different characters
• Considering how characters interact 
• Reflecting on your main character’s journey 

Fosters a love for reading

Young, aspirational authors also tend to be keen readers. Reading can be a source of joy and inspiration for your child’s writing. Plus the more your child enjoys reading the more inspired they are likely to be.

However, if your child doesn’t love reading, creative writing may just be the route to finding their reading joy. Through talking about characters and settings, your child may feel inspired to explore books that take their fancy. 

Books teach children to:

• Discover new ideas
• Make connections between their world and imaginary worlds
• Reflect on fictional events 
• Gain ideas for their own writing

Develops their imaginative writing

Creative writing stretches children’s imagination beyond the confines of any classroom. They learn to trust their ideas and gain confidence in experimenting, whilst learning that mistakes are an inevitable part of growing their skills. 

Writing gives children the power to explore different worlds and at the same time allows them to process their thoughts and feelings in the here and now. 

3 tips to help your child find their ‘flow’ 

Practice, practice, practice! 

The more time spent honing those skills, the better the writer your child will become, right? Well yes, as long as they don’t over do it. Too much of a good thing, is simply too much. Finding a regular time to practise their writing skills is recommended, as long as your child has the energy to commit to the process. 

Let go!

When your child is able to write to their heart’s content at a time that suits them, they’ll quickly fall in love with writing. When they reach the point they are completely and utterly absorbed and all that matters is their next sentence…you’ll know they’ve found their flow.

Inspiration!

Wherever it comes from, a dose of inspiration can go a long way. Unusual images, video clips and of course books are fun ways to unlock your child’s creative imagination. 

Nutrition and exercise!

Eating healthy foods and exercising will help your child tap into their creative confidence. This is especially valuable the closer you get to those important exams. 

Conclusion

There’s a lot of pressure in life and creative writing is a wonderful outlet for children’s natural creativity. It helps children develop into confident, happy and autonomous adults who attract success.

With so many distractions and commitments it can feel hard to fit in everything you want to give your child. Something has to give, right? 

One thing we know for sure is investing in your child’s creative voice has numerous benefits that are bound to put a smile on their face – and yours! 

Join Clare’s 28-day 11+ English Kickstart Programme

www.creativehare.co.uk