creative writing classes for 10 year olds

12 Online Writing Classes for Kids

by Kaelyn Barron | 2 comments

We encourage kids to read and develop a love for books starting at a young age. Many schools even sponsor fun contests that reward students who read the most pages or books in a given period.

However, less emphasis is placed on writing, especially when it comes to younger kids. While grammar and the basic mechanics of writing are of course an integral part of their school curriculum, the material rarely delves deeper than the basics. And there’s so much more to writing than proper sentence structure!

If your child is passionate about writing and wants extra practice, or if you simply aren’t satisfied with their regular writing curriculum, some of the online writing classes in this post might just be what you and your little storyteller are looking for.

Online Writing Classes for Kids

Below are 12 online writing classes for kids that will help young learners appreciate the joy of writing.

1. Ultimate Mystery Writing Course for Kids

Steve Reifman is an award-winning author and elementary school teacher who will teach elementary-aged kids how to write a suspenseful mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats.

In this Ultimate Mystery Writing Course , students will learn valuable techniques that will help them write captivating mysteries, but also build the foundation for brilliant stories in every genre.

Here’s a bit of what kids will learn in this course:

• how characters can change and grow throughout the plot
• how to describe characters in an interesting, effective way
• how to use alibis, red herrings , and other mystery elements
• how to use a “Story Mountain” to organize ideas logically

Price: $79.99

2. Creative Writing for Kids: Write a Spy Story!

In this fun writing course , English teacher and author Luke Richardson shows kids how to write their own spy story by teaching them the elements of a thrilling narrative.

The course includes a comprehensive workbook with additional pictures, activities, and excerpts from the stories referenced. This course is ideal for ages 10–14.

Students will learn how to:

• develop dynamic characters
• edit and revise their own work
• understand point of view
• use essential spy vocabulary
• have fun writing an exciting story

Price : $94.99

3. Creative Writing for Kids: Write the Future!

In this creative writing course for kids , Luke Richardson explores the basics of a great sci-fi, futuristic, or dystopian story.

Like all of Richardson’s courses for kids, a comprehensive workbook with images, activities, and excerpts are included.

In addition to the basics of storytelling, kids will learn how to:

• imagine futuristic or fantasy worlds
• effectively describe the setting
• write a backstory
• consider tense and perspective

4. Fiction Writing Workshop for Kids

In this fiction writing workshop for kids , instructor and sci-fi author Hank Quense teaches students a step-by-step process for writing a short story, starting with the initial story idea.

Three separate story ideas are explored and for each idea, Quense leads students through a process of character and plot development.

Students will explore the following story ideas:

• a pet story
• a quest story
• a superhero story

This course offers a fun, hands-on way for kids to learn the basics of storytelling and gain an appreciation for writing.

5. My Favorite Things

This course is aimed at young writers aged 5–9, who may only be writing simple sentences now, but will learn to write complete paragraphs using these fun, animated lessons.

Students will have fun writing about their favorite things, while learning to build paragraphs and create transitions.

Kids will learn how to:

• organize ideas
• express themselves clearly
• use transitions
• write simple, structured paragraphs

6. Five-Minute Creative Writing Challenges

Though not exclusively for kids, this writing course is perfect for teaching aspiring young writers the basics of creative writing.

In a series of short lectures, Luke Richardson

• vary sentence structures
• use repetition, adverbs, extended and metaphors
• use sound in their writing
• practice freewriting
• write great dialogue

7. Young Writer’s Blueprint

Young Writer’s Blueprint is a FREE course offered by Alice Kuipers, an award-winning author of YA and children’s books.

Students can access downloadable videos and worksheets so children can work completely offline. This step-by-step guide is aimed at young writers aged 6–10.

They’ll learn how to:

• gather ideas
• develop characters
• describe setting
• write poems, short stories, and longer works
• edit their own writing

Pricing: Free

8. Time4Writing

Time4Writing offers online curricula that can be incorporated as part of a homeschool curriculum, or used to supplement your child’s education with additional lessons on writing.

Their courses feature personalized instruction and feedback from certified instructors, and help students focus on specific areas of their writing so they can prepare for tests and sharpen their skills.

There are courses for all ages, including elementary, middle, and high school students. Course material ranges from the basics of grammar and sentence structure, to advanced essay and research paper writing.

Pricing : Courses start at $119. See all options here .

9. Writing Classes for Kids

Dee White started Writing Classes for Kids after her creative 10-year-old son was “turned off” by his school’s restrictive writing curriculum. A year later, he finished the first draft of his first novel.

Dee offers online courses for kids ages 8–10, 11–18, and adults. Each course features 6 modules, which include comprehensive notes, examples, and writing activities. All of her courses also come with personal feedback on each writing activity.

Pricing : 6-week courses start at $100. See all course options here .

10. Word Up Kids

Word Up Kids offers unique writing courses that focus on the “organic” process of writing by helping kids find their inner, authentic voice and use it to create original stories, poems, and works of nonfiction.

Course sessions feature fun and original writing exercises, and students get the opportunity to share their writing in a safe, supportive space while learning how to give and receive constructive feedback.

Pricing : Courses start at $225. See all options here .

11. San Diego Scribblers

Online Scribblers is a writing program with courses for students in grades 3–12. Their goal is to support students with both creative and academic writing through workshops that cover the essentials of grammar, rhetoric, and other creative writing topics.

High school-level courses can count toward homeschool credits, or simply serve as a supplement to your child’s main school curriculum.

Pricing: $159 per 8-week class

12. Brave Writer

Brave Writer helps students find their writing writing voice and navigate the writing process, while giving parents the support they need to nurture creativity in their children.

Classes are offered by the quarter and incorporate aspects of multiple methods, including Charlotte Mason, Classical, and Unschooling. While students can receive credit, grades, and transcripts for high school classes, these courses can also serve as a great supplement to traditional schooling for students particularly interested in writing.

Price : Find complete pricing info here .

What Is the Best Homeschool Writing Program?

Our resident homeschooling expert compiled a complete guide to homeschool curricula , including tips for choosing the right curriculum for your child. For Language Arts, she recommends Rod and Staff English and Heart of Dakota Drawn Into the Heart of Reading .

How Can You Improve Your Child’s Writing Skills?

No matter your age, one of the best ways you can learn is by doing. If you’d like your child to improve their writing skills, have them practice every day with fun and creative writing prompts for kids . You can also encourage them to enter a writing contest for kids !

It’s equally important to encourage your child to read regularly, especially if you want to foster strong writing skills. Younger children can practice with read-aloud websites and books , while older kids might enjoy these books for teens .

Did you find this post helpful? Let us know in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this post, then you might also like:

• List of Writing Contests for Kids (Updated for 2021)
• 15 Art Books for Kids to Inspire Creativity in Young Minds
• Free eBooks for Kids: 16 Sites to Download Free Reads for the Little Ones
• Educational Games for Kids: 22 Websites and Board Games for Math, Reading, and Science Skills

As a blog writer for TCK Publishing, Kaelyn loves crafting fun and helpful content for writers, readers, and creative minds alike. She has a degree in International Affairs with a minor in Italian Studies, but her true passion has always been writing. Working remotely allows her to do even more of the things she loves, like traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Hello, I’m looking for an online writing course for my nine-year-old daughter. She’s English listening, speaking and reading are well, but lacks writing skills. I hope to find a suitable course for her and help her improve the writing

Our friend, a writer, just died. We don’t want to send flowers. We want a deserving 9 to 12 year old to get a free writing course in his memory. Unfortunately , at age 82, we don’t have more than $50 to spend. Is it possible to do this? Thank you.

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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 classes, and summer writing camps.

Sign up for Fall 2024 writing classes!

🍂 Download the Fall 2024 Schedule (PDF)! (Times are listed in PST, so please adjust for your time zone.)

👏 New in Fall 2024

🤩 Popular Classes

🤩 Fall 2024 Schedule At-a-Glance

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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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.