Help teens keep their writing skills sharp by encouraging them to try the following creative writing projects. I know I know if your tweens and teens are like mine you may be thinking, “Yeah, right.” Actually, these projects could fire up your child’s imagination and passion. And if that doesn’t work consider this first project that ties a string around something they want in order to get them to put their thoughts on paper.
Music Reviews: Boost your child’s analytical skills by encouraging, or requiring, them to write music reviews of new CD’s.
- Look up reviews in magazines and websites to see how others present their thoughts and then give your child time to listen to the CD.
- As they listen, have them take notes. Be sure to categorize the music in the proper genre, research the artist and decide the audience the review is directed towards.
- Music reviews could be posted on Amazon, iTunes, or your child can create a music blog if writing reviews is something they want to continue.
- Parents can also tie this activity to a reward. Teens can earn the right to purchase music if they complete reviews.
Create a zine: Even with the popularity of blogs and social media, zines are still a great way to express creativity. Encourage your teen to choose a topic and start compiling information for their own zine.
- Typically a zine is 24 pages, specifically six sheets of 8.5 x 11″ paper folded in half horizontally. This will create a book that measures 8.5 x 5.5″ including the front and back covers.
- Kids will hone their research and organizational skills while preparing a unique zine. Brainstorming helps to create a good outline for the project. Starting with the topic, start listing possible subtopics, and then continue to break them down into more and more specific content ideas.
- A zine can include creative writing, poetry, articles, drawings, photos, comics, interviews, and found items such as clippings from magazines. Create balance by including something in each general category.
- Lay out the zine, glue everything in place and then copy to create several zines. Now, share with others. Post online for sale on a site like Etsy, or take copies into local bookstores to see if they would carry it.
Mad Libs: If your child likes Mad Libs, they may love creating their own collection. These make fun gifts for their friends and can help boost their grammar skills.
- Start by choosing a subject. Science topics or mythology offer a lot of interesting material.
- Have your child read stories and get familiarized with the chosen subject. Have them write a brief summary of what they read or write a short story. Now, go through each sentence and replace with a blank and the missing part of speech.
- Make copies and test out their project around the dinner table.
With the right motivation, teens can do amazing things!
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