An Introduction to Writing for Children

Overview

Welcome to the world of writing fiction creatively for children of all ages. This introductory course is rooted in the ancient realms of fairytale, folklore and the aural tradition of keeping the old stories alive. It will encourage students who are writing for children to draw inspiration from the cultures and events of the world we live in now and from imagining how that world may be in their future.   
  
This module will draw upon some fantastic published works for children to explore the multifaceted needs of the various age groups and help aspiring writers produce writing for their intended child audience. This course will focus on how to write for children, from newborn to young adults. Students will learn about a number of creative writing techniques and how to apply them, focusing on structure, theme, tone and characterization.   

Programme 

Activities and tasks will be embedded into each unit so students can practise the techniques they have learned and develop their skills. Students will be encouraged to share their own work and participate in discussions on Blackboard. Alongside the learning materials on Blackboard the tutor will be on hand via email to answer any queries and provide guidance throughout the course. They will also participate in the online discussions.    

• Unit 1 – Introduction. 
  
• Unit 2 – Using autobiography to inspire our own writing.  
• Unit 3 – Themes old and new.  
• Unit 4 – An overview of the differing features of literature for various age groups.
  

Learning Outcomes 

On completion of this module, students should be able to:   

1. Begin to contextualise their own work within the writing traditions that precede and surround them.  
2. Analyse and apply various creative writing practices for children, from newborn to young adults, including structure, theme, tone and characterization.  

Assessments 

1. Develop a character through a Discussion Board post- 150 words (20%).  
2. Creative written piece - 1000 words (80%).  

Reading Suggestions 

Reading suggestions will be offered throughout the course. 

Entry Requirements 

This course is for everyone. No previous experience is needed and there are no formal entry requirements. 

What Do I Need?

As this is an online course, you would need the following: 

• Internet access.
  
• Access to a laptop or computer with a web camera and microphone; the use of headphones might also be of benefit 
• Use of the Chrome web-browser where possible.