Aug 21: How to Teach a Child to Write a Novel


How to Teach a Child to Write a Novel (website & PDF ebook) – Well, sort of. Actually what this delightful lesson series does is teach your kids a great deal about the creative writing process, and in the process how to be wiser, more thoughtful readers of books written by others. It’s is a fun filled, playful, and highly creative eight-week class that your kids will long remember. And who knows? They may even end up writing their own book before it’s all said and done!

But hey. Let’s let Lydia of LittleBlueSchool.com tell you how she developed this class in her own words:

“This spring, I formed the Junior Secret Noveling Club, a small group of kids who wanted to learn to write novels. The kids were between ages 7 and 9, and all homeschooled, all brisk little chirpy creative spirits who were game for my games.

“I developed a curriculum to teach them the nuts and bolts of writing a novel, from developing a subplot to placing significant objects in the setting, even giving their hero a tragic flaw. I introduced a lot of concepts and techniques which children wouldn’t typically be exposed to, with the idea that learning the hows and whys of novel construction would make them better readers. Even if they weren’t necessarily going to sit down and pen The Grapes of Wrath, they would approach their reading material with a new level of awareness.”

Here’s a link to the entire 10 part series. You can go through all ten lessons as presented on her blog posts, OR just grab all ten lessons in one convenient PDF download, offered especially for our readers this weekend. You’ll find the link for the PDF download on the first page. Have fun!

Click here for today’s resource!

PS. If you enjoy this resource, please post a comment here or on her blog to let Lydia know you appreciate it!

Posted on August 21, 2009 by JimE

Filed under General | | 7 Comments »



7 Responses to “Aug 21: How to Teach a Child to Write a Novel”

  1. Drue Says:

    Lydia and Erskine family -Thank You so much for offering this! It looks like a fabulous way to start off the school year. Lydia has some wonderful stuff on her page, including a swashbuckling seminar on Treasure Island. I will be telling all my friends. One thing, if you plan on printing a copy of the Junior Secret Noveling Club – don’t forget to copy or bookmark the link to her story “The Jungle Wolf” which is an integral part of Lesson 3.

  2. Lyn Says:

    This looks wonderful. I’ve been looking for a class to offer to our younger readers in the home school group, and this seems like a winner. Thanks so much for making it available.

  3. Lydia Says:

    Good point, Drue! The link in the PDF doesn’t work the way I thought it would, so I added a link to the story in the post itself. Thanks for visiting, everybody!

  4. Molly Says:

    This was a great resource. Thank you! I’m teaching a writing class at our homeschool co-op in Sept.

    Molly

  5. Renee' Says:

    I am very excited about this creative writing course. I was able to take a creative writing course when I was younger, and it really improved my writing/reading skills. It also increased my already strong love of words. Thanks for an exciting freebie to add to our kids resources!!!
    Renee’

  6. Julie Says:

    This really does look fantastic. I may use it to write my own novel as well!!

  7. Denese Says:

    Great resource, thanks and blessings to you both. :)

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