12 Online Writing Classes for Kids

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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!

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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

Price: $79.99

4. Fiction Writing Workshop for Kids

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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.

Price: $79.99

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

Price: $79.99

6. Five-Minute Creative Writing Challenges

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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

Students will learn how to:

  • 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

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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:

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