At a Glance: How to Help Your Tween Get the Writing Bug

8 Fun Ways to Help Your Tween Get the Writing Bug
Are you hoping your middle-schooler will learn to love writing? Here are some fun ways to get started.


Movie Scripts
She’s not thrilled about writing stories? Suggest that she write her own movie script instead. A script contains all the elements she’d use in a story—settings, characters, dialogue and plot.

TV Show Recaps
Is your child an avid TV watcher? Put her interest to use by having her write summaries of her favorite TV episodes. Or ask her to recap new shows she thinks you should see.

Song Lyrics
Is music your tween’s passion? Suggest a topic and ask her to write song lyrics about it. Or challenge her to create a parody of her favorite song.

Newspaper or Newsletters
Does your child always know what’s going on? Suggest that she write a newspaper or newsletter to keep
everyone in the loop about what’s happening at school, in your family or with her soccer team or Girl Scout troop.

Advertising Posters
What better way to promote a favorite video game, theme park or restaurant than to make a poster to advertise it? The project will give your tween practice in organizing and presenting information, too.

Comics
Does your child like to draw? Encourage her to create her own comic book, complete with heroes and archenemies. Plotting and dialogue are built right in!

Music Reviews
Is your child more into listening to music than making it? Reviewing songs, albums or concerts can help her learn to write critically and convince others of her views.

Blogging
Is your child web-savvy? Consider setting her up with a blog on a kid-friendly site like Kidblog.