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Founder of a Film Production Company and MFA Candidate at NYU

And finally, I have an extremely strong grasp of story structure which I will continue to enhance as I progress through an MFA in Creative Writing at NYU beginning this January. See Eitan's full profile

Eitan is so knowledgeable about the structure, grammar, and wording of essays and always gives extremely helpful feedback. He is very patient and is willing to go out of his way to help his students succeed. He not only helps with... read the full review - Elena , 29 lessons with Eitan

Essay/ Creative Writing , Screenwriting, Literary Analysis, College Apps

Contract screenwriter. Published author. Graphic novelist. Forensics instructor. Enough about me. This is about YOU. And, yes, I really do care. Creativity isn't a vague concept too abstract to understand. Writing is about finding,... See Mike's full profile

Really talented tutor. I have learned so much from him. Mike has helped me bring my papers up three grade letters! Would definately recommend. My only regret is not finding him sooner!... read the full review - Jacqueline , 44 lessons with Mike

Top Yale Grad Essay Mentor - College Essays / Transfer App Essays

I’ve also taught literature at secondary schools for many years. For the past few years, I’ve used outstanding short stories and essays as mentor texts to teach creative writing . See Jonathan's full profile

Jonathan helped our daughter prepare essays for almost 20 schools. He worked with her weekly over several months to generate strategies for how to approach each application (e.g., which supplemental essays to choose if there is a... read the full review - Nahid , 92 lessons with Jonathan

Award-winning Author, Writing Coach, Editor & Publisher

Prior to founding my publishing company, I worked as the Managing Director of an educational/tutoring center, where I created and implemented programs and curriculum for creative writing . I'm passionate about helping learners... See Jane Alvey's full profile

Jane worked with my 10-year-old daughter on her creative writing. Jane is a seasoned writer and instructor who brings a ton of experience and empathy to her sessions. She worked very interactively with my daughter, and was able t... read the full review - Kent , 25 lessons with Jane Alvey

Published Author for Proofreading and Editing

As an author with 6 published books and numerous articles, I know the ins and outs of academic, technical, and creative writing . I'm a skilled editor and have helped many students to make their work clear and grammatically correct so... See Jeremy's full profile

How to break down test questions in order to choose the correct answer! Jeremy is very good at walking you through not only the test question, but going through each answer choice to find the most appropriate answer!... read the full review - Deanna , 12 lessons with Jeremy

Master of Letters in Creative Writing and Experienced Content Writer

In addition to English, I speak and read German and Filipino fluently. My multi-cultural background drove me to pursue a master's degree in creative writing . I want to tell vital stories that bridge cultural and racial divides. After... See Mayra's full profile

Experienced French Professor, Novelist, French & English Tutor

I have over fourteen years of experience editing and critiquing both fiction and non-fiction for other writers, and I love helping students with their creative writing assignments and college essays. I was also an English professor at a... See Danielle's full profile

Hands down, the best tutor we've ever hired. So, so pleased at the progress my daughter has made with Danielle both in classwork and for her IB French HL test. She's the perfect blend of patience, professionalism and instructiona... read the full review - Sarah , 45 lessons with Danielle

Editor, Proofreader, Published Writer (essays, documents, creative)

20 years of experience editing formal, informal and creative writing documents, such as business communication documents, college papers, fiction and creative non-fiction manuscripts, emails, resumes, and personal letters. See Larisa's full profile

Larisa is a wonderful tutor and is very skilled with editing APA format. She is a lifesaver!!! I highly recommend Larissa. This was my first time using Wyzant, and I am very satisfied! ... read the full review - Nancy , 2 lessons with Larisa

Experienced English/Communication Teacher | Writing Coach | Editor

I have degrees in English (including business English, literature and creative writing ) and Communication with a focus on public or mass communication. I was a part of the competitive mock trial team for my university, Kent State... See Jen's full profile

I didn't have a clear picture in mind on how to improve my writing and speaking skills when I first met with Jen. All I knew is that I wanted to write better emails at work and get more comfortable speaking in business meetings. I... read the full review - Alena , 2 lessons with Jen

5+ Years of Experience in Research Papers and MLA Formatting

I have been writing in the MLA format since I was in high school and have mastered how to create citations and formating. I also have experience in writing research papers, creative writing , and scientific papers. In my free time, I do some... See Anna's full profile

My daughter needed help with her AP US History test. She has ADHD and usually *hates* when I suggest a tutor. After messaging with Anna and her reassurances that not only could she help my daughter with AP History, but she could... read the full review - Reka , 8 lessons with Anna

Creative writing taught by a top Medium.com content writer

I want to help bring out the creativity in your writing . I believe writing is the best way for a person to express him/herself. I'm big on journal writing as well. I truly believe that this is better than therapy! See Dianne's full profile

I began lessons with Dianne a little over 2 months ago and I am so excited to have hit the jackpot of tutors! She is absolutely everything I was hoping for and more. I took 2 years of Spanish in high school over two decades ago, s... read the full review - Tiffany , 13 lessons with Dianne

Online Calculus, Physics, SAT, ACT, English Specialist

...Italy, respectively. In addition to science, I have always loved to teach literature and writing. With a minor in Creative Writing , I am able to tutor college level composition and criticism. For the last four years at the UA Poetry Center, I have... See Mason's full profile

Credentialed Teacher Knowledgeable in K-8 Core & Special Needs

My teaching credential is from California State Northridge and I also have a bachelor's degree from George Washington University in East Asian Studies and an Accounting equivalency from UCLA. Special needs, ESL, creative writing ,... See Laurie's full profile

What I appreciated viewing Laurie's profile was her extensive teaching history. She starts showing you that experience from the first moment that you initiate contact with her. Laurie did an excellent job of asking the right que... read the full review - Jensen , 70 lessons with Laurie

Medical Science Tutor, English/Writing Coach and MBA

I graduated with a BS Degree in Biology (Latin Honors), graduate degree in Clinical Science and Master's Degree in Business Administration. My background is focused in the sciences, creative writing , reading comprehension and business.... See Justine's full profile

She was absolutely amazing!!!!! Highly recommended and a huge help! Very educational with her teaching style I will definitely book future lessons... read the full review - Erica , 5 lessons with Justine

The Best Track Record on Wyzant | SAT ACT GRE GMAT

With a Master's Degree in Creative Writing and over 8 years of experience tutoring students for the SAT Writing section, I am uniquely qualified to help students with various writing projects. Unlike the flat formulaic essays that... See Meeraj's full profile

My son ended up getting a perfect overall score of 36/36 on his ACT after taking six online lessons with Meeraj! When we first reached out to Meeraj for ACT tutoring, we specifically indicated that we needed a tutor who could impr... read the full review - Dereck , 6 lessons with Meeraj

Online English Tutor Specializing in Reading, Writing, and Literature

...proven to be a very beneficial tool in my tutoring practice. I have an extensive knowledge of classic literature and creative writing that enables me to be especially effective as a tutor in language arts for all grade levels. I find my work rewarding... See Mary's full profile

She is a very smart, efficient teacher who knows what you want. She's extremely nice and always willing to help me whether in or outside class. I've learned so much from her. ... read the full review - Janice , 95 lessons with Mary

Experienced Writing Tutor

I have worked with students on academic papers, senior theses, fellowship applications, graduate school personal statements, law, medical school, and job applications, lab reports, creative writing endeavors, and resumes. See Madeline's full profile

I could write pages on how significant Maddy has been for me throughout my graduate applications process, but I will try to keep it short because I want you to read my entire review. I have been working with Maddy since Summer 20... read the full review - Danielle , 179 lessons with Madeline

Creative Writing and Managing Narrative

Learning to write well takes practice. Learn to focus your thoughts with precision and style to fully exploit this important aspect of communication. Careers are made through good writing. Don't get left behind. Contact me to improve all aspects... See Deborah's full profile

Effective Writing/Editing Tutor; College Essay Tutor & Counselor

I have a B.A. in literature, with a concentration in American Lit. and writing. I am currently enrolled in an M.F.A. program for creative writing . I have worked with many students to help them create effective academic and term papers. I... See Helene's full profile

Helene has been assisting my son with his essays and she has been an amazing help. She is part counselor, part editor, and part cheerleader. She is able to help him clarify his ideas and express them clearly in his voice, not hers... read the full review - Linda , 12 lessons with Helene

Credentialed ELA Teacher with 5+ yrs. experience teaching writing

I taught English in a regular classroom for 4 years, and made the switch to one-on-one and small group tutoring this past year. During my time tutoring, I have helped hundreds of students with their essays, creative writing projects, and... See Shaina's full profile

Published, In-Depth Editor and Proofreader with MA in English

I hold a BA (with department honors) and MA in English. I have one academic publication and one creative writing publication. See Sylvie's full profile

Sylvie is the best proofreader I have ever worked with. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is seeking help in writing. She works efficiently, patiently, and makes my experience very educational and uplifting. Efficient: W... read the full review - Carol , 16 lessons with Sylvie

Effective AP, IB English, History, EE, TOK, Creative Writing Educator

I offer IB English Literature A and B, Theory of Knowledge, and Theater Arts; I supervise Extended Essays; I was a former IB Examiner of the EE and Paper 1 Commentary; I am a Creative Writing teacher and a published author of research and... See Ann's full profile

Ann challenges my two girls (8 and 12) to work with the kind of advanced writing skills and concepts that most students wouldn’t learn until high school or college. With such high expectations, I find that the girls gain confidenc... read the full review - Michael , 15 lessons with Ann

Physician With Years of Experience as a Math and Science Tutor

...degree from University of North Texas Health Science Center • Bachelor's degree from University of Houston, Minor in Creative Writing While most tutors simply focus on questions and providing answers, my goal as your tutor is to make sure you fully... See Safwan (Sammy)'s full profile

I strongly recommend Mr. Safwan! He has helped my daughter understand the fundamentals of Algebra 2, and also improved her grade to an A. Very nice, and patient. Thanks again! ... read the full review - Angela , 22 lessons with Safwan (Sammy)

Tutor/Teacher in English Studies, Ancient Greek, Latin, and Japanese

-Have taught students as young as 8 years old and as old as 63 -Coached and ran academic clubs and extracurricular clubs such as state spelling and writing competitions and creative writing clubs. -My proudest accomplishments to date... See Emily's full profile

Emily has tutored my daughter only a couple of times and we are thrilled with her knowledge, patience and method of tutoring. My daughter has ADHD and learning difficulties in English reading and writing. Emily is giving my daught... read the full review - Ambereen , 13 lessons with Emily

Writer and Editor specializing in Academic and Creative Writing

As a writer and editor, I have worked on copy for NYTimes, TED and celebrity memoirs. I also coach individuals in Creative Writing , and hold a BA and MFA in this subject. I also coach academic writing, and have helped students with papers... See Raegan's full profile

We consulted Raegan to help our son tighten up his college admissions essay. She was very helpful in editing his first draft, giving him ideas to add in and to remove to make it more compelling. Would definitely recommend her for ... read the full review - Brian

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Inspiring Ink: Expert Tips on How to Teach Creative Writing

The world of creative writing is as vast as it is rewarding. It’s a form of expression that allows the writer to explore different worlds, characters, and narratives – all within the power of their pen.

But what exactly is creative writing and why is it important? Let’s explore the value of creative writing and how to inspire young (or old!) minds to embark on the curious and exciting journey of writing creatively – it’s easier than you think!

What is Creative Writing?

Creative writing, in its simplest form, is writing that goes beyond the bounds of normal professional, journalistic, academic, or technical forms of literature.

It’s characterized by its emphasis on:

• narrative craft
• character development
• the use of literary devices

From poetry to plays, scripts to sonnets, creative writing covers a wide range of genres . It’s about painting pictures with words, invoking emotions, and bringing ideas to life . It’s about crafting stories that are compelling, engaging, and thought-provoking.

Whether you’re penning a novel or jotting down a journal entry, creative writing encourages you to unleash your imagination and express your thoughts in a unique, artistic way. For a deeper dive into the realm of creative writing, you can visit our article on what is creative writing .

Benefits of Developing Creative Writing Skills

The benefits of creative writing extend beyond the page.

It’s not just about creating captivating stories or crafting beautiful prose. The skills developed through creative writing are invaluable in many aspects of life and work.

1. Creative writing fosters creativity and imagination. 

It encourages you to think outside the box, broaden your perspective, and explore new ideas. It also enhances your ability to communicate effectively, as it involves conveying thoughts, emotions, and narratives in a clear and compelling manner.

2. Creative writing aids in improving critical thinking skills.

It prompts you to analyze characters, plotlines, and themes, and make connections between different ideas. This process activates different parts of the mind, drawing on personal experiences, the imagination, logical plot development, and emotional intelligence.

3. Creative writing is also a valuable tool for self-expression and personal growth.

It allows you to explore your feelings, experiences, and observations, providing an outlet for self-reflection and introspection. By both reading and writing about different characters in different situations, readers develop empathy in a gentle but effective way.

4. Creative writing skills can open up a host of career opportunities.

From authors and editors to content creators and copywriters, the demand for creative writers is vast and varied. You can learn more about potential career paths in our article on creative writing jobs and what you can do with a creative writing degree .

In essence, creative writing is more than just an art—it’s a skill, a craft, and a powerful tool for communication and self-expression. Whether you’re teaching creative writing or learning it, understanding its value is the first step towards mastering the art.

The 3 Roles of a Creative Writing Teacher

Amongst the many facets of a creative writing teacher’s role, three vital aspects stand out: inspiring creativity , nurturing talent , and providing constructive criticism . These elements play a significant role in shaping budding writers and fostering their passion for the craft.

1. Inspiring Creativity

The primary function of a creative writing teacher is to inspire creativity.

They must foster an environment that encourages students to think outside the box and explore new possibilities . This includes presenting students with creative writing prompts that challenge their thinking, promoting lively discussions around various topics, and providing opportunities for students to engage in creative writing activities for kids .

Teachers should also expose students to a range of literary genres , styles, and techniques to broaden their understanding and appreciation of the craft. This exposure not only enhances their knowledge but also stimulates their creativity, encouraging them to experiment with different writing styles .

2. Nurturing Talent

Nurturing talent involves recognizing the unique abilities of each student and providing the necessary support and guidance to help them develop these skills. A creative writing teacher needs to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each student and tailor their approach accordingly.

This means:

• offering personalized feedback
• setting realistic yet challenging goals
• providing opportunities for students to showcase their work

Encouraging students to participate in writing competitions or to publish their work can give them a confidence boost and motivate them to improve. Furthermore, teachers should educate students about various creative writing jobs and what you can do with a creative writing degree . This knowledge can inspire students to pursue their passion for writing and explore career opportunities in the field.

3. Providing Constructive Criticism

Providing constructive criticism is a critical aspect of teaching creative writing. It involves assessing students’ work objectively and providing feedback that helps them improve .

Teachers should:

• highlight the strengths of the work
• address the areas that need improvement
• suggest ways to make the piece better

Constructive criticism should be specific, actionable, and encouraging . It’s important to remember that the goal is to help the student improve, not to discourage them. Therefore, teachers need to communicate their feedback in a respectful and supportive manner.

In essence, a teacher’s role in teaching creative writing extends beyond mere instruction. They are mentors who inspire, nurture, and shape the minds of budding writers. By fostering a supportive and stimulating environment, they can help students unlock their creative potential and develop a lifelong love for writing.

3 Techniques for Teaching Creative Writing

When it comes to understanding how to teach creative writing, there are several effective techniques that can help inspire students and foster their writing skills.

1. Encouraging Free Writing Exercises

Free writing is a technique that encourages students to write continuously for a set amount of time without worrying about grammar, punctuation, or topic. This type of exercise can help unleash creativity, as it allows students to freely express their thoughts and ideas without judgment or constraint.

As a teacher, you can set a specific theme or provide creative writing prompts to guide the writing session. Alternatively, you can allow students to write about any topic that comes to mind. The key is to create an environment that encourages creative exploration and expression.

2. Exploring Different Genres

Another effective technique is to expose students to a wide range of writing genres. This can include fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, fantasy, mystery, and more. By exploring different genres, students can discover their unique writing styles and interests. This variety also offers the chance to expand their writing skills and apply them to various writing formats.

To facilitate this exploration, you can assign writing projects in different genres, conduct genre-specific writing workshops, or invite guest speakers who specialize in different genres. You can also encourage students to critically analyze how different authors approach their work.

3. Analyzing Published Works

Analyzing published works is a powerful way to teach creative writing. This technique allows students to learn from established authors by studying their:

• writing styles
• narrative structures
• use of language.

It also provides a practical context for understanding writing concepts and techniques.

As a teacher, you can select diverse pieces of literature for analysis , ranging from classic novels to contemporary short stories. Encourage students to identify elements they admire in these works and discuss how they can incorporate similar techniques into their own writing.

These techniques for teaching creative writing are effective ways to inspire creativity, encourage self-expression, and develop writing skills. As a teacher, your role is crucial in guiding students through their creative journey and helping them realize their potential as writers.

Creative Writing Workshops and Exercises

One effective method on how to teach creative writing is through the use of targeted workshops and exercises. These interactive sessions can stimulate creativity, foster character development , and help in understanding story structures .

Idea Generation Workshops

Idea generation is a crucial aspect of creative writing. It is the starting point that provides a springboard for writers to explore and develop their narratives. Idea generation workshops can be an interactive and fun way to help writers come up with fresh ideas.

Workshops can include brainstorming sessions , where writers are encouraged to think freely and note down all ideas, no matter how unconventional they may seem. Another method is the use of writing prompts , which can serve as a creative spark.

A prompt could be:

• even an image

Editor’s Note : Encourage children to create a big scribble on a scrap piece of paper and then look for an image in it (like looking for pictures in the clouds). This can be a great creative writing prompt and students will love sharing their writing with each other! Expect lots of giggles and fun!

Character Development Exercises

Characters are the heart of any story. They drive the narrative and engage the readers. Character development exercises can help writers create well-rounded and relatable characters.

Such exercises can include character questionnaires , where writers answer a series of questions about their characters to gain a deeper understanding of their personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. Role-playing activities can also be useful, allowing writers to step into their characters’ shoes and explore their reactions in different scenarios.

Story Structure Workshops

Understanding story structure is vital for creating a compelling narrative. Story structure workshops can guide writers on how to effectively structure their stories to engage readers from start to finish .

These workshops can cover essential elements of story structures like:

• rising action
• falling action

In addition to understanding the basics, writers should be encouraged to experiment with different story structures to find what works best for their narrative style. An understanding of story structure can also help in analyzing and learning from published works .

Providing writers with the right tools and techniques, through workshops and exercises, can significantly improve their creative writing skills. It’s important to remember that creativity flourishes with practice and patience .

As a teacher, nurturing this process is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching creative writing. For more insights and tips on teaching creative writing, continue exploring our articles on creative writing .

Tips to Enhance Creative Writing Skills

The process of teaching creative writing is as much about honing one’s own skills as it is about imparting knowledge to others. Here are some key strategies that can help in enhancing your creative writing abilities and make your teaching methods more effective.

Regular Practice

Like any other skill, creative writing requires regular practice . Foster the habit of writing daily, even if it’s just a few lines. This will help you stay in touch with your creative side and continually improve your writing skills. Encourage your students to do the same.

Introduce them to various creative writing prompts to stimulate their imagination and make their writing practice more engaging.

Reading Widely

Reading is an essential part of becoming a better writer. By reading widely, you expose yourself to a variety of styles, tones, and genres . This not only broadens your literary horizons but also provides a wealth of ideas for your own writing.

Encourage your students to read extensively as well. Analyzing and discussing different works can be an excellent learning exercise and can spark creative ideas .

Exploring Various Writing Styles

The beauty of creative writing lies in its diversity. From poetic verses to gripping narratives, there’s a wide range of styles to explore. Encourage your students to try their hand at different forms of writing. This not only enhances their versatility but also helps them discover their unique voice as a writer.

To help them get started, you can introduce a variety of creative writing activities for kids . These tasks can be tailored to suit different age groups and proficiency levels. Remember, the goal is to foster a love for writing, so keep the activities fun and engaging .

Have Fun Teaching Creative Writing!

Enhancing creative writing skills is a continuous journey. It requires persistence, curiosity, and a willingness to step out of your comfort zone. As a teacher, your role is to guide your students on this journey, providing them with the tools and encouragement they need to flourish as writers – and most of all – enjoy the process!

For more insights on creative writing, be sure to explore our articles on what is creative writing and creative writing jobs and what you can do with a creative writing degree .

Brooks Manley

Creative Primer  is a resource on all things journaling, creativity, and productivity. We’ll help you produce better ideas, get more done, and live a more effective life.

My name is Brooks. I do a ton of journaling, like to think I’m a creative (jury’s out), and spend a lot of time thinking about productivity. I hope these resources and product recommendations serve you well. Reach out if you ever want to chat or let me know about a journal I need to check out!

Here’s my favorite journal for 2024: 

Gratitude Journal Prompts Mindfulness Journal Prompts Journal Prompts for Anxiety Reflective Journal Prompts Healing Journal Prompts Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Journal Prompts Mental Health Journal Prompts ASMR Journal Prompts Manifestation Journal Prompts Self-Care Journal Prompts Morning Journal Prompts Evening Journal Prompts Self-Improvement Journal Prompts Creative Writing Journal Prompts Dream Journal Prompts Relationship Journal Prompts "What If" Journal Prompts New Year Journal Prompts Shadow Work Journal Prompts Journal Prompts for Overcoming Fear Journal Prompts for Dealing with Loss Journal Prompts for Discerning and Decision Making Travel Journal Prompts Fun Journal Prompts

Enriching Creative Writing Activities for Kids

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How to Teach Creative Writing | 7 Steps to Get Students Wordsmithing

“I don’t have any ideas!”

“I can’t think of anything!”

While we see creative writing as a world of limitless imagination, our students often see an overwhelming desert of “no idea.”

But when you teach creative writing effectively, you’ll notice that  every  student is brimming over with ideas that just have to get out.

So what does teaching creative writing effectively look like?

We’ve outlined a  seven-step method  that will  scaffold your students through each phase of the creative process  from idea generation through to final edits.

7. Create inspiring and original prompts

Use the following formats to generate prompts that get students inspired:

• personal memories (“Write about a person who taught you an important lesson”)
• imaginative scenarios
• prompts based on a familiar mentor text (e.g. “Write an alternative ending to your favorite book”). These are especially useful for giving struggling students an easy starting point.
• lead-in sentences (“I looked in the mirror and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Somehow overnight I…”).
• fascinating or thought-provoking images with a directive (“Who do you think lives in this mountain cabin? Tell their story”).

Don’t have the time or stuck for ideas? Check out our list of 100 student writing prompts

6. unpack the prompts together.

Explicitly teach your students how to dig deeper into the prompt for engaging and original ideas.

Probing questions are an effective strategy for digging into a prompt. Take this one for example:

“I looked in the mirror and I couldn’t believe my eyes. Somehow overnight I…”

Ask “What questions need answering here?” The first thing students will want to know is:

What happened overnight?

No doubt they’ll be able to come up with plenty of zany answers to that question, but there’s another one they could ask to make things much more interesting:

Who might “I” be?

In this way, you subtly push students to go beyond the obvious and into more original and thoughtful territory. It’s even more useful with a deep prompt:

“Write a story where the main character starts to question something they’ve always believed.”

Here students could ask:

• What sorts of beliefs do people take for granted?
• What might make us question those beliefs?
• What happens when we question something we’ve always thought is true?
• How do we feel when we discover that something isn’t true?

Try splitting students into groups, having each group come up with probing questions for a prompt, and then discussing potential “answers” to these questions as a class.

The most important lesson at this point should be that good ideas take time to generate. So don’t rush this step!

5. Warm-up for writing

A quick warm-up activity will:

• allow students to see what their discussed ideas look like on paper
• help fix the “I don’t know how to start” problem
• warm up writing muscles quite literally (especially important for young learners who are still developing handwriting and fine motor skills).

Freewriting  is a particularly effective warm-up. Give students 5–10 minutes to “dump” all their ideas for a prompt onto the page for without worrying about structure, spelling, or grammar.

After about five minutes you’ll notice them starting to get into the groove, and when you call time, they’ll have a better idea of what captures their interest.

Did you know? The Story Factory in Reading Eggs allows your students to write and publish their own storybooks using an easy step-by-step guide.

4. Start planning

Now it’s time for students to piece all these raw ideas together and generate a plan. This will synthesize disjointed ideas and give them a roadmap for the writing process.

Note:  at this stage your strong writers might be more than ready to get started on a creative piece. If so, let them go for it – use planning for students who are still puzzling things out.

Here are four ideas for planning:

Graphic organisers

A graphic organiser will allow your students to plan out the overall structure of their writing. They’re also particularly useful in “chunking” the writing process, so students don’t see it as one big wall of text.

Storyboards and illustrations

These will engage your artistically-minded students and give greater depth to settings and characters. Just make sure that drawing doesn’t overshadow the writing process.

Voice recordings

If you have students who are hesitant to commit words to paper, tell them to think out loud and record it on their device. Often they’ll be surprised at how well their spoken words translate to the page.

Write a blurb

This takes a bit more explicit teaching, but it gets students to concisely summarize all their main ideas (without giving away spoilers). Look at some blurbs on the back of published books before getting them to write their own. Afterward they could test it out on a friend – based on the blurb, would they borrow it from the library?

3. Produce rough drafts

Warmed up and with a plan at the ready, your students are now ready to start wordsmithing. But before they start on a draft, remind them of what a draft is supposed to be:

• a work in progress.

Remind them that  if they wait for the perfect words to come, they’ll end up with blank pages .

Instead, it’s time to take some writing risks and get messy. Encourage this by:

• demonstrating the writing process to students yourself
• taking the focus off spelling and grammar (during the drafting stage)
• providing meaningful and in-depth feedback (using words, not ticks!).

Reading Eggs also gives you access to an ever-expanding collection of over 3,500 online books!

2. share drafts for peer feedback.

Don’t saddle yourself with 30 drafts for marking. Peer assessment is a better (and less exhausting) way to ensure everyone receives the feedback they need.

Why? Because for something as personal as creative writing, feedback often translates better when it’s in the familiar and friendly language that only a peer can produce. Looking at each other’s work will also give students more ideas about how they can improve their own.

Scaffold peer feedback to ensure it’s constructive. The following methods work well:

Student rubrics

A simple rubric allows students to deliver more in-depth feedback than “It was pretty good.” The criteria will depend on what you are ultimately looking for, but students could assess each other’s:

• use of language.

Whatever you opt for, just make sure the language you use in the rubric is student-friendly.

Two positives and a focus area

Have students identify two things their peer did well, and one area that they could focus on further, then turn this into written feedback. Model the process for creating specific comments so you get something more constructive than “It was pretty good.” It helps to use stems such as:

I really liked this character because…

I found this idea interesting because it made me think…

I was a bit confused by…

I wonder why you… Maybe you could… instead.

1. The editing stage

Now that students have a draft and feedback, here’s where we teachers often tell them to “go over it” or “give it some final touches.”

But our students don’t always know how to edit.

Scaffold the process with questions that encourage students to think critically about their writing, such as:

• Are there any parts that would be confusing if I wasn’t there to explain them?
• Are there any parts that seem irrelevant to the rest?
• Which parts am I most uncertain about?
• Does the whole thing flow together, or are there parts that seem out of place?
• Are there places where I could have used a better word?
• Are there any grammatical or spelling errors I notice?

Key to this process is getting students to  read their creative writing from start to finish .

Important note:  if your students are using a word processor, show them where the spell-check is and how to use it. Sounds obvious, but in the age of autocorrect, many students simply don’t know.

A final word on teaching creative writing

Remember that the best writers write regularly.

Incorporate them into your lessons as often as possible, and soon enough, you’ll have just as much fun  marking  your students’ creative writing as they do producing it.

Need more help supporting your students’ writing?

Read up on  how to get reluctant writers writing , strategies for  supporting struggling secondary writers , or check out our huge list of writing prompts for kids .

Watch your students get excited about writing and publishing their own storybooks in the Story Factory

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• How to write a story
• How to write a novel
• How to write poetry
• Dramatic writing
• How to write a memoir
• How to write a mystery
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• Story starters
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• For teachers

How to Teach Writing - Resources for Creative Writing Teachers

Fiction writing course syllabus with lesson plans, fiction writing exercises and worksheets, resources for teaching introductory poetry writing, resources for teaching children.

How to teach writing - general thoughts

• help students to understand the elements of craft (e.g., story structure, poetic meter, etc.) so that they can recognize them in their reading and consciously experiment with them in their writing.
• open students' eyes to the options available to them when they write a story or poem (e.g., "showing" instead of "telling", using different kinds of narrators and narrative viewpoints, using different poetic forms).
• encourage students to become close observers of the world around them and to find creative material in their environments.
• teach students the value of specificity, of using all five senses to discover details that may not be obvious to the casual observer.
• help students to separate the processes of writing and editing, to avoid self-criticism while writing their rough drafts to allow ideas to flow freely (for this to work, their teachers also have to avoid criticizing rough drafts!). Teach students to treat self-editing as a separate stage in the writing process.
• get students reading in the genre they'll be writing; e.g., if they're writing poetry, encourage them to read a lot of poems.
• help students learn to trust their own perspectives and observations, to believe that they have something interesting to say.
• teach students not to wait for inspiration, that they can write even when not inspired.
• get students excited about writing!

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Writing Curriculum

Teach Writing With The New York Times: Our 2023-24 Curriculum

Our eight writing units, each with its own practical step-by-step guide, are based on real-world features like reviews, photo essays, narratives, podcasts and more.

By The Learning Network

Please note: Fully updated versions of each unit, as well as all supporting materials, will be published as each related contest goes live.

What can the news, features, essays, interviews, photos, videos, podcasts and graphics in The New York Times teach your students about composing for a real audience? So much, we hope, that the units we detail below are just a beginning.

Our writing curriculum is both a road map for teachers and an invitation to students. For teachers, it organizes our offerings — writing prompts, mentor texts and student contests — into eight distinct units, each of which focuses on a different genre of writing that your students can find not just in The Times but in all kinds of real-world sources.

For students, it offers confirmation that they have something valuable to say, a wide range of choices about how to say it and a global audience eager to listen. Promoting student voices has always been a pillar of our site, and through the opportunities for publication woven into each unit, we want to encourage students to go beyond simply consuming media to becoming creators themselves.

Though our offerings are aimed at middle school and high school students, we know that they are used up and down levels and across subjects — from elementary school to college. So have a look, and see if you can find a way to include any of these opportunities in your curriculum this year, whether to help students document their lives, tell stories, express opinions, investigate ideas, interview fascinating people or analyze culture. We can’t wait to hear what they have to say!

Each unit includes:

Writing prompts to help students try out related skills in a “low stakes” way.

We publish new writing prompts every school day and have since 2009. You can find categorized collections of these prompts , or just scroll through to see the latest. Your students can respond on our site, using our public forums as a kind of “rehearsal space” for practicing voice and technique.

Daily opportunities to practice writing for an authentic audience.

If a student submits a comment on our site, it will be read by Times editors, who approve each one before it is published. Submitting a comment also gives students an audience of fellow teenagers from around the world who may read and respond to their work. Each week, we call out our favorite comments and honor dozens of students by name in our Thursday “ Current Events Conversation ” feature.

Guided practice with mentor texts .

Each step-by-step guide features activities, written directly to students, that help them observe, understand and practice the kinds of “craft moves” that make different genres of writing sing. Mentor texts like those informing how to “show not tell” in narratives , how to express critical opinions , how to quote or paraphrase experts and how to craft scripts for podcasts use the work of both Times journalists and the teenage winners of our contests to show students techniques they can emulate.

A contest that acts as a culminating project .

Over the years, we’ve heard from many teachers that our contests serve as final projects in their classes, and this curriculum came about in large part because we wanted to help teachers “plan backward” to support those projects.

All contest entries are considered by experts, whether Times journalists, outside educators from partner organizations or professional practitioners in a related field. Winning means being published on our site and, perhaps, in the print edition of The New York Times.

Below are the eight units we will offer in the 2023-24 school year.

August-October

Documenting and Reflecting on Teenage Lives

This unit was first developed in 2020 to acknowledge the profound effects that tumultuous year had on a generation of teenagers. Our open-ended invitation to “show us — in words or images, video or audio — how the events of this year have affected you” resulted in a deluge of extraordinary submissions, some of which were featured online , in a special print section and in a book . We continued the contest for two more years, and the work of the 2021 and 2022 winners was equally excellent.

This year, we’re inviting you to do the same kind of documentation and reflection , but this time focusing on your school experience. We’re asking, What can you show or tell us that might help explain what it’s like to be an educator or a student in high school right now? Anyone who works or is a student in a secondary school can contribute to this collective portrait by sending almost anything you can upload digitally that addresses that question. All submissions must be accompanied by a written artist’s statement giving additional context.

If you’re reading this and worrying that you don’t have anything to say, trust us: You do. Everyone experiences school differently, and there are stories only you can tell. The exercises in our new step-by-step guide show you how.

Note: Unlike our other contests, this first challenge is only open to high school students (and educators too).

October-November

The Personal Narrative

While The Times is known for its award-winning journalism, the paper also has a robust tradition of publishing personal essays on topics like love , family , life on campus and navigating anxiety . And on our site, our daily writing prompts have long invited students to tell us their stories, too. Our collection of 525 Prompts for Narrative and Personal Writing is a good place to start, though we add more every week during the school year.

For several years, we ran a personal narrative contest for students, inspired by the essays from The Times Magazine’s long-running Lives column . In 2022, we switched it up, challenging students to write a “tiny memoir” personal narrative in 100 words or less. We loved the results , so we’re bringing that contest back again this October.

Our unit, Teach Narrative Writing With The New York Times , contains links to all the prompts, mentor texts and lesson plans you’ll need to start, while our related guide offers students step-by-step directions for telling meaningful, interesting and short true stories from their lives in 100 words.

November-December

The Critical Review

Book reports and literary essays have long been staples of language arts classrooms, but this unit encourages students to learn how to critique art in other genres as well. As we point out, a cultural review is a form of argumentative essay. Your class may be writing about pop music or sneaker trends, but your students still have to make claims and support them with evidence. And, just as they must in a literature essay, they have to read (or watch, or listen to) a work closely, analyze it, understand its context and explain what is meaningful and interesting about it.

In our step-by-step guide , we walk you through the review-writing process with advice from New York Times critics and student writers. And, as a culminating project , we invite students to send us their own reviews of a book, movie, restaurant, album, theatrical production, video game, dance performance, TV show, art exhibition or any other kind of work The Times critiques. (Please note that this year, unlike in previous years, students are limited to choose only works that are new since Jan. 1, 2023.)

January-February

Informational ‘How-To’ Writing

Informational writing is the style of writing that dominates The New York Times as well as any other traditional newspaper you might read, and in this unit we hope to show students that it can be every bit as engaging and compelling to read and to write as other genres.

Via thousands of articles a month — including front-page reporting on politics, deep data dives in The Upshot, recipes in Cooking, advice columns in Style and long-form investigative pieces in the magazine — Times journalists find ways to experiment with the genre to intrigue and inform their audiences.

For years, we ran a STEM Writing Contest , in which we invited students to explain an issue or question in science, technology, engineering, math or health, and both the related unit and the work of the winning students can still inspire. However, for this school year we’re trying something new by inviting students to follow the example of the long-running Tip column from The New York Times Magazine and write a short description of how to do (almost) any task. We’ll be publishing helpful new materials, including a step-by-step guide, before the contest begins.

Until then, check out both the Tip column and our lesson plan that breaks its formula down. For advice on finding topics and experts, read this piece from Times Insider about how the column is constructed.

February-March

The Photo Essay

How can focusing on one form of journalistic composition teach students cross-curricular skills like researching, storytelling, asking effective questions, observing closely, listening, note-taking, fact-checking, connecting with others and, of course, composing using both words and images with clarity, voice and style?

We hope to show students how to do all of this in our coming unit that will support participation in our new photo essay contest. Inspired by the immersive New York Times series “ Where We Are ,” which focuses on young people and the spaces where they create community, we invite students to work alone or with others to make photo essays about the communities that interest them.

Students can document any kind of offline community they like and feature people of any age. Stay tuned for many more materials, but until then, you can find many relevant tips and exercises in our 2022 guides to photographing and interviewing people.

March-April

Argumentative Writing

The demand for evidence-based argumentative writing is now woven into school assignments across curriculums and grade levels, and you couldn’t ask for better real-world examples than what you can find in the Times Opinion section.

This unit, like our others, is supported with writing prompts, mentor text lesson plans, webinars and more. It’s also supported by a decade of lesson plans and videos that focus on winning teenage work from our long-running Editorial Contest, on topics as varied as policing , anti-Asian hate , artificial intelligence , toxicity in gaming , transgender rights , parental incarceration and the “life-changing magic” of being messy .

Instead of focusing on the editorial as a culminating project this year, however, we’re inviting students to pen an open letter. An open letter is a published letter of protest or appeal usually addressed to an individual but intended for the general public. Martin Luther King Jr.’s Letter From Birmingham Jail , the recent letter signed by over 1,000 tech leaders about the dangers of artificial intelligence and this funny 2020 letter addressed to Prince Harry and Meghan are all examples of this rich tradition.

Just as we did for the Editorial Contest, we invite students to make an argument in 450 words about something that matters to them, and persuade us that we should care, too. But this time, they must address themselves to a specific target audience or recipient, institution or group — one that has the power to make meaningful change.

Whether they choose their parents, teachers, school board members or mayor; a member of Congress; the head of a corporation; or a metonym like “Silicon Valley” or “the Kremlin,” they should ask themselves, What do I care about? Who can make changes — big or small, local or global — to address my issue or problem? What specifically do I want them to understand and do? And how can I write this as an “open letter,” meaningful not just to me and the recipient, but to a general audience?

We’ll publish a new step-by-step guide later this school year, but until then, you can find ideas and inspiration in our related writing unit and via the work of past Editorial winners .

Whether you’re a high school student or a professional journalist, you’re probably being increasingly expected to communicate ideas, investigate questions and tell stories not just in writing, but across a range of multimedia.

This unit and its related contest help students experiment with one such format — the podcast — by giving them the freedom to talk about anything they want in any form they like. In the past, we’ve had winners who’ve done personal narratives, local travelogues, opinion pieces, interviews with community members, investigative journalism and descriptions of scientific discoveries.

To walk classes through the process of creating an original podcast, we provide a step-by-step guide full of examples from winning student-made work. And, to make sure the format is accessible to anyone with a smartphone or recording device, we also have a related lesson plan that explains some of the technical aspects of podcasting. You can find both of these resources and more in our related Writing for Podcasts unit .

December-January and June-August

Independent Reading & Writing

At a time when teachers are looking for ways to offer students more “voice and choice,” this unit, which spotlights our fall one-pager challenge and our summer reading contest, offers both.

We invite students to choose any article, opinion essay, video, graph, photo collection or podcast from The New York Times that was published this year, and respond to it by showing us how they engaged with the ideas and information in the piece.

For the one-pager, we ask that they respond with a combination of writing and images. This step-by-step guide can help students find a meaningful piece, review it carefully and react to it authentically — then figure out how to create an illustrated one-page response that expresses what they’d most like to say. Take a look at our stunning collection of winning student work to see how it can be done.

Our Summer Reading Contest asks students to tell us what got their attention in The Times and why. For over a decade, they have done that by simply posting a comment on our site, but for 2024, we’ll be asking for a richer range of multimedia responses. More details will be published in the spring, but for now, our related unit and step-by-step guide for writing rich reader responses offer evergreen advice.

• Grades 6-12
• School Leaders

Free printable Mother's Day questionnaire 💐!

Best Websites for Teaching & Learning Writing

Our favorite free and paid writing resources across the web!

Writing is one of the most important skills students can learn in school. Writing skills are linked to reading skills and to overall academic achievement. Luckily, there are loads of interesting and engaging websites to help make writing instruction fun. To help you get started, here’s a list of the best writing websites for teaching and learning.

With 9 million members and 800,000 participating K-12 classrooms, Storybird  is the world’s largest language arts program. With Storybird, students can create short, visual stories on their own or with friends. In addition, this writing curriculum is aligned with Common Core standards and offers over 600 lessons, quizzes, and writing prompts created by seasoned educators and authors.

Cost: Free trial, subscription

Writing A-Z

With thousands of downloadable and projectable resources for writing instruction, as well as a collection of interactive online writing tools, Writing A-Z helps teachers meet the needs of every student at every learning level. In addition, teachers can track students’ progress, making individualized instruction a snap.

Story Jumper

StoryJumper is a free storybook creation site for students in grades 1-8. Students create their own original stories, then add their own artwork or access images from StoryJumper’s library. Kids can write alone, collaborate with classmates or even connect with students around the world. In addition, the site includes teacher guides, writing projects, templates, and more.

Cost: Free, Prices vary for printed books

Features an expansive, curated collection of story-starts created by renowned authors such as Jeff Kinney (Diary of a Wimpy Kid) and Jeff Bruel (Bad Kitty). Students read the first chapter of a story, then write, edit and revise the next chapter themselves online. As a class project, teachers can assign all students the same story starter. Once all the stories are written, students can anonymously read other entries and peer assess and vote for the best version of the story.

Cost: $12.99 per book

Write About

An authentic classroom writing community and publishing platform built by teachers for teachers. Access units and lessons, free choice and creative writing tips, journaling lessons, quick writes, and more for students K-12.

Cost: Free, Premium and Premium Plus versions

Storium.edu

This innovative, collaborative writing game revolves around digital story cards that represent different aspects of storytelling and character development. Along with visual cues, the cards serve as writing prompts, helping students figure out what to write next at each step of the game. Students take turns playing story cards and adding to the story. Paragraph by paragraph, they collaboratively write their own original story simply by playing the game.

Elementari integrates coding into writing as students create and publish simple interactive and animated digital stories. Using the online platform, students write and code, share, and remix interactive stories using professional illustrations and sounds. Teachers can monitor progress and offer personalized feedback to help students grow as writers.

Access 1000+ writing assignments and prompts organized by collection, genre, or grade level with Writable. Scaffold instruction and motivate your students to become purposeful, proficient writers. Also available: Skills activities, graphic organizers, quick writes, response to reading, and much more

Magnetic Poetry

Just like the fridge magnets we all know and love, this tool offers a selection of words and screen space for students to create their own poetry. They can request more words, start over and even share their poetry electronically. Magnetic Poetry is a perfect choice as a writing station or an option during creative play.

Make Beliefs Comix

Students of all ages love creating their own worlds through comic strips. MakeBeliefs Comix provides story ideas and comic starters as well as a gallery of comics for inspiration. Students choose from a wide cast of characters with different looks and moods and then write the words and thoughts for them. Also featured on this site: videos, writing tools, lesson plans, a special needs section, and an ideas exchange.

Read, Write, Think

Sponsored by the National Council of Teachers of English, this site offers high-quality, standards-aligned education materials for students K-12. Featuring hundreds of lesson plans, calendar resources, printouts, and interactive tools such as story maps, plot diagrams, timelines, and more.

PicLits is an e-learning website that utilizes photography and keywords to improve students’ literacy skills with an emphasis on interactive, visual learning. Inspired by an image, students create a caption, sentence, story, paragraph, poem, or even a quotation to capture the essence, story, and/or meaning of that image.

iWrite offers free online creative writing and illustration activities for kids in grades 1-8. In addition, they help writers take advantage of innovative online writing clubs, camps, workshops, and publishing opportunities. iWrite TV offers videos on topics like brainstorming, genre and theme, setting and description. and more.

Grammarly for Education

Grammarly helps students polish up their communication skills. A great student writing aid, it allows students to check their writing for typos, commonly confusing words, tricky sentence structure, and more. And Grammarly has hundreds of informative blogs such as H ow to Write a Research Paper, How to Write a Poem, and Grammar Tips.

Cost: Free basic plan, Subscription Education options.

StoryboardThat

StoryboardThat is an easy drag-and-drop creation platform with cross-curricular applications for writers K-12. With over 3,000 lesson plans and activities , teachers can create materials and lessons for their classes which will help students can take ownership of their voice and learning.

Grammar Girl

One of Writer’s Digest’s 101 best websites, Mignon Fogarty offers “Quick and Dirty Tips” with blogs and videos such as Top Ten Grammar Myths and Can You Start a Sentence with And to help students become the best writers possible.

NaNoWritMo Young Writers Program

NaNoWritMo’s Young Writers Program supports young writers and K-12 educators as they participate in National Novel Writing Month each November and offers smaller writing challenges year-round. Kids can track their word-count goal for the month and draft their novel right on the site. Plus, they can get support from published authors and an international community of fellow novelists.

Power Poetry

The largest online poetry community in the world and a safe, creative, free place for teen poets and teachers. Chock full of resources, there are lesson plans, classroom activity guides, and printable worksheets to help you in the classroom.

Poetry Foundation Teen Section

The Poetry Foundation offers a variety of articles, videos and podcasts to help teens in all aspects of poetry. You’ll find tips on understanding and writing poems along with featured poems by famous poets. The Poetry Foundation also has a Children Section as well as a Teacher Section.

Time4Writing

Free writing resources for students K-12 in seven main categories. Each category includes a selection of fun writing games, instructional videos, printable writing worksheets, and other writing tools. This site also offers online courses with writing instruction by certified teachers.

Cost: Free resources, Fees for online courses

What are your favorite writing websites for the classroom? Share in the comments below!

Want more suggestions  be sure to subscribe to our newsletter so you can get our latest picks..

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How to Teach Creative Writing

Last Updated: March 13, 2024 References

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 13 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 117,208 times.

Creative writing is one of the most enjoyable types of writing for students. Not only does it allow students to explore their imaginations, but it helps them to structure their ideas and produce writing that they can be proud of. However, creative writing is a relatively difficult type of writing to teach and offers challenges to both new and seasoned teachers alike. Fortunately, though, with some work of their own, teachers can better develop their own abilities to teach creative writing.

Providing Students with the Fundamentals

• Theme. The theme of a story is its message or the main idea behind it.
• Setting. The setting of a story is the location or time it takes place in.
• Plot. The plot is the overall story, narrative, or sequence of events.
• Characterization. Characterization is how a character or person in a story is explained or presented to the reader.
• Conflict and dramatic action. Conflict and dramatic action are the main events of focus in the story. These events are often tense or exciting and are used to lure the reader in. [1] X Research source

• Explain how your students, as writers, can appeal to the humanity of their readers. One great way to do this is to ask them to explore character development. By developing the characters in their story, readers will become invested in the story.
• Discuss the triggers that engage readers in an effective story. Most great stories start with a problem, which is solved with the resolution, or conclusion of the story. Encourage students to create an engaging problem that will hook the readers in the first few pages of a short story or novel. [2] X Research source

• By setting the tone and atmosphere of a story, the author will establish his or her attitude to the subject and the feel of the story.
• Tone can be positive, neutral, or negative. [3] X Research source
• Atmosphere can be dark, happy, or neither.
• Descriptive words like “darkness” or “sunshine” can help set both the tone and atmosphere. [4] X Research source

• Active verbs are used to show action in the story.
• Active verbs are very often a better alternative to passive voice, as it keeps your writing clear and concise for your readers. [5] X Research source
• For example, instead of writing “The cat was chased by the dog” your student can write “The dog chased the cat.”

Guiding Students through the Process

• Tell your students to brainstorm about ideas they are truly interested in.
• If you must restrict the general topic, make sure that your students have a good amount of wiggle room within the broad topic of the assignment.
• Never assign specific topics and force students to write. This will undermine the entire process. [6] X Research source

• Letting your students know that the outline is non-binding. They don’t have to follow it in later steps of the writing process.
• Telling your students that the parts of their outline should be written very generally.
• Recommending that your students create several outlines, or outlines that go in different directions (in terms of plot and other elements of storytelling). The more avenues your students explore, the better. [7] X Research source

• Tell students that there is no “right” way to write a story.
• Let students know that their imaginations should guide their way.
• Show students examples of famous writing that breaks normal patterns, like the works of E.E. Cummings, William Faulkner, Charles Dickens, and William Shakespeare.
• Ask students to forget about any expectations they think you have for how a story should be written. [8] X Research source

• Gather the first drafts and comment on the student's work. For first drafts, you want to check on the overall structure of the draft, proper word use, punctuation, spelling, and overall cohesion of the piece. [9] X Research source
• Remind them that great writers usually wrote several drafts before they were happy with their stories.
• Avoid grading drafts for anything other than completion.

• Let students pair off to edit each others' papers.
• Have your students join groups of 3 or 4 and ask them to go edit and provide feedback on each member’s story.
• Provide guidance so students contribute constructively to the group discussion. [10] X Research source

• Reward your students if they are innovative or do something unique and truly creative.
• Avoid evaluating your students based on a formula.
• Assess and review your own standards as often as you can. Remember that the point is to encourage your students' creativity. [11] X Research source

Spurring Creativity

• Teach your students about a variety of writers and genres.
• Have your students read examples of different genres.
• Promote a discussion within your class of the importance of studying literature.
• Ask students to consider the many ways literature improves the world and asks individuals to think about their own lives. [12] X Research source

• Make sure your room is stocked with a wide variety of fiction stories.
• Make sure your room is stocked with plenty of paper for your students to write on.
• Line up other writing teachers or bring in writers from the community to talk to and encourage your students.

• Cut out pictures and photographs from magazines, comic books, and newspapers.
• Have your students cut out photographs and pictures and contribute them to your bank.
• Consider having your students randomly draw a given number of photos and pictures and writing a short story based on what they draw.
• This technique can help students overcome writer's block and inspire students who think that they're "not creative." [13] X Research source

• Pair your students with students from another grade in your school.
• Allow your students to write stories that younger students in your school would like to read.
• Pair your students with another student in the class and have them evaluate each others' work. [14] X Research source

• If you just have a typical classroom to work with, make sure to put inspirational posters or other pictures on the walls.
• Open any curtains so students can see outside.
• If you have the luxury of having an extra classroom or subdividing your own classroom, create a comfortable space with a lot of inspirational visuals.
• Writing spaces can help break writer's block and inspire students who think that they're "not creative." [15] X Research source

• Involve students in the printing process.
• Publication does not have to be expensive or glossy.
• Copies can be made in the school workroom if possible or each student might provide a copy for the others in the group.
• A collection of the stories can be bound with a simple stapler or brads.
• Seek out other opportunities for your students to publish their stories.

Expert Q&A

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• ↑ https://www.writersonlineworkshops.com/courses/creative-writing-101
• ↑ https://kobowritinglife.com/2012/10/14/six-tips-for-engaging-readers-within-two-seconds-the-hook-in-fiction-and-memoir/
• ↑ https://www.dailywritingtips.com/in-writing-tone-is-the-author%E2%80%99s-attitude/
• ↑ http://ourenglishclass.net/class-notes/writing/the-writing-process/craft/tone-and-mood/
• ↑ https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/539/02/
• ↑ http://www.alfiekohn.org/article/choices-children/
• ↑ https://www.writersdigest.com/write-better-fiction/7-steps-to-creating-a-flexible-outline-for-any-story
• ↑ http://thewritepractice.com/the-formula-to-write-a-novel/
• ↑ https://student.unsw.edu.au/editing-your-essay
• ↑ http://orelt.col.org/module/unit/5-promoting-creative-writing
• ↑ http://education.seattlepi.com/grade-creative-writing-paper-3698.html
• ↑ http://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2016/04/educating-teenagers-emotions-through-literature/476790/
• ↑ http://www.wrightingwords.com/for-teachers/5-tips-for-teaching-creative-writing/

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To teach creative writing, start by introducing your students to the core elements of storytelling, like theme, setting, and plot, while reminding them that there’s no formula for combining these elements to create a story. Additionally, explain how important it is to use tone and atmosphere, along with active verbs, to write compelling stories that come alive. When your students have chosen their topics, have them create story outlines before they begin writing. Then, read their rough drafts and provide feedback to keep them on the right path to storytelling success. For tips from our English reviewer on how to spur creativity in your students, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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The Best Writing Teachers Are Writers Themselves

It takes more than a good grasp of grammar to teach students the true power of the written word.

I was a closet writer from an early age. In the second grade I wrote a poem for my classmate Patrick O'Neal, who sat alone everyday on the playground, but I didn't give it to him. A few years later, I started writing a book that featured a thinly disguised amalgam of Laura Ingalls Wilder and myself making do in a little house on the prairie. In middle school, I documented love triangles and made lists of my first, second, and third-best friends in a diary that locked. My secrets were safe, and so was my budding desire to be a writer.

Year after year in school, I dutifully underlined subjects and circled verbs on grammar worksheets. I wrote answers to the study questions at the end of the chapter and learned how to nail the five-paragraph essay my junior year in high school. (I haven't been asked to write another one since, even in college.)

In school, writing was a closed circuit. The teacher gave an assignment, I responded, then she passed it back with a letter grade at the top of the page. I was good at school, but none of it felt like writing. Writing was what I did on my own time. I composed poetry and song lyrics in secret and hid my journal in my sock drawer when I heard footsteps in the hall.

So Kelly Ford's Senior English class came as a surprise.

Even in 1982 at the age of 17, I knew that something was different. For starters, we wrote every single day. No grammar worksheets in Kelly's class and no study questions either. Instead, his favorite drill went like this: Enter the room. Grab your journal. Read the prompt on the chalkboard, and start writing. Give me 10 full minutes without stopping. No excuses.

Sharing what we wrote was an important drill, too. We gave feedback to one another in writing groups so we could improve our work. I learned that Marlon, the calf roper who sat behind me in sixth period, could also turn a phrase because when Marlon's poetry moved him, Kelly thought we should hear it out loud, too.

Some assignments felt familiar, like my research paper on the Wars of the Roses and the essay analyzing the symbolism of the albatross in "The Rime of the Ancient Mariner." But for the first time ever, I also wrote poetry and short stories in class. I wrote a personal essay about my Aunt Eunice whose sure hands had fed me fish and cornbread every summer of life. I described how bony her fingers looked that Christmas before she died, how they opened and closed like restless birds on the quilt draped across her lap. I wrote song lyrics intended to keep my boyfriend from abandoning me when we left for different colleges in the fall. (It worked. We've been married for 27 years.)

I analyzed. I narrated. I wooed. This was school, and I was writing. The circuit was no longer closed.

After college, I became an English teacher myself, and about three years into my career, I joined a National Writing Project site at the University of Oklahoma and discovered how and why Kelly Ford's class had been so different. Like Kelly had in 1975, I participated in the Oklahoma Writing Project's summer institute in 1991, where I honed my skills as a writing teacher, grew as a teacher leader, and gave myself permission to be a writer once again.

I was relieved at the end of the summer to learn that the institute was not the end of the best professional development I had ever experienced. Rather, I had become a member of the nation's only professional development network devoted to improving the teaching of writing, the National Writing Project (NWP). Founded in the Bay Area in 1974, NWP now has close to 200 sites nationwide, including the one I direct at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. Each site hosts an annual summer institute like the one Kelly and I attended and provides professional development for area teachers. Many sites offer writing programs for students and communities as well.

I was fortunate to gain access to a community of dynamic teachers so early in my career. But my students were the ultimate beneficiaries, for the mantra that guided Kelly Ford's practice once again proved true in mine: The best writing teachers are writers themselves. Why? Because we know the writing process inside out, we can support our students' work in authentic ways.

As a parent whose children have been taught by NWP teachers, I know firsthand that these students are the lucky ones, for they see themselves as writers, too. With that identity comes the bonus of scoring better on standardized tests than students who haven't been taught by writing teachers. More importantly, though, they learn that writing is hard, joyful, worthwhile work that is meant to be shared with others.

One might imagine that the deeply inventive practice I experienced as Kelly Ford's student is no longer possible today. It's true that we are not immune to mandates like No Child Behind and the steady stream of scripted curricula and standardized tests that have spun out of it. Like the students at New Dorp High School, our students must perform well on tests like the Regent's Exam, too, or else. Many NWP teachers work in some of the toughest schools in the nation, schools that could also use a writing revolution. More often than not, the "solution" has been to tighten the screws so that the cogs that are our students and teachers will keep the wheel on turning.

The solution has been to scrap the poetry, the journals, and the peer writing groups. Dust off the grammar books because it's time to get back to the basics. It's time to teach to the test.

After all, the wholesale revision of the writing curriculum is the only way to bring about a writing revolution, right? At first glance, it appears to be just the thing that worked at New Dorp, the high school profiled in the latest issue of The Atlantic , where students have made undeniably remarkable gains in passing the Regents Exam and are graduating in record numbers compared to recent years.

It's true that New Dorp High School made drastic changes, replacing the old curriculum with a new focus on a single genre, argumentative writing, that is also emphasized on the Regents Exam. As a result of these efforts, it would be surprising if students didn't improve at least slightly on the Regents Exam. Yet many schools have viewed curricular changes as the silver bullet that will raise test scores and have not experienced such unprecedented results. A closer look reveals that the most important investment Deirdre DeAngelis, the school's principal, made was not in a new curriculum, but in teachers .

DeAngelis provided opportunities for teachers to visit a successful writing program at the Windward School in White Plains. She invited in professional consultants, not just for the one-shot workshop that is so common in schools, but over a sustained period. Teachers were given the space and time to reflect critically on their writing instruction and to comb through student work to determine what students were doing well, where the gaps were, and what they as teachers could do to fill them.

Meanwhile, students wrote every day and in every academic subject, and teachers began teaching writing, not just assigning it. They helped students attend closely to language, not merely by diagramming sentences or completing grammar worksheets, but by analyzing the function of transitional words like "although" and "despite" so that they could employ them for rhetorical purposes in their own writing.

And teachers learned how to integrate the language arts, helping students learn to read like writers and apply the same complex structures of argument in class discussion that they were expected to use in their essays. New Dorp High School did far more than change its curriculum. Through an investment in teachers, it changed the culture of the entire school.

This is an amazing feat to be sure, but I would say they are only one third of the way there. That's because in 2015, when tests aligned with the new Common Core State Standards begin rolling out, students won't just be asked to write argumentative essays. They will be required to write informative/explanatory texts and narratives as well. If performing well on the test is still an important end goal, a "back to the basics" curriculum that focuses solely on academic argument will be insufficient.

As I was writing this piece, I asked Bud Hunt and Antero Garcia , two National Writing Project teachers, what they thought about narrowing the curriculum in order to improve test scores. Bud is a former English high school English teacher in Longmont, Colorado. Thousands of educators know him as "Bud the Teacher," following him on his namesake blog and on Twitter.

Only a year ago, Antero was a teacher for seven years at Manual Arts High School, a high-needs school in south-central Los Angeles. He is now an Assistant Professor in the English Department at Colorado State University. Both Bud and Antero agree that a curriculum solely focused on standardized tests is short-sighted.

Bud responded to my question about standardized tests with questions of his own. "How many standardized tests have I had to take as grown-up? How many tests have I had to take to be a participant in a democratic society? Teaching writing is not about test prep. It's about exposing students to writing situations and helping them through that experience. A test is one experience."

Bud asks his students to write in a wide range of genres for varied purposes because writing is a way of "paying very close attention to the world. The same skills that help you describe a beautiful sunset can help you deconstruct a politician's argument. Allowing students to write about the stuff they love and care about is to help them be ready when they need to pay attention next time."

Having taught so recently at Manual Arts High School, Antero took seriously his responsibility to prepare his low-income, urban students for college. Yet he did not see test performance as the only measure of his students' success. "If we tell students that all they have to do is pass a Regent's exam, and they're good writers, that's really scary because we're also communicating that 'this is what writing is.' But writing on a standardized test is only one kind of writing."

Instead, he allowed his students -- many of them recent immigrants from Mexico and Central America -- to see themselves as writers of many different genres. Writing poetry, essays, and short stories helped his students internalize content and form personal connections to abstract ideas. Some of their most powerful writing was intensely personal, like the autobiographical children's stories he assigned at the beginning of the year.

"All of the students had something powerful to say about family, loss, and feeling alone," he explained. "None of them used transitional sentences or said, 'Sometimes I feel alone. For example....'" Antero recalled one girl who described herself as part of a "constellation of stars"--isolated in America, yet still connected to those she had left behind. In the end, he believes that no one could have a made a stronger argument about the power of family to shape identity than she did through a 15-page children's book.

Peg Tyre's thoughtful Atlantic article "The Writing Revolution" is also kind of argument. I noticed that in making it, she, too, employs several modes. With the skill of a fiction writer, she narrates the poignant changes that New Dorp High School's "writing revolution" have wrought in Monica DiBella's academic life. She explains how writing instruction has evolved over the years in American schools, drawing on statistics and the words of various educational experts. Her style is as fluid as a poet's, her tone is even-handed, her phrasing varied.

And though the piece itself is not formulaic, Tyre combines these various elements to produce a recognizable genre -- the feature article that an Atlantic reader expects to read when fishing the latest issue out of the mailbox each month.

As I read her piece, I couldn't help wondering exactly how Peg Tyre learned to write this way. If she had been a struggling student like Monica who experienced New Dorp High School's new curriculum, would she have passed the Regents exam? (I suspect so.) Would she have been prepared for college-level writing? (Almost certainly.)

But would she have had sufficient experience writing in varied genres beyond the academic argument that writing a feature for The Atlantic would someday seem possible? And would she have had gained enough satisfaction from preparing for the Regents Exam that she would have hoped for a writing life beyond it? (It's hard to say.)

This is not to minimize the importance of passing standardized tests. For better or worse, in a culture enamored with comparing and sorting students and teachers and schools, these gatekeeping devices serve an important function. It's important for students to have something to show for their 12 years in education. They ought to be able to read critically and write well enough to be successful after high school in college and the workplace. And it's important that teachers hold themselves accountable to make sure that happens.

Yet I'm not at all certain that a curriculum whose end goal is passing a single test will bring about the writing revolution our nation needs. As National Writing Project teachers, Bud Hunt, Antero Garcia, and I know what I suspect New Dorp High School teachers have learned as well.

It's not just the curriculum that brings on the revolution. It's the teachers.

Since 1967, Teachers & Writers Collaborative has published over 80 books dedicated to teaching creative writing.  Today, 42 titles are in print.  Retailers and educational institutions may order our books directly through Ingram .  Individuals may find our books at your local bookseller.  Visit our booklist at Word Up Books , an NYC community bookstore, or find an independent bookseller near you Visit Indie Bookstore Finder.

Click on the categories below to see filtered lists of books., essay books, featured releases, poetry books, science books, t&w guides, theater books, workshop books, featured books.

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How to Become a Creative Writing Teacher (And Enjoy It)

If you’re passionate about writing and want to share your love of the craft with others, becoming a creative writing teacher may be for you.

Creative writing is an art that offers students the opportunity to explore their creativity and improve their writing skills. Teaching this discipline requires not only expertise in writing but also the ability to inspire and guide aspiring writers on their journey to becoming better wordsmiths. Whether you’re looking to make extra money on the side or considering a full-time career, this guide will walk you through the steps of becoming a creative writing teacher, including dissertation data analysis help and resources for aspiring educators.

Become a Creative Writing Teacher: The Basics

The first step is getting the right qualifications, which typically include at least a bachelor’s degree in English or another related field. Having prior teaching experience and certifications would be a big plus. Once you have these things lined up, familiarize yourself with different lesson-planning resources and strategies. It will propel you to start strong when it’s time to teach. Finally, always be open to feedback from both your students and colleagues so you can continue growing as an educator. If you have a passion for writing and enjoy teaching, becoming a creative writing instructor could be a fulfilling career path. Now let’s get into the specifics, so you can have a better understanding of what the job entails.

5 Tips for Becoming a Creative Writing Teacher

Teaching others how to write it’s very fulfilling and allows you to share your unique perspective with your students. But there are several requirements you will need to meet to do it properly. Keep reading to see what they are:

1. Get a Degree in English or Creative Writing

While not required, having a relevant degree can give you an edge when applying for teaching positions. Formal education on the subject gives you the foundation in literature and composition that will be helpful when teaching how to write. People who wish to become creative writing teachers often attend college for additional writing training before sharing their expertise with others. This equips them to use various teaching approaches, whether it be through a traditional academic setting, an online course, a summer camp workshop, etc.

2. Consider Getting a Teaching Certification

Many states require teachers to have certain teaching certifications. Although it is not required for all positions, having one can make you more attractive as a candidate. Full-time courses usually take three to four years, while part-time courses take four to six years. If you have undergraduate credits from previous studies, you might complete a course in two years. There are also a lot of online writing certificate programs you can explore. Some of them are even conducted by bestselling authors and renowned educators, so you should check them out.

3. Start Your Own Writing Group or Workshop

This is a great way to get experience leading other writers. You’ll gain some insights into what it takes to be an effective teacher and learn how to communicate with your students . The most wonderful thing about starting a creative writing group is that you can build it exactly what you want it to be. It could be a workshop-style group where you read each other’s work. You can form a group where you meet up together and write, or just talk about writing or each other’s personal experiences in honing their craft. There are no rules. You can contact your writing sessions in a local café, or if that’s not possible, you can host the whole thing on a Facebook group.

4. Volunteer to Teach Creative Writing in Local Schools

Many educational institutions have after-school programs or summer camps that are always looking for volunteers. This is a great way to get your foot in the door and see if teaching is right for you. Most schools collaborate with volunteers who are or want to learn how to become creative writing teachers. You can teach how to edit and publish creative writing.

5. Be Patient and Persistent

Getting a job as a creative writing teacher can be competitive. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land your dream position right away. Keep applying and refining your resume , and eventually, you’ll find the perfect fit! To become a creative writing teacher, consider getting a degree or teaching certification in English or creative writing. You can also start your writing group or workshop, or volunteer to teach creative writing in local schools. These will give you the training and experience you need to get closer to your goal.

Teaching Writing With True Excellence

We all know the importance of teaching writing. After all, as the saying goes, “If you can’t write well, you can’t think well.” And in today’s world, with so much emphasis on effective communication and clear thinking skills, it’s more important than ever to make sure our students are receiving a top-notch education on learning how to write. So what does true excellence in teaching writing look like? Here are five key concepts to consider:

1. High Expectations

As teachers, we need to have high expectations for our students’ writing abilities. This doesn’t mean that we should be unrealistic or overly critical. Rather, it means that we should expect them to produce quality work that meets or exceeds our standards. By setting the bar high from the beginning, we’ll give them a goal to strive for and help them develop their skills more quickly.

2. Quality Feedback

For our students to improve their writing abilities, they need regular quality feedback . This feedback needs to be specific and objective. Simply telling them “good job” or “nice work” will not help them improve. We need to point out what they’re doing well and where they can make improvements so that they can see their progress. The more specific you can get while providing feedback, the better.

3. Focus on the Process

It’s important to remember that writing is a process, not a product. This means that we should focus on helping our students with each step of the process, from brainstorming ideas to editing and revising their work. By focusing on the process, we’ll help them develop strong writing skills that will serve them well through life.

4. Setting an Example

Another important aspect of teaching writing is modeling good behavior for our students. If we want them to produce quality work, then we need to show them how it’s done. We can do this by sharing our writings with them (with permission, of course), or by demonstrating proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation usage in our daily communications with them. Another great idea is to encourage them to read as much as possible and introduce them to the classics so they can fully grasp what a great piece of literary art looks like.

5. Encouragement

Finally, one of the best things we can do as teachers is to encourage our students in their writing endeavors. This includes offering positive feedback when deserved, but also giving them that extra push in the right direction when the going gets tough. Letting them know you believe in their ability to improve and achieve great things will go a long way in helping them reach their full potential as writers. Teaching writing effectively requires high expectations, quality feedback, a focus on process, modeling, and encouragement.

Testing Your Students Through Writing Tasks

As a creative writing teacher, it’s essential to test your students’ skills and knowledge regularly. One way to do this is through writing tasks. By setting regular writing assignments, you can gauge your student’s progress and identify areas that need improvement.

Here are some tips for making the most of the writing tasks in your classroom :

• Make sure the task applies to what your students are currently studying. This will help them engage with the material and produce their best work.
• Clearly instruct what you expect from the finished product. This includes specifying word count, formatting requirements, etc.
• Provide feedback on each student’s performance after they submit their work. This helps them understand where they need to improve. It will also give you an idea of how well they are grasping the concepts being taught.

In short, get your students engaged in their learning by setting regular writing tasks. By making the tasks relevant and providing clear instructions, you’ll help them produce their best work. Don’t forget to provide feedback so they can understand where they need to improve. Many writing teachers are worried about the influence of artificial intelligence on the writing process. That’s why you need to explain that using AI bots for writing will teach them how to write, as it’s a form of “creative plagiarism.”

FAQ About How to Become a Creative Writing Teacher:

1. how do i start teaching creative writing.

There is no single answer to this question since there are many ways to become a creative writing teacher. The best way to teach creative writing will depend on your qualifications, experience, and goals. For example, if you have a degree in English or Creative Writing , you may teach at the college level. Alternatively, if you have significant experience as a writer but no formal education in the field, you may teach creative writing courses at community colleges or adult education centers. There are also online programs that allow people with no teaching experience to lead classes on specific topics related to creative writing. This could be an option for someone looking for flexibility and wanting to share their expertise with others without committing to traditional employment. No matter what route someone takes to become a creative writing teacher, they must possess excellent communication skills, patience, and creativity so they can encourage students to reach their fullest potential.

2. Can you teach writing when only have a creative writing degree?

Yes, you can teach creative writing with a degree in the subject. There are many ways to become a creative writing teacher, but most involve some level of formal education. Many universities offer degrees in creative writing, and there are also specialized schools that focus solely on teaching the craft of writing.

3. What degree do you need to teach creative writing in college?

Requirements for teaching creative writing at the college level can vary depending on the institution. However, most colleges and universities will require that their creative writing instructors have at least a master’s degree in English or Creative Writing. Many institutions may also prefer or require that candidates for teaching positions have prior experience teaching at the college level.

4. How Much Does a Creative Writer Make?

According to Zip Recruiter, the average yearly salary for creative writing teachers is $53, 608.00. But the range goes to as low as $46,000 a year for beginners, and up to over $100,000 a year for those who are in the biz for several years.

If you’re passionate about writing and want to share your love of literature with others, becoming a creative writing teacher may be the perfect career for you. By imparting your knowledge and expertise to students, you can help them develop their skills and find their voice as writers. Are you interested in becoming a freelance writer, working remotely, or improving your productivity and side hustle? I offer coaching and consulting services to help you achieve your goals. Visit my website or contact me today to learn more about how I can help you reach your full potential. Next up, you may want to explore a guide on how to become a columnist .

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Language » Writing Books

The best books on creative writing, recommended by andrew cowan.

The professor of creative writing at UEA says Joseph Conrad got it right when he said that the sitting down is all. He chooses five books to help aspiring writers.

Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande

On Becoming a Novelist by John C. Gardner

On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King

The Forest for the Trees by Betsy Lerner

Worstward Ho by Samuel Beckett

1 Becoming a Writer by Dorothea Brande

2 on becoming a novelist by john c. gardner, 3 on writing: a memoir of the craft by stephen king, 4 the forest for the trees by betsy lerner, 5 worstward ho by samuel beckett.

How would you describe creative writing?

But because it is in academia there is all this paraphernalia that has to go with it. So you get credits for attending classes. You have to do supporting modules; you have to be assessed. If you are doing an undergraduate degree you have to follow a particular curriculum and only about a quarter of that will be creative writing and the rest will be in the canon of English literature . If you are doing a PhD you have to support whatever the creative element is with a critical element. So there are these ways in which academia disciplines writing and I think of that as Creative Writing with a capital C and a capital W. All of us who teach creative writing are doing it, in a sense, to support our writing, but it is also often at the expense of our writing. We give up quite a lot of time and mental energy and also, I think, imaginative and creative energy to teach.

Your first choice is Dorothea Brande’s Becoming a Writer , which for someone writing in 1934 sounds pretty forward thinking.

Because creative writing has now taken off and has become this very widespread academic discipline it is beginning to acquire its own canon of key works and key texts. This is one of the oldest of them. It’s a book that almost anyone who teaches creative writing will have read. They will probably have read it because some fundamentals are explained and I think the most important one is Brande’s sense of the creative writer being comprised of two people. One of them is the artist and the other is the critic.

Actually, Malcolm Bradbury who taught me at UEA, wrote the foreword to my edition of Becoming a Writer , and he talks about how Dorothea Brande was writing this book ‘in Freudian times’ – the 1930s in the States. And she does have this very Freudian idea of the writer as comprised of a child artist on the one hand, who is associated with spontaneity, unconscious processes, while on the other side there is the adult critic making very careful discriminations.

And did she think the adult critic hindered the child artist?

No. Her point is that the two have to work in harmony and in some way the writer has to achieve an effective balance between the two, which is often taken to mean that you allow the artist child free rein in the morning. So you just pour stuff on to the page in the morning when you are closest to the condition of sleep. The dream state for the writer is the one that is closest to the unconscious. And then in the afternoon you come back to your morning’s work with your critical head on and you consciously and objectively edit it. Lots of how-to-write books encourage writers to do it that way. It is also possible that you can just pour stuff on to the page for days on end as long as you come back to it eventually with a critical eye.

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Good! Your next book, John Gardner’s On Becoming a Novelist , is described as comfort food for the aspiring novelist.

This is another one of the classics. He was quite a successful novelist in the States, but possibly an even more successful teacher of creative writing. The short story writer and poet Raymond Carver, for instance, was one of his students. And he died young in a motorcycle accident when he was 49. There are two classic works by him. One is this book, On Becoming a Novelist , and the other is The Art of Fiction: Notes on Craft for Young Writers . They were both put together from his teaching notes after he died.

On Becoming a Novelist  is the more succinct and, I think, is the better of the two. He talks about automatic writing and the idea, just like Dorothea Brande, of the artist being comprised of two people. But his key idea is the notion of the vivid and continuous dream. He suggests that when we read a novel we submit to the logic of that novel in the same way as we might submit to the logic of a dream – we sink into it, and clearly the events that occur could not exist outside the imagination.

What makes student writing in particular go wrong is when it draws attention to itself, either through bad writing or over-elaborate writing. He suggests that these faults in the aspirant writer alert the reader to the fact that they are reading a fiction and it is a bit like giving someone who is dreaming a nudge. It jolts them out of the dream. So he proposes that the student writer should try to create a dream state in the reader that is vivid and appeals to all the senses and is continuous. What you mustn’t do is alert the reader to the fact that they are reading a fiction.

It is a very good piece of advice for writers starting out but it is ultimately very limiting. It rules out all the great works of modernism and post-modernism, anything which is linguistically experimental. It rules out anything which draws attention to the words as words on a page. It’s a piece of advice which really applies to the writing of realist fiction, but is a very good place from which to begin.

And then people can move on.

I never would have expected the master of terror Stephen King to write a book about writing. But your next choice, On Writing , is more of an autobiography .

Yes. It is a surprise to a lot of people that this book is so widely read on university campuses and so widely recommended by teachers of writing. Students love it. It’s bracing: there’s no nonsense. He says somewhere in the foreword or preface that it is a short book because most books are filled with bullshit and he is determined not to offer bullshit but to tell it like it is.

It is autobiographical. It describes his struggle to emerge from his addictions – to alcohol and drugs – and he talks about how he managed to pull himself and his family out of poverty and the dead end into which he had taken them. He comes from a very disadvantaged background and through sheer hard work and determination he becomes this worldwide bestselling author. This is partly because of his idea of the creative muse. Most people think of this as some sprite or fairy that is usually feminine and flutters about your head offering inspiration. His idea of the muse is ‘a basement guy’, as he calls him, who is grumpy and turns up smoking a cigar. You have to be down in the basement every day clocking in to do your shift if you want to meet the basement guy.

Stephen King has this attitude that if you are going to be a writer you need to keep going and accept that quite a lot of what you produce is going to be rubbish and then you are going to revise it and keep working at it.

Do you agree with him?

He sounds inspirational. Your next book, Betsy Lerner’s The Forest for the Trees , looks at things from the editor’s point of view.

Yes, she was an editor at several major American publishing houses, such as Simon & Schuster. She went on to become an agent, and also did an MFA in poetry before that, so she came through the US creative writing process and understands where many writers are coming from.

The book is divided into two halves. In the second half she describes the process that goes from the completion of the author’s manuscript to submitting it to agents and editors. She explains what goes on at the agent’s offices and the publisher’s offices. She talks about the drawing up of contracts, negotiating advances and royalties. So she takes the manuscript from the author’s hands, all the way through the publishing process to its appearance in bookshops. She describes that from an insider’s point of view, which is hugely interesting.

But the reason I like this book is for the first half of it, which is very different. Here she offers six chapters, each of which is a character sketch of a different type of author. She has met each of them and so although she doesn’t mention names you feel she is revealing something to you about authors whose books you may have read. She describes six classic personality types. She has the ambivalent writer, the natural, the wicked child, the self-promoter, the neurotic and a chapter called ‘Touching Fire’, which is about the addictive and the mentally unstable.

Your final choice is Worstward Ho by Samuel Beckett .

This is a tiny book – it is only about 40 pages and it has got these massive white margins and really large type. I haven’t counted, but I would guess it is only about two to three thousand words and it is dressed up as a novella when it is really only a short story. On the first page there is this riff: ‘Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better.’

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When I read this I thought I had discovered a slogan for the classroom that I could share with my students. I want to encourage them to make mistakes and not to be perfectionists, not to feel that everything they do has to be of publishable standard. The whole point of doing a course, especially a creative writing MA and attending workshops, is that you can treat the course as a sandpit. You go in there, you try things out which otherwise you wouldn’t try, and then you submit it to the scrutiny of your classmates and you get feedback. Inevitably there will be things that don’t work and your classmates will help you to identify those so that you can take it away and redraft it – you can try again. And inevitably you are going to fail again because any artistic endeavour is doomed to failure because the achievement can never match the ambition. That’s why artists keep producing their art and writers keep writing, because the thing you did last just didn’t quite satisfy you, just wasn’t quite right. And you keep going and trying to improve on that.

But why, when so much of it is about failing – failing to get published, failing to be satisfied, failing to be inspired – do writers carry on?

I have a really good quote from Joseph Conrad in which he says the sitting down is all. He spends eight hours at his desk, trying to write, failing to write, foaming at the mouth, and in the end wanting to hit his head on the wall but refraining from that for fear of alarming his wife!

It’s a familiar situation; lots of writers will have been there. For me it is a kind of obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is something I have to keep returning to. I have to keep going back to the sentences, trying to get them right. Trying to line them up correctly. I can’t let them go. It is endlessly frustrating because they are never quite right.

You have published four books. Are you happy with them?

Reasonably happy. Once they are done and gone I can relax and feel a little bit proud of them. But at the time I just experience agonies. It takes me ages. It takes me four or five years to finish a novel partly because I always find distractions – like working in academia – something that will keep me away from the writing, which is equally as unrewarding as it is rewarding!

September 27, 2012

Five Books aims to keep its book recommendations and interviews up to date. If you are the interviewee and would like to update your choice of books (or even just what you say about them) please email us at [email protected]

Andrew Cowan

Andrew Cowan is Professor of Creative Writing and Director of the Creative Writing programme at UEA. His first novel, Pig , won the Sunday Times Young Writer of the Year Award, the Betty Trask Award, the Ruth Hadden Memorial Prize, the Author’s Club First Novel Award and a Scottish Council Book Award. He is also the author of the novels Common Ground , Crustaceans ,  What I Know  and  Worthless Men . His own creative writing guidebook is  The  Art  of  Writing  Fiction .

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23 Books for Teaching Writing

• Kristin Halverson
• August 13, 2021
• No Comments

When it comes to teaching writing, I didn’t learn a whole lot in my teacher prep program. It is a skill I have honed over time. I was also fortunate enough to observe some master teachers who excel at their craft and learn from them.

Throughout the years, I’ve amassed a collection of mentor texts for teaching writing – books that I love, the kids love, and also perfectly match the skills I want to teach. Whenever I discover a new picture book, I love to share it with others.

So… here’s my list of 23 books for teaching writing!

General writing, 1 – one day, the end: short, very short, shorter-than-ever stories by rebecca kai dotlich.

Theme: Adding Details

I absolutely adore this story and it is one of my favorite books for teaching writing. I play it up like I have the BEST new book for the students to hear – they’re going to loooove this story. It is so in-depth and there is so much going on in each of the stories – they’ll never believe it is all in one book. And then I start reading. And they crack up because they know how ridiculous the stories sound when they have few to no details. A must-read for all primary grades!

Writing Book 2 –  Ralph Tells a Story by Abby Hanlon

Theme: Finding Inspiration

Secondary Skill: Speech Bubbles/Dialogue

Ralph can’t write a story because nothing ever happens to him…or so he thinks. Ralph avoids writing like the plague because he thinks he has nothing to say, until one day, his classmates help him discover that maybe he does have stories to tell.

3 –  A Squiggly Story by Andrew Larsen

Theme: How To Start Writing/Adding Details (for early writers)

How do you write a story when you don’t know any words, only letters? The little boy in this story discovers the answer from his sister. As she prompts him to add details and move the story along, the little boy realizes that even he can write a story. This is great for emergent writers and has an emphasis on oral storytelling from the few symbols that the boy puts on paper. I love how the teacher and classmates help the little boy continue to develop his story by suggesting ideas – just like we do at school!

4 –  The Best Story by Eileen Spinelli

Theme: Writing from the Heart

This is one of the first books I get out each year from my set of books for teaching writing. I follow it up with a heart map graphic organizer. The main character in this book enters a contest at the library, trying to win for having the best story. The problem is, she keeps getting conflicting information on what makes ‘the best story’ from her family. As she tries to add all these elements to her story, she discovers that the best story is the one that is your own.

Writing Book 5 –  Rocket Writes a Story by Tad Hills

Theme: Finding Inspiration/The Magic of Words

Rocket wants to write his very own story. He starts by collecting words. Then, he decides to use his words to write a story but doesn’t know what to write. As Rocket is guided by the little yellow bird, he slowly develops his story, which he shares with Owl, his newly discovered and eventual friend.

6 –  Author: A True Story by Helen Lester

Theme: The Writing Process/Finding Inspiration

The author tells the story of her life – how she became a writer. I love how she explains the process of becoming a published author and how it takes persistence and practice (as everything does to be good at it!) and she experiences the same things that our students do as they are writing. It demystifies the process of becoming an author, which seems so elusive to children, when they are, in fact, authors themselves!

Writing Book 7 –  Little Red Writing by Joan Holub

Theme: Writing, Words (Grammar), and the Mechanics of a Story

Little Red Writing’s teacher (Mrs. 2 at pencil school) tells the students they will be writing a story. While she gives the basic elements of a story, Little Red sets off to write her story. She encounters a variety of situations that might try to deter her from sticking to the plot – including an adjective forest but also has other problems arise such as a run-on sentence with the help of conjunction glue and all capitals and large punctuation with adverbs. As the author introduces each element, she includes it in the story of Little Red Writing in a comical way. There’s a lot going on with this story, but you can take it one step at a time if you want.

Writing Book 8 –  The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds

Theme: The Magic of Words

Secondary Theme: Helping Others

Anything Peter H. Reynolds writes is gold in my opinion. This is one of my favorite books for teaching writing. Jerome (the main character) collects words in this book. He drops his collection one day and the words combine in ways he had never thought possible. As Jerome begins to share his words with others, he learns that you never know what words will help someone’s day be a little bit brighter. This is a must-read!

9 –  Max’s Words by Kate Banks

Theme: The Magic of Words/Creating Descriptive Sentences

Max wants to be like his brothers who each collect things, so he decides to collect words. His collection grows and grows and Max realizes that while his brothers may have large collections, their collections aren’t worth much – just money, but he can create incredible sentences and stories. The illustrations in this one are fantastic!

Writing Book 10 –  What Do Authors Do? by Eileen Christelow

Theme: The Writing Process

The author based this book on questions children ask her as she does presentations around the country. It is one of a handful of books I’ve got on this list of books for teaching writing that shows the entire process – idea through publishing – for how a book is made (technically two books – a picture book and a chapter book). This book has comic-book style illustrations and has just the right touch of fun and whimsy added to the details of writing.

Writing Book 11 –  The Plot Chickens by Mary Jane Auch

If you like puns, you’ll love this book. It is FULL of them as Henrietta decides to write her own book. She gets advice about ‘hatching a plot,’ creating suspense, having the main character solve their problem, and using the five senses to describe in vivid detail for the reader. Not only does Henrietta write her own book, but she also self-publishes after she is turned down so the reader sees the publishing process as well!

12 –  How This Book Was Made by Mac Barnett

Mac Barnett is another favorite author and does a fabulous job with this piece – especially when you’re looking for books to teach writing. Barnett relays the story of how a book is written and published – with a few interesting side steps along the way from a tiger and pirates. I use this when I introduce sharing as a part of the writing process (in particular) because the book ends with the idea that a book isn’t complete until it has a reader.

13 –  A Perfectly Messed Up Story by Patrick McDonnell

Theme: Your Story (and Life) Aren’t Always Perfect

This story starts out perfectly mundane until a drop of PB and J falls on the page…and the story must adjust. With continued unexpected difficulties from an invisible, perceived reader who isn’t taking very good care of the book, the character and story adjust. This is a great fit for teaching kids that life isn’t always perfect – and we can adjust to continue on.

Writing Book 14 –  The Panda Problem by Deborah Underwood

Theme: Fiction Story Elements

15 –  Stuck by Oliver Jeffers

Theme: Strategies for Getting Unstuck

Secondary Theme: Perseverance, Creativity

Writers get stuck. It happens to everyone. But what do you do when you are stuck? Oliver Jeffers is one of my favorite authors and I love how this book (a pretty quick read) can lead into a conversation of what authors should do when they get stuck. We create an anchor chart and leave it up for reference as long as it is needed!

16 –  Chalk by Bill Thomson, I Walk With Vanessa by Kerascoët, or Any Other Wordless Picture Book

Theme: Illustrations Tell a Story

Illustrations are an important part (if not a critical part, depending on the book) of any picture book. By showing my students one or a few wordless picture books and discussing how we can ‘read’ the story through all the amazing illustrations, they understand that their illustrations are just as important and should a) match the story, b) be detailed, and c) help the reader understand what is going on.

Writing Book 17 –  Fancy Nancy by Jane O’Connor

Theme: Writers Edit and Revise

Students love to be fancy – so I use Fancy Nancy to encourage them to make their writing ‘fancy’ after the draft! We don’t always do this, but when we take a piece through the entire writing process, this is a great text to refer to for getting them to edit and revise their work.

Genre-Specific Writing

18 –  jabari jumps by gaia cornwall.

Theme: Perseverance, Overcoming Your Fears

Jabari is ready to jump off the high dive – he has done everything he needs to do to be ready. But when the time arrives, he isn’t quite sure, although he won’t admit that. He does his warm-up stretches and lets the other kids go first, but eventually, makes the climb up the ladder and takes his dad’s advice to reach his goal.

Potential Writing Prompts:

• Jabari gets nervous to jump off the high dive. Everyone gets nervous. Think of a time you were nervous and write about what made you nervous and how you calmed down.
• Jumping off the high dive for the first time can be scary. Think of a time you did something that scared you. How did you feel when you did the thing that was scary before you did it?
• Jabari perseveres in the story – he doesn’t give up on his goal of jumping off the high dive. Write about a time you persevered – a time when you overcame obstacles to achieve a goal.
• Jabari’s dad supports him in achieving his goal. Think of someone who supports you in achieving your goals. Write about them, what qualities they exhibit that make them so supportive, a time when they supported you, and how they did it.

19 –  A Hat for Mrs. Goldman by Michelle Edwards

Theme: Compassion

Mrs. Goldman knits hats for everyone, with the help of Sophia, who makes the pom-poms. Mrs. Goldman is too busy taking care of everyone else though and doesn’t have a hat for herself so Sophia decides to knit her one. She tries and tries, but the hat is full of mistakes. Sophia comes up with a creative solution to her problem to make a one-of-a-kind hat for Mrs. Goldman.

• Mrs. Goldman shows compassion for others by knitting them hats. How do you show compassion for others? Write about a time you showed someone or something compassion.
• Sophia is a child, but notices a need in her neighbor and shows her compassion by knitting her a hat. What is something that your class could do to show compassion? Think about where there might be a need in your community and write about how you could help!
• Sophia’s hat is full of holes, but she comes up with a creative solution to the problem. Think about a time you solved a problem. Write about the problem and how you solved it.

Argumentative:

Writing book 20 –  can i be your dog by troy cummings.

Theme: Compassion, Empathy

Arfy is a homeless mutt living in a box in the alley – he needs a home. So, he writes a series of letters to all the residents of Butternut Street (starting with the nicest looking house and ending with the one that is kind of scary looking, but he is so desperate he would take anything), and one by one they turn him down. Just when he thinks all hope is lost, a solution presents itself. I cried the first time I read this one – it is a winner in my book!

• Arfy gets many rejection letters, but he keeps trying to find a loving home and family because it is so important to him. Why is it important to not give up when something is very important to us? Write about this and share a time when something was very important to you.
• Think about something you want to change at home. Write a persuasive letter to your adults and convince them to make the change.
• Write a letter to your teacher about something you would like to change about your classroom. Think about how you could best persuade him/her.
• Consider your community. How could it be a better place for everyone? Write a letter to your town board, city officials, mayor, or other people in charge of your community. Convince them to make the change.

21 –  A Pet for Petunia by Paul Schmid

Petunia wants a pet – and has to convince her family to let her get one. The pet that Petunia wants though? A little less than conventional. Petunia ends up loving the animals that others may not like (even remotely).

Possible Writing Prompts:

• Petunia tries to convince her parents to let her get a pet skunk. Make a list of reasons your adults should let you get the pet you want.
• Petunia changes her mind about have a skunk for a pet when she learns how much they smell. Think of a time when you changed your mind about something. What was it? What made you change your mind?
• Petunia sees a porcupine at the end of the book. Write a prediction for what you think will happen next with Petunia. Give evidence to support your prediction.

Informative:

Writing book 22 –  facts vs. opinions vs. robots by michael rex.

Theme: All About Facts and Opinions

Secondary Theme: Getting Along with Others

In a playful, engaging, and interactive manner, the author takes the reader through the differences between facts and opinions. There are questions asked of the reader to discern between fact and opinion and the author incorporates the theme of getting along with others, even when our opinions differ.

• Select the topic of your choice. Make a list of facts about the topic and a list of opinions about the topic.
• Write some facts and opinions about your teacher.
• Think of an opinion you agree or disagree with. Write why you agree/disagree with that opinion.
• Make a modified t-chart with you on the left and your friend on the right. Write a fact about yourself and a fact about your friend. Then, write an opinion about yourself and an opinion about your friend. Exchange papers with your friend and add a fact and opinion to each column on their paper while they add to yours.

23 – Any of the National Geographic Early Readers (like Sea Otters , Planets , or Pyramids )

Theme: All About (Topic)

National Geographic does a top-notch job with books for kids (just as they do for adults!). The photographs and content are super engaging and give just the right amount of content information on a topic. These books are a hot item in my classroom library – so much so that I’ve had to get multiple copies of some!

• Use the topic from your book and write a brochure or book of your own ‘All About (Topic).”
• Create a “Did You Know?” poster of things you learned on your book’s topic.
• Create a 3D model of your book’s topic. Write an informational description of the topic, as if your piece were to be displayed at a museum.
• Write a newspaper or magazine article on your topic.
• Make a list of questions you still have about your topic after reading. (Then, see if you can find the answers!)

What are the books for teaching writing that you treasure? Have you used any of those listed above? Share your favorites below! I always find that linking these books with targeted Writing Mini-Lessons really helps cement the concepts for my students. It also greatly improves the content of their writing and allows each one of them to develop their own unique voice. ?

WRITTEN BY: KRISTIN HALVERSON, NBCT

At  Education to the Core , we exist to help our teachers build a stronger classroom as they connect with our community to find trusted, state-of-the-art resources designed by teachers for teachers. We aspire to be the world’s leading & most trusted community for educational resources for teachers. We improve the lives of every teacher and learner with the most comprehensive, reliable, and inclusive educational resources.

If you enjoyed what we have to offer at ETTC, be sure to join our  email list , so you won’t miss a beat.

Welcome! I’m Emily, Founder of Education to the Core. We are all about helping K-2 teachers by providing unlimited access to affordable printables for every subject area.   

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Top 10 books about creative writing

From linguistics to essays by Zadie Smith and Toni Morrison, poet Anthony Anaxagorou recommends some ‘lateral’ ways in to a demanding craft

T he poet Rita Dove was once asked what makes poetry successful. She went on to illuminate three key areas: First, the heart of the writer; the things they wish to say – their politics and overarching sensibilities. Second, their tools: how they work language to organise and position words. And the third, the love a person must have for books: “To read, read, read.”

When I started mapping out How to Write It , I wanted to focus on the aspects of writing development that took in both theoretical and interpersonal aspects. No writer lives in a vacuum, their job is an endless task of paying attention.

How do I get myself an agent? What’s the best way to approach a publisher? Should I self-publish? There is never one way to assuage the concerns of those looking to make a career out of writing. Many labour tirelessly for decades on manuscripts that never make it to print. The UK on average publishes around 185,000 new titles per year, ranking us the third largest publishing market in the world, yet the number of aspiring writers is substantially greater.

Writers writing about writing can become a supercilious endeavour; I’m more interested in the process of making work and the writer’s perspectives that substantiate the framework.

There’s no single authority, anything is possible. All that’s required are some words and an idea – which makes the art of writing enticing but also difficult and daunting. The books listed below, diverse in their central arguments and genres, guide us towards more interesting and lateral ways to think about what we want to say, and ultimately, how we choose to say it.

1. The Hatred of Poetry by Ben Lerner An intellectual meditation on the cultural function of poetry. Less idealistic than other poetry criticism, Lerner puts forward a richly layered case for the reasons writers and readers alike turn to poetry, probing into why it’s often misconceived as elitist or tedious, and asks that we reconsider the value we place on the art form today.

2. Find Your Voice by Angie Thomas One of the hardest things about creative writing is developing a voice and not compromising your vision for the sake of public appeal. Thomas offers sharp advice to those wrestling with novels or Young Adult fiction. She writes with appealing honesty, taking in everything from writer’s block to deciding what a final draft should look like. The book also comes interspersed with prompts and writing exercises alongside other tips and suggestions to help airlift writers out of the mud.

3. Linguistics: Why It Matters by Geoffrey K Pullum If language is in a constant state of flux, and rules governing sentence construction, meaning and logic are always at a point of contention, what then can conventional modes of language and linguistics tell us about ourselves, our cultures and our relationship to the material world? Pullum addresses a number of philosophical questions through the scientific study of human languages – their grammars, clauses and limitations. An approachable, fascinating resource for those interested in the mechanics of words.

4. Madness, Rack, and Honey by Mary Ruefle The collected lectures of poet and professor Mary Ruefle present us with an erudite inquiry into some of the major aspects of a writer’s mind and craft. Ruefle possesses an uncanny ability to excavate broad and complex subjects with such unforced and original lucidity that you come away feeling as if you’ve acquired an entirely new perspective from only a few pages. Themes range from sentimentality in poetry, to fear, beginnings and – a topic she returns to throughout the book – wonder. “A poem is a finished work of the mind, it is not the work of a finished mind.”

5. Feel Free by Zadie Smith These astute and topical essays dating from 2010 to 2017 demonstrate Smith’s forensic ability to navigate and unpack everything from Brexit to Justin Bieber. Dissecting high philosophical works then bringing the focus back on to her own practice as a fiction writer, her essay The I Who Is Not Me sees Smith extrapolate on how autobiography shapes novel writing, and elucidates her approach to thinking around British society’s tenuous and often binary perspectives on race, class and ethnicity.

6. Threads by Sandeep Parmar, Nisha Ramayya and Bhanu Kapil Who occupies the “I” in poetry? When poets write, are they personally embodying their speakers or are they intended to be emblematic of something larger and more complex? Is the “I” assumed to be immutable or is it more porous? These are the questions posited in Threads, which illuminates the function of the lyric “I” in relation to whiteness, maleness and Britishness. Its short but acute essays interrogate whiteness’s hegemony in literature and language, revealing how writers from outside the dominant paradigm are often made to reckon with the positions and perspectives they write from.

7. Mouth Full of Blood by Toni Morrison An urgent set of essays and lectures from the late Nobel prize winner that collates her most discerning musings around citizenship, race and art, as well as offering invaluable insight into the craft of writing. She reflects on revisions made to her most famous novel, Beloved, while also reflecting on the ways vernaculars can shape new stories. One of my favourite aphorisms written by Morrison sits on my desk and declares: “As writers, what we do is remember. And to remember this world is to create it.”

8. On Poetry by Jonathan Davidson Poetry can be thought of as something arduous or an exercise in analysis, existing either within small artistic enclaves or secondary school classrooms. One of the many strengths of Davidson’s writing is how he makes poetry feel intimate and personal, neither dry or remote. His approach to thinking around ways that certain poems affect us is well measured without being exclusive. A timely and resourceful book for writers interested in how poems go on to live with us throughout our lives.

9. Essays by Lydia Davis From flash fiction to stories, Davis is recognised as one of the preeminent writers of short-form fiction. In these essays, spanning several decades, she tracks much of her writing process and her relationship to experimentalism, form and the ways language can work when pushed to its outer limits. How we read into lines is something Davis returns to, as is the idea of risk and brevity within micro-fiction.

10. Essayism by Brian Dillon Dillon summarises the essay as an “experiment in attention”. This dynamic and robust consideration of the form sheds light on how and why certain essays have changed the cultural and political landscape, from the end of the Middle Ages to the present time. A sharp and curious disquisition on one of the more popular yet challenging writing enterprises.

How to Write It by Anthony Anaxagorou is published by Merky Books. To order a copy, go to guardianbookshop.com .

• Creative writing
• Toni Morrison
• Zadie Smith
• Lydia Davis

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The 33 best gifts for teachers, for Teacher Appreciation Day and beyond

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Teachers deserve a lot of appreciation these days and a great way to show them that all of their hard work has made an impact is with a simple but effective gift — particularly one that could help make their lives that much easier. 

Whether it's Teacher Appreciation Week or the last day of your favorite class, we outlined some practical gifts for your favorite teacher, from gift cards to classroom supplies. And if you're a teacher, check out our guide to the best Teacher Appreciation Week deals for all the discounts you can snag this week. 

Amazon Gift Card

At the end of the day, teachers will always appreciate a gift card from a place like Amazon where they can buy whatever they need for themselves or their classroom. Retailers like Target , Staples , or Walmart are also great options. 

A set of teacher affirmation cards

Teacher Affirmation Cards

Teaching can be overwhelming but these affirmation cards are sweet and grounding reminders that their work is meaningful. With mantras like "What other teachers swear by may not work for me and that's okay" and "My students feel safe in my classroom," these cards are a small but sweet token of appreciation for any teacher. 

Decadent cupcakes they can enjoy

Cupcake Gift Boxes

Who doesn't love getting a sweet surprise? With delicious flavors ranging from Cookie Dough to Pink Frosted Donut, these bite-size treats are sure to please. You can also add a special gift box to complete the gift.

A potted plant for their desk

Snake Plant Laurentii

Nothing says "thank you for helping me grow" quite like an indoor plant. 

Essential supplies with a personal touch

Personalized Teacher Whiteboard/Chalkboard Eraser

A teacher can never have too many whiteboard markers. This gift set comes with a customized whiteboard eraser for an extra personal touch.

A personalized message from their favorite celebrity

Cameo Video

Take the gold standard of teacher gifts — a personal and thoughtful letter — up a notch and have their favorite celebrity deliver the message. You can choose from thousands of celebrities to record a personalized video message to send to the teacher. (Since the more famous celebrities can be pricier, this can be a great gift to split with other classmates).

A bouquet of everlasting flowers to brighten their classroom

Idlewild Floral Confetti Deluxe Bouquet

Flowers are a classic way to brighten your teacher's day. While fresh flowers have their own charm, a dried bouquet can last for years and is fairly classroom-proof (no water-filled vase required). We named Idlewild the best flower delivery service for dried bouquets thanks to its lovely assortment of colorful and vibrant options.

A personalized embosser for their library

StampiShop Custom Stamp

This unique, thoughtful gift embosses books with "from the library of [their name]" by pressing down like a hole-puncher. It's the kind of thing most people would never buy themselves but would genuinely cherish and get a kick out of if they received it as a present.

A meaningful memory book

Teacher Memory Book

It can be easy to focus on the hard and stressful days of teaching but this thoughtful memory book will help them capture the best moments. With space for photos, student quotes, and question prompts, this gift is one they'll cherish throughout the years. 

A story from the students' perspective

"Dear Teacher" by Paris Rosenthal

Perfect for preschool or kindergarten teachers, "Dear Teacher" is a love letter to all kinds of educators, written from the perspective of the kids who learn from them. It's an adorable message that teachers can share and appreciate with their students.

An on-trend water bottle

Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler

A stellar water bottle is a timeless life upgrade, but it'll be especially useful this summer. This stainless steel version from Stanley is extremely popular, so your teacher will be on-trend with all their kiddos. 

A scented candle that reminds them of a happy place

Homesick Scented Candle

This is a great gift that's sure to make them feel sentimental. Whether it's their hometown, college town, or favorite spot to vacation, a Homesick candle — with scents inspired by all sorts of locations — will bring them back to that favorite place.

Adorable apple earrings for everyday wear

Fruit Drop Earrings

An apple is an old-school teacher gift but this one will last far longer than the first day of class. These bright, hand-cut fruit drop earrings come in strawberry, pink grapefruit, and green apple for a cute accessory they'll want to wear every day. 

A custom box of self-care goodies

Happy Boxes Build a Care Package

If you want to give the teacher in your life a custom care package, Happy Box has tons of unique gifts to choose from, including custom mugs, snacks, candles, coffee, and more. If you aren't sure what to include, you can start with a curated box and make it their own with a sweet card. 

A warming plate for their coffee

Mr. Coffee Mug Warmer

It's a rare day that a teacher gets to finish their coffee before it gets cold. Give them the gift of perpetually warm coffee with this mug warmer they can plug in right at their desk.

Takeout any time they want it

Door Dash Gift Card

Teachers log long days to support and enrich the lives of their students. Make sure their next easy, delicious dinner and relaxing night in is comped with a Doordash gift card.

A coloring book full of relatable phrases

"Teacher Life: A Snarky Chalkboard Coloring Book"

There are some situations that only teachers can understand, and this adult coloring book perfectly captures them with humor and cheekiness. The illustrations are single-sided, so they can take the page out and frame it if they so wish. 

A cute K-Mini Single-Serve coffee maker

K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker

If your teacher is a big fan of coffee, why not bring that luxury straight to their classroom? This miniature coffee maker is just small enough to fit on a desk or end-table and comes in six different colors for optimal color coordination. Plus, it'll be nice to have on-demand caffeine for those late-night grading sessions.

A way to squeeze in leisure reading

Audible 3-Month Membership

In between grading papers and designing lesson plans, it might be hard for your teacher to carve out time to read a book (for fun). Audible is a great way to catch up on the bestsellers everyone's reading , appreciate the classics from a new angle, or finally dive into that book they keep falling asleep to in bed. 

A funny book of the best wrong test answers

"F in Exams" by Richard Benson

After a stressful year for teachers, you may want to celebrate the funny and lighthearted side of the job. This book compiles some of the most amusing and inventive real-life wrong answers to grade school and high school tests.

Delicious food from some of the best restaurants in the US

Restaurant Meal Kits

Bring a bit of their favorite restaurant right to their door. From bagels to barbeque, Goldbelly ships food gifts nationwide from iconic eateries in major cities.

Treats to add to their snack stash

Snack Magic Stash

Almost every teacher keeps a stash of snacks and treats for those days when they really need a pick-me-up. With a snack magic box, you can create a custom snack box full of treats the teacher will love.

A book-of-the-month subscription

Book of the Month 3-Month Membership

A hardcover book delivered monthly is a great way for a teacher to unplug and kick their feet up over summer break. Every month, they can choose from acclaimed fiction and nonfiction titles.

A personalized notebook, planner, or address book

Teach From The Heart Notebook

Give this one to the best teacher you know. You'll be able to customize the cover design, interior cover, and interior format of the notebook. 

A personalized desk sign

GaroSigns Personalized Desk Wedge Sign

The wedge is a solid natural hardwood while the sign is shatter-resistant fogged acrylic glass, allowing it to last through any teacher's illustrious career. 

A custom rubber stamp

SayaBellStamps Custom Stamp

Gift the stamp they'll always reach for first as they check and grade homework. You can get creative by submitting a picture of your teacher's face or their favorite catchphrase. There are three different mount choices and many more size options. 

A cozy plush blanket

Bliss Plush Throw

Add to their home setup with a plush throw to wrap themselves in luxury . Available in a wide array of colors, this blanket adds coziness to any room.

A coffee subscription

Driftaway Coffee Subscription

Chances are the coffee in the teacher's lounge isn't exactly top-notch. Thankfully, Driftaway Coffee's is, and keeps things interesting by sending new whole bean varieties every month (and improving upon the next selection based on their feedback). By the end of the school year, your teacher will have a good idea of the type of coffee they really like. 

A fragrant candle

Otherland Candle

These sophisticated coconut and soy wax candles come in scents ranging from refreshing  Canopy (fig, ivy greens, mint) to rich Chandelier (champagne, saffron, leather). The beautiful look, delightful scents, and personalized matchbox make this candle gifting experience special . 

A personalized key ring

Leatherology Hotel Keychain

The full-grain leather keychain is a perfectly composed accessory that they'll love to carry, especially if you personalize it (for only $5) with a monogram. 

A detailed poster of opening lines from famous novels

Lab 'Diagrammatical Dissertation on Opening Lines of Notable Novels'

English and grammar teachers will appreciate this chart diagramming the opening lines from 25 famous works of fiction. After admiring the partitioned, color-coded picto-grammatical representations, they'll want to read the books all over again. 

A colorful tote bag

BAGGU Giant Pocket Tote

BAGGU makes great bags and its machine-washable cotton totes are no exception. Help your teacher carry all those lesson plans, tests, and homework papers with this cute yet sturdy tote. 

An coffee mug they'll actually use

Hydro Flask 12 oz Coffee Mug

Whatever it is they drink in the morning to prepare them for the school day ahead, this insulated mug keeps the beverage at the appropriate temperature for an astonishingly long amount of time. It has a comfortable handle and comes in many bright colors. 

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

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When is Teacher Appreciation Week 2024? How to celebrate the educators in your life

Second to parents, teachers probably spend the most time with youngsters, playing a huge role in shaping the minds of tomorrow. And now it's time to show them a little love, celebrating them during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Here's what to know about Teacher Appreciation Week and what you can do for the teachers in your life.

It's Teacher Appreciation Week: Here's how to show your appreciation

When is Teacher Appreciation Week 2024?

In 2024, Teacher Appreciation Week is May 6 to 10. It's always the first full week of May, according to Teachers of Tomorrow .

What is Teacher Appreciation Week?

The week is a time to show teachers and educators appreciation for their dedication and hard work. According to Teachers of Tomorrow, they take on a "tremendous responsibility" shaping the minds of their students and preparing them for the future.

How did Teacher Appreciation Week begin?

In the 1950s, a teacher named Mattie Whyte Woodridge began a push for a national day to honor teachers, according to Teachers of Tomorrow. Eleanor Roosevelt took up the cause, and in 1953 persuaded Congress to establish a day. Then, in 1986, the National Education Association successfully lobbied to turn it into a full week.

Teacher Appreciation Week gifts: 12 best personalized teacher gifts

How to show appreciation to teachers

Teachers of Tomorrow has many suggestions on how parents and students can show their appreciation.

Students can write a letter to their teacher or create a presentation. They can bring a meaningful gift, like the teacher's favorite candy, a personalized coffee mug or gift certificate to the teacher's favorite store. Students can also organize a surprise celebration or a class gift.

Teach Appreciation Week isn't just for students.

Parents can volunteer at the school, write a letter or create a social media post supporting their child's favorite teacher, or help decorate the classroom.

The National PTA also suggests donating school supplies. The PTA has a toolkit available to help throw a little creativity into cards, certificates, fliers and social media graphics to thank teachers.

The National Education Association is looking for stories of extraordinary educators. You can submit one online as well as share a message on social media, tagging @NEAToday, and using the hashtag #ThankATeacher.

Teacher Appreciation Week deals

Teach for America has a long list of deals available for Teacher Appreciation Week, including:

• Apple : For faculty, staff, and homeschool teachers of all grade levels, Apple offers a range of special savings and pricing on Apple Music, Macs and iPads, select accessories, and more.
• Dell : Public school teachers and K-12 students receive exclusive discounts on select laptops, desktops, tablets, and other Dell products and accessories through Dell's Member Purchase Program.
• Jo-Ann Fabric : Snag a Teacher Rewards Discount Card for 15% off every purchase year-round.
• Michael’s : Teachers get 15% off purchases at this craft superstore.
• Barnes & Noble : Receive 20% off purchases for the classroom and enjoy discounts of up to 25% off the publisher’s list price during Educator Appreciation Days.
• Books-A-Million : Receive free custom quotes for your classroom, special pricing on shipping, bulk orders and more when you sign up for the BAM Educator Card!
• USA Today : Educators can get up to 45% off classroom subscriptions.

Meanwhile, Teachers of Tomorrow's list of deals includes discounts for vacations, software, school supplies and more. The organization said these were the best deals of 2023, which could return this year:

• Office Depot / OfficeMax:  Offering 30% back in Bonus Rewards on a qualifying in-store purchase. This is a great opportunity to stock up on classroom essentials.
• Staples:  Keep an eye out for deals and promotions tailored for teachers. Staples often provides special discounts during Teachers Appreciation Week.
• Ford:  Teachers who take a virtual test drive through May 7 will receive a $50 e-gift card that can be used to contribute to teacher requests on DonorsChoose. 
• Burger King:  Enjoy free fries with any purchase. Teachers and all other customers can indulge in this savory treat during Teachers Appreciation Week.
• Buffalo Wild Wings:  Offering six boneless wings for just $1 with the purchase of any BBW Burger. 
• The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf:  Providing any large drink for $5 if you have a valid teacher’s ID from May 6 to 15.

methods of teaching creative arts in primary school

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Teaching the Arts in the Primary Curriculum

• Susan Ogier - University of Roehampton, UK
• Suzy Tutchell - University of Reading, Reading, UK
• Description

Learning in the arts does not fit in with simple, conventional methodologies for teaching and assessing in the traditional sense, but it has an immense power to transform children’s understanding of the world around them, and their lives. Many jobs, currently and of the future, will demand the skills that learning in the arts will develop.   This book brings Arts Education sharply into focus as a meaningful, learning experience for children of pre-school and primary age (3-11 years).  It reinforces the potential for the wide range of physical, mental and emotional development, through learning opportunities that engagement in arts practice facilitates.   

• Provides insight into how teachers can support children to consider contemporary challenges that face their generation.
• Includes expert voices from the world of education to demonstrate an expansive, and perhaps surprising, view of where and how the Arts can be found. 
• Shows how we can bring the arts so easily into our curriculum, and into our classrooms.  

See what’s new to this edition by selecting the Features tab on this page. Should you need additional information or have questions regarding the HEOA information provided for this title, including what is new to this edition, please email [email protected] . Please include your name, contact information, and the name of the title for which you would like more information. For information on the HEOA, please go to http://ed.gov/policy/highered/leg/hea08/index.html .

For assistance with your order: Please email us at [email protected] or connect with your SAGE representative.

SAGE 2455 Teller Road Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 www.sagepub.com

This text has been adopted for the year 2 Foundation Degree students, encouraging students to utilise arts education across the curriculum. The reflection boxes enable students to consider their working practice, as well as the sections on ‘theory focus’ and case studies. Clear links to teaching standards to enable students who are progressing onto teacher training programmes to explore key content.

This little book provides some wonderful insights into Arts in Education. For students working in Early Education, with younger children, the book highlights the value and importance of Arts Education in supporting emerging concepts. Exploring Art as a way of learning in all areas of the curriculum, the book engages with Storytelling to support Language and communication, music, dance and highlighting links between science and arts exploring emergent concepts that are closer than we would imagine in our daily lives.

Preview this book

For instructors, select a purchasing option, related products.

Embracing art education in primary schools

An early introduction to Art & Design helps learners develop positive attitudes to creative thinking and creative subjects, which benefits future learning. The subject encourages them to celebrate their own and others’ artistic experiences. This builds a sense of community in the classroom from an early age and fosters an openness to diversity as they experience art and design from different times and cultures.

This blog, written by our Curriculum Development Manager, Lloyd Jeeves, details what the research says about studying art & design as a subject and the benefits of our Cambridge Primary Art & Design curriculum in nurturing young minds, supporting inclusion, and building life-long skills.

What does the research say?

Research has shown that art education in primary schools plays a valuable role in a child’s development.

Studies also show that the cultivation of arts subjects creates the necessary balance to enhance performance in other learning areas that require more intense cerebral activity and are seen as more important. According to art historian, Amy Herman, art improves problem-solving skills, helping us discover why and how things go wrong and how to fix them.

Limitless opportunities through Cambridge Primary Art & Design

The Cambridge Primary Art & Design curriculum was created to give learners the space to explore and express themselves freely, supporting the development of social and reflective skills, and encouraging teachers to nurture an environment where learners can take risks and build resilience.

Art and design nurtures creativity in young minds, which supports them in solving problems in other Cambridge Primary subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, Global Perspectives, and Computing. Art develops concentration skills and perseverance – as children explore different tools and materials, mastering their use to create beautiful objects and designs. These are important skills, necessary to excel in all other subjects.

Since its inception, Cambridge Primary Art & Design was envisaged to create ‘limitless opportunities’, which describes the range of individual and collaborative opportunities we want every learner to be able to identify and explore.

Developing creativity and supporting inclusion through art

Expression through art aids emotional development as learners develop skills such as perseverance and collaboration. They are better equipped to deal with criticism positively as they give, receive, and respond to feedback.

Art & Design also provides a platform for all learners to communicate and express themselves, which especially aids learners who find communication and interaction challenging, including learners with autism.

The focus on experimental learning allows learners to develop and challenge their motor skills in ways that are appropriate to their physical abilities.  The subject also supports those with visual impairments to touch and manipulate materials with different textures and properties, thereby providing a wide range of sensory opportunities. This has created a safe, supportive, and inclusive space for learners to experiment and develop.

Art in building life-long skills

Cambridge Primary Art & Design provides opportunities for learners to experience and respond to art and design produced for commercial purposes. Art has a place in day-to-day life which learners get to experience as they see its use in architecture and decoration. This leads them to appreciate the commercial benefit of art, further amplifying its practicality and financial benefit to artists and the broader economy. If they choose to pursue art later in life, they are better equipped to create value from it.

To best support this invaluable development, it’s important to engage children in art – both at home and at school – and to continue with their creative experience throughout their schooling.

Find out more about our Cambridge Primary Art & Design curriculum

2 thoughts on “ Embracing art education in primary schools ”

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it’s privileged, to heared from Mr. Lloyd jeeves. It is phenomenal effort in a form of use of technology.

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Lloyd Jeeves, Curriculum Development Manager. Lloyd is responsible for Art & Design, Computing and IT related subjects. He has has a deep interest in creative subjects and is keen to promote the educational and broader social benefits that digital technology provide. He has recently developed the new Cambridge Primary and Lower Secondary Computing curriculum, and its supporting resources. Lloyd has also developed a range of other Computing related resources, including training and teaching guides, to cover topics such as programming, artificial intelligence, automation and safety and wellbeing within the digital world. He has previously worked on similar developments for Art & Design and Digital Literacy. Before joining Cambridge International, Lloyd worked for OCR where he researched images for inclusion in assessment materials, managed copyright permissions and supported learners who were switching from one UK awarding organisation to another between their AS and their A Level. Lloyd is a graduate in English Literature and Environmental Studies.

Related Posts

Teaching Art in Primary Schools

Please find a new version of this page here. 

Learning to Teach the Creative Arts in Primary Schools Through Community Engagement

Russell-Bowie, D. (2009). Learning to Teach the Creative Arts in Primary Schools Through Community Engagement. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 20(2), 298-306.

This formative case study follows 13 undergraduate students planning to become classroom teachers and who are completing a field study placement in an elementary school. The placement involves teaching or assisting in a variety of arts-based projects during the school day and after school. The study addresses outcomes for the student teachers, classroom teachers, school community and elementary students using a model for academic service-learning and community engagement that emphasizes interdependent components of experience, reflection, and knowledge. The study found positive outcomes for the student teachers, classroom teachers, the school’s students, and the community.

Key Findings:

• Undergraduate students changed personally and professionally as a result of the experience, learning about their teaching, increasing their confidence and competence, and confirming their choice of chosen career as a classroom teacher.
• Teachers reported inspiration and new ideas about including the arts in their lessons and appreciated having assistance in their classroom that allowed them to give more individual focus to their students.
• Classroom teachers and student teachers reported growth in elementary students’ academic, emotional, social, and artistic development.
• Parents and others reported the positive benefits to the school by engaging in a partnership linking university students in the local community to mutually beneficial outcomes.

Significance of the Findings:

This model for community-based arts service-learning seems to be effective in preparing soon-to-be teachers by giving them practical experience and yields positive outcomes for varied participants. The researcher concludes that in addition to the three components of academic service-learning (experience, reflection, and knowledge), an additional component, change, should be added, as this was clearly demonstrated in her study. This solid case study yielding largely positive results could be an effective model to aid in pre-service teacher education, as well as community arts initiatives.

Methodology:

This formative case study followed 13 undergraduate students who were planning to become classroom teachers and who were completing a field study placement in an elementary school. These field experiences reflected McCarthy’s three components of academic service-learning (experience, reflection, and knowledge). The student teachers completed surveys, reflections, and assignments as well as taking the role of participant-observers. Over the 14-week semester, students completed at least 80 hours of service in the school and were involved in one or more arts-based projects, including team teaching arts-based lessons with a classroom teacher, running arts workshops in an afterschool program, organizing a children’s art exhibition, and helping to run a Creative Arts Fun Day for the entire school community. Students wrote reflections every three weeks to document their learning and completed a final assignment summarizing and analyzing their experiences.

Limitations of the Research:

The relatively small sample and case study methodology cannot establish that the detected outcomes were caused by the arts components of the program; rather, they suggest that the arts may be a useful component of teacher pre-service training.

Questions to Guide New Research:

How could this research support change in pre-service teacher requirements?

ArtsEdSearch is the nation’s hub for research on the impact of the arts in education.

Investigating the Strategies and Challenges of the New Creative Arts Curriculum: The Perspectives of Primary School Teachers Margaret Araba Boham

• Margaret Araba Boham

This is a case study survey conducted to investigate the teaching and learning of Creative Arts as a component of the standard-based curriculum in Ghana. The focus was on primary school teachers’ instructional strategies and challenges. The study aimed at investigating strategies utilized by teachers to teach Creative arts in the Nanumba North Municipality of the Northern Region of Ghana. The study's population was 563 teachers in primary schools. Of that, 40 were sampled for the study using the purposive non-probability sampling technique. The number was made up of 16 lower primary teachers and 24 upper primary level teachers. A mixed method design was adopted during the course of the research with questionnaire and interview used as data collection instruments. Data collected was analysed using both quantitative descriptive and qualitative narrative approach. Results obtained showed that a greater percentage of primary school teachers had used appropriate instructional strategies over the last year in facilitating Creative Arts learning. These include project-based learning, procedural learning and experiential learning. Findings also uncovered their challenges such as unavailability of needed teaching and learning materials as well as shortfalls in teachers’ own capabilities in facilitating some creative arts disciplines. Based on the findings, recommendations were made including making certain that there are enough resources for teaching and learning for Creative arts as well as periodic subject-specific training for in-service teachers in the Creative arts.

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3 Ways to Teach for Creativity in the Art Room

Art and creativity are seen as going hand in hand, but they shouldn’t be. The fact is that many activities that happen in art class involve minimal creative thinking on the part of students. This is a disservice. Not all students who take art classes will go on to work in arts-related fields, but all will need to think creatively in the careers of the future.

Teaching creative thinking is one of the most important things we can do for our children.

To teach creative thinking, teachers have to examine what creativity looks like and intentionally plan for it. Take the following description, for example. Is this an art activity or something else?

When the students walk in the door the supplies are laid out. The teacher carefully takes the children through the steps, one after the other. Following the teacher’s directions, the children make beautiful artwork.

This activity is art-related, in that students are using art supplies to create a product, but is it art? To answer that question, we have to consider the definition of art. The Oxford Dictionary defines art as “The expression or application of human creative skill and imagination.” When the activity above is analyzed through this lens, it’s clear that it lacks the opportunity to apply creativity or imagination. Instead, the students are mainly following directions or assembling. Assembling Activities, like the one described above, are art-related, but they are fundamentally not art in that they leave little room for creativity.

What is Art?

For an activity to be considered art it must involve Creating Behaviors, which are defined as skills or tasks that involve developing students’ abilities to generate original ideas. Teaching for creativity requires intentional planning and direct instruction. To teach creativity, instruction must leave room for students to apply concepts through some level of choice.

Assembling Behaviors are at one end of the teaching creativity spectrum. They ask for students to do things like recall information or replicate teacher examples. At the opposite end of the spectrum are Creating Behaviors, which require students to plan artwork, problem solve, and express meaning. Some pedagogies, like TAB, are designed specifically for teaching creative thinking, but any teaching style can be conducive to creative work.

To include more creativity in your classroom try the following tips.

1. plan for choice..

Make sure to give students of all ages the opportunity to plan and make decisions. This can be done by using pedagogies like TAB, which I love, or by building in student choice to your current teaching style. Limited choice involves providing a selection of choices for students to pick from instead of deciding for them in advance and is an easy way to modify current lessons. For example, in a project where students are drawing, let them pick from markers, crayons, and colored pencils. This asks them to consider the qualities of the materials, what they personally like best, and what they’ll be most successful using. The ability to plan and make decisions like this is an important creative skill.

2. Include options for response.

When students respond to artwork, consider including multiple options or letting them use their own ideas. If you’re teaching about Van Gogh, have students make observations about the artwork. These will include things like the type of color used, line quality, and repetition. Pose the assignment as a challenge by asking students how they could include similar attributes in their own work. This particular task asks them to combine their own ideas with elements of Van Gogh’s style and is big on creative thinking.

3. Offer Open-ended Tasks

Open-ended tasks are challenging and fun. They also provoke diverse responses from students and really challenge them to think creatively. Challenges like “make artwork about a memory” or “create a project using unconventional materials ” ask students to pair their imagination with their knowledge of media and process. If you want to learn more, Tim talks about creating a framework for creative projects in the Creativity Exercises for Every Level PRO Learning Pack.

The Takeaway

Creating Behaviors develop creative thinking skills and are an important part of quality art education. Teachers can teach for creativity by planning open-ended tasks, including options for response, and trying limited choice. These cognitively heavy tasks develop problem-solving skills as well as skills with media and process, plus they teach students to think creatively.

Fired up about this idea? Check out the AOE course Creativity in Crisis where you’ll learn even more strategies to take into your classroom to enhance creativity and cultivate learners who are prepared for the demands of our ever-changing world.

How do you teach for creativity?

Is teaching creativity an important part of your curriculum?

Magazine articles and podcasts are opinions of professional education contributors and do not necessarily represent the position of the Art of Education University (AOEU) or its academic offerings. Contributors use terms in the way they are most often talked about in the scope of their educational experiences.

Melissa Purtee

Melissa Purtee is a high school art educator and a former AOEU Writer. She is passionate about supporting diversity, student choice, and facilitating authentic expression.

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The importance of the arts in primary education

Picture credit: Ellie Kurttz

Drama and creative learning can enhance crucial skills – such as creative and analytical thinking, that employees seek in the future. So how can drama be embedded across your primary school? Jackie Tait, primary programme manager at the National Theatre , shares some ideas

Every day it seems we read something in the media about the decline of the arts in schools. Since 2010 we have seen a 40 per cent decline in GCSE Arts Entries and in the past 12 months alone, Drama GCSE entries have declined by seven per cent and Music has declined by 12 per cent. In 2019, a survey of primary school teachers found that two thirds believed arts education was in ‘dramatic decline’, and half felt the remaining provision was poorer than in 2010.      However, the National Theatre would argue that the arts in education is more important now than ever before.      Theatre is one of the few art forms which encompasses most other art forms – be that visual art in the form of scenic art and costume design or music and dance in productions. And the benefits of drama and creative learning are wide-reaching with an extremely significant contribution to make to the skills development of all children and young people.

Learning through play

Drama and creative learning are essentially learning through play. By its nature, drama is grounded in story, language, and communication and therefore has significant impact on listening and speaking. It develops empathy though stepping into the shoes of characters in a story. Participation in drama can be the key to building resilience, self-esteem and confidence. It allows children to experiment, explore and get things wrong. Through this they learn problem solving and critical and analytical thinking skills. It speaks to and draws on children’s inherent curiosity, creativity and imagination. Once this is ignited it has a huge impact on their language skills and the quality of their writing. Learning in this way has a proven impact on the depth and recall of their learning. It is also a great leveller, enabling learners to succeed who may not engage with more traditional teaching methods or who simply learn in a different way.      A teacher at Coopers Lane Primary School in London commented:  “It was the freedom in their writing that changed – usually we have a very structured lesson and they produce work by virtually copying our examples, whereas this time they were using their own imagination and producing their own writing using their own style.”        For teachers too, drama and creative learning connects them with their own creativity and ability to play allowing them to be facilitators of a learning journey rather than simply an imparter of knowledge. Drama is a word which often strikes fear into the hearts of teachers. Memories of school plays past or being forced to be a tree, come flooding back. Dispelling this fear and encouraging teachers to learn new skills and consciously embed them in their teaching practice can change drama from an addition to an already heavy workload, into a toolkit that can support them to deliver the whole curriculum.

The future of jobs

In their recent report The Future of Jobs, the World Economic Forum identified the following top five skills which will be of increasing importance in any workplace between now and 2027. These are creative thinking; analytical thinking; technological literacy; curiosity and lifelong learning; and resilience, and flexibility and agility.      The benefits of drama and creative learning align closely with this and illustrate why it is so essential for these skills to be built into children’s education from the moment they start school. The NT works at scale across the UK to fire imagination and inspire creativity and to open up theatre to every young person growing up in the UK. Increasing access and easy deliverance of arts education can inspire and increase connectivity from an early age as well as developing vital life skills. It is our firm belief that arts subjects need to be taught as part of a broad and balanced curriculum and extended through – not sidelined to extra-curricular activity.      The NT’s Let’s Play primary schools programme is designed to help school leaders and teachers cultivate drama and creativity in their school. The programme is divided into three key areas of work. The first is ‘Let’s Learn’ which uses theatre, drama and creativity to support learning across the curriculum.      The second is ‘Let’s Perform’ which creates extraordinary performances as part of lessons, an exciting assembly or a school production.      The third is ‘Let’s Watch’, where you can watch high-quality theatre productions – both live and digitally in your classroom. It includes industry leading CPD opportunities for teachers, original play scripts tailored for primary schools and crafted content and resources designed to inspire. All of this is now completely free to UK state primary schools for the next three years.      A year 4 teacher at Rufford Park Primary School in Leeds said: “Let’s Play is absolutely superb - I cannot praise it highly enough! The CPD was the best I’ve had in over ten years of teaching, with expert advice from professional directors, musicians, artists and choreographers. There’s something for everyone.”

Embedding drama

So, as we start this new school year how can you begin to embed drama and creative learning across your primary school? Here are some top tips to help you get started.

Sign up to the Let’s Play Network and join the NT’s community of primary schools committed to drama and creative learning.      Sign up to Artsmark – the only creative quality standard for schools and education settings, accredited by Arts Council England.      Build partnerships with local arts education providers. You can find out about opportunities with local arts organisations through your Local Cultural Education Partnership (LCEP).      You could also sign up to creative learning professional development opportunities at the National Theatre.      New to creative learning? Explore the NT’s creative learning resources and download top tips with our ‘5 creative ways’ series.      You should also aim for at least one trip to the theatre for each year group each year or sign up for free to the NT Primary Collection – an online collection of productions suitable for primary aged children accompanied by creative learning resources.      Find out if any parents work in the creative industries and would be willing to come and talk to pupils about their job or to run a session or help with a school play. You could also plan a student-led arts week and get the whole school involved. If you don’t already have one, nominate a creative arts lead in your school. Finally, enable pupils to work towards their Arts Award which inspires young people to grow their arts and leadership talents. 

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This is a mass-produced replica of a famous miracle-working icon of the Virgin and Child, brought to Russia from Byzatium in the 12th century, known as the "Virgin of Vladimir", and currently kept in Moscow (State Tretyakov Gallery). The Virgin and Child are each identified by abbreviated inscriptions.

Provenance Provenance (from the French provenir , 'to come from/forth') is the chronology of the ownership, custody, or location of a historical object.

Henry Walters, Baltimore [date of acquisition unknown], by purchase; Walters Art Museum, 1931, by bequest.

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Nikolai Kibich ART

My portfolio | sale of artworks and prints.

I’m Nikolai Kibich, a versatile artist and designer. I perceive any creativity as the main meaning of existence. Therefore, first of all I draw for the soul. But, like any creative person, I would like to know that my work is not indifferent. Therefore, I am glad to any opinion expressed or acquired work.

I also tried to describe my work, the ideas of their origin, a little about the technique of execution and about future plans. For me, of course, it is easier to express my thoughts on paper in pencil, but I think that at least some description of the artist himself, and not an art critic, should be a little more interesting for the viewer. For example:

Nikolai Kibich

Date of birth / place

16.07.1981, Bender, Moldau

Puschkinstraße 44b, 14943, Luckenwalde (Germany)

[email protected]

2018 — 2019

Indisoft. Training center for further education and retraining in Berlin-Moabit, Berlin (Germany).

• Individual further education program — Media
• HTML5 and CSS3
• Responsive Webdesign with HTML5 and CSS3

1999 — 2004

Transnistrian State University name of Taras Shevchenko, Rybnitsa (Moldova) — specialty «Fine arts and drawing».

1994 — 1999

Training and Production Center Bender (Moldova) — specialty «Fine art».

1993 — 1998

Theoretical Lyceum №1 Bender (Moldova) — art department.

Children’s art school, Bender (Moldova).

Work experience

Communication designer. CheckCars24 (online car dealership) Teltow (Germany).

2015 — 2017

Graphic designer. INA «Russia today» (news agency Sputnik ), Chisinau (Moldova).

2006 — 2015

Designer. Since 2012 Chief Designer.  DAAC Hermes (Art Market advertising agency) Chisinau (Moldova).

2004 — 2006

Teacher of fine arts and art history. Children’s art school in Bender (Moldova).

Personal exhibitions

Personal Exhibition – OSCE Mission to Moldova, Chisinau.

Personal exhibition «Those who live in my head» – «Republican Art Gallery name of A. Losev», Bender.

Personal exhibition «In the depths of the white sheet» – Art Gallery of Tiraspol, Tiraspol United Museum.

Personal exhibition – Municipal Library. name of B. Hasdeu Chisinau.

Participation in exhibitions

3rd International Art Forum «Game of Thoughts 2020» — Russian House of Science and Culture in Berlin – Berlin, Germany.

7th International Exhibition and Festival «Art photography and contemporary art» – Langres, France.

6th International Exhibition and Festival «Art photography and contemporary art» – Langres, France.

3rd Exhibition «Modern Art» – Langres, France.

International Art Exhibition «Yin Yang» – «The State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia» State Central Museum of Contemporary History of Russia Moscow.

Exhibition of works by students and teachers of the 15th anniversary of Bender Art Schoo – Republican Art Gallery name of A. Losev, Bender.

Exhibition Benderski artists – Republican Art Gallery name of A. Losev, Bender.

Exhibition of diploma works «diploma-2004» – Transnistrian State University name of Taras Shevchenko, Rybnitsa.

Republican exhibition of student works on arts and crafts dedicated to the Day of the Republic – Tiraspol

VI Republican exhibition-competition of youth creativity «Art brushes young» – Republican Art Gallery name of A. Losev Bender.

Exhibition of works by teachers and students to the City Day – Transnistrian State University name of Taras Shevchenko, Rybnitsa.

Exhibition coursework in composition – Transnistrian State University name of Taras Shevchenko, Rybnitsa.

V Republican exhibition-competition of youth creativity «Art brushes young» – Tiraspol.

The exhibition «The Past, Present and Future in the work of children» – Russia Elektrostal, Moscow region. Winner of the international competition.

The exhibition «Art Faculty 5 years Bendery Theoretical Lyceum» – Republican Art Gallery name of A. Losev, Bender.

The competitive exhibition of creative works of students in secondary schools in Bender «Autumn Palette» – City Palace of Culture name of Pavel Tkachenko.

Participation in competitions

Luxembourg Art Prize 2021

Exhibitions

Digital art, all content copyright nikolai kibich 2024 ©, enquiry form.

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40 facts about elektrostal.

Written by Lanette Mayes

Modified & Updated: 02 Mar 2024

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

Elektrostal is a vibrant city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia. With a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving community, Elektrostal is a city that has much to offer. Whether you are a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply curious about different cultures, Elektrostal is sure to captivate you.

This article will provide you with 40 fascinating facts about Elektrostal, giving you a better understanding of why this city is worth exploring. From its origins as an industrial hub to its modern-day charm, we will delve into the various aspects that make Elektrostal a unique and must-visit destination.

So, join us as we uncover the hidden treasures of Elektrostal and discover what makes this city a true gem in the heart of Russia.

Key Takeaways:

• Elektrostal, known as the “Motor City of Russia,” is a vibrant and growing city with a rich industrial history, offering diverse cultural experiences and a strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
• With its convenient location near Moscow, Elektrostal provides a picturesque landscape, vibrant nightlife, and a range of recreational activities, making it an ideal destination for residents and visitors alike.

Known as the “Motor City of Russia.”

Elektrostal, a city located in the Moscow Oblast region of Russia, earned the nickname “Motor City” due to its significant involvement in the automotive industry.

Home to the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Elektrostal is renowned for its metallurgical plant, which has been producing high-quality steel and alloys since its establishment in 1916.

Boasts a rich industrial heritage.

Elektrostal has a long history of industrial development, contributing to the growth and progress of the region.

Founded in 1916.

The city of Elektrostal was founded in 1916 as a result of the construction of the Elektrostal Metallurgical Plant.

Located approximately 50 kilometers east of Moscow.

Elektrostal is situated in close proximity to the Russian capital, making it easily accessible for both residents and visitors.

Known for its vibrant cultural scene.

Elektrostal is home to several cultural institutions, including museums, theaters, and art galleries that showcase the city’s rich artistic heritage.

A popular destination for nature lovers.

Surrounded by picturesque landscapes and forests, Elektrostal offers ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching.

Hosts the annual Elektrostal City Day celebrations.

Every year, Elektrostal organizes festive events and activities to celebrate its founding, bringing together residents and visitors in a spirit of unity and joy.

Has a population of approximately 160,000 people.

Elektrostal is home to a diverse and vibrant community of around 160,000 residents, contributing to its dynamic atmosphere.

Boasts excellent education facilities.

The city is known for its well-established educational institutions, providing quality education to students of all ages.

A center for scientific research and innovation.

Elektrostal serves as an important hub for scientific research, particularly in the fields of metallurgy, materials science, and engineering.

Surrounded by picturesque lakes.

The city is blessed with numerous beautiful lakes, offering scenic views and recreational opportunities for locals and visitors alike.

Well-connected transportation system.

Elektrostal benefits from an efficient transportation network, including highways, railways, and public transportation options, ensuring convenient travel within and beyond the city.

Famous for its traditional Russian cuisine.

Food enthusiasts can indulge in authentic Russian dishes at numerous restaurants and cafes scattered throughout Elektrostal.

Home to notable architectural landmarks.

Elektrostal boasts impressive architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration of the Lord and the Elektrostal Palace of Culture.

Offers a wide range of recreational facilities.

Residents and visitors can enjoy various recreational activities, such as sports complexes, swimming pools, and fitness centers, enhancing the overall quality of life.

Provides a high standard of healthcare.

Elektrostal is equipped with modern medical facilities, ensuring residents have access to quality healthcare services.

Home to the Elektrostal History Museum.

The Elektrostal History Museum showcases the city’s fascinating past through exhibitions and displays.

A hub for sports enthusiasts.

Elektrostal is passionate about sports, with numerous stadiums, arenas, and sports clubs offering opportunities for athletes and spectators.

Celebrates diverse cultural festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal hosts a variety of cultural festivals, celebrating different ethnicities, traditions, and art forms.

Electric power played a significant role in its early development.

Elektrostal owes its name and initial growth to the establishment of electric power stations and the utilization of electricity in the industrial sector.

Boasts a thriving economy.

The city’s strong industrial base, coupled with its strategic location near Moscow, has contributed to Elektrostal’s prosperous economic status.

Houses the Elektrostal Drama Theater.

The Elektrostal Drama Theater is a cultural centerpiece, attracting theater enthusiasts from far and wide.

Popular destination for winter sports.

Elektrostal’s proximity to ski resorts and winter sport facilities makes it a favorite destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.

Promotes environmental sustainability.

Elektrostal prioritizes environmental protection and sustainability, implementing initiatives to reduce pollution and preserve natural resources.

Home to renowned educational institutions.

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students.

Committed to cultural preservation.

The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts.

Hosts an annual International Film Festival.

The Elektrostal International Film Festival attracts filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts from around the world, showcasing a diverse range of films.

Encourages entrepreneurship and innovation.

Elektrostal supports aspiring entrepreneurs and fosters a culture of innovation, providing opportunities for startups and business development.

Offers a range of housing options.

Elektrostal provides diverse housing options, including apartments, houses, and residential complexes, catering to different lifestyles and budgets.

Home to notable sports teams.

Elektrostal is proud of its sports legacy, with several successful sports teams competing at regional and national levels.

Boasts a vibrant nightlife scene.

Residents and visitors can enjoy a lively nightlife in Elektrostal, with numerous bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.

Promotes cultural exchange and international relations.

Elektrostal actively engages in international partnerships, cultural exchanges, and diplomatic collaborations to foster global connections.

Surrounded by beautiful nature reserves.

Nearby nature reserves, such as the Barybino Forest and Luchinskoye Lake, offer opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore and appreciate the region’s biodiversity.

Commemorates historical events.

The city pays tribute to significant historical events through memorials, monuments, and exhibitions, ensuring the preservation of collective memory.

Promotes sports and youth development.

Elektrostal invests in sports infrastructure and programs to encourage youth participation, health, and physical fitness.

Hosts annual cultural and artistic festivals.

Throughout the year, Elektrostal celebrates its cultural diversity through festivals dedicated to music, dance, art, and theater.

Provides a picturesque landscape for photography enthusiasts.

The city’s scenic beauty, architectural landmarks, and natural surroundings make it a paradise for photographers.

Connects to Moscow via a direct train line.

The convenient train connection between Elektrostal and Moscow makes commuting between the two cities effortless.

A city with a bright future.

Elektrostal continues to grow and develop, aiming to become a model city in terms of infrastructure, sustainability, and quality of life for its residents.

In conclusion, Elektrostal is a fascinating city with a rich history and a vibrant present. From its origins as a center of steel production to its modern-day status as a hub for education and industry, Elektrostal has plenty to offer both residents and visitors. With its beautiful parks, cultural attractions, and proximity to Moscow, there is no shortage of things to see and do in this dynamic city. Whether you’re interested in exploring its historical landmarks, enjoying outdoor activities, or immersing yourself in the local culture, Elektrostal has something for everyone. So, next time you find yourself in the Moscow region, don’t miss the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Elektrostal.

Q: What is the population of Elektrostal?

A: As of the latest data, the population of Elektrostal is approximately XXXX.

Q: How far is Elektrostal from Moscow?

A: Elektrostal is located approximately XX kilometers away from Moscow.

Q: Are there any famous landmarks in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to several notable landmarks, including XXXX and XXXX.

Q: What industries are prominent in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal is known for its steel production industry and is also a center for engineering and manufacturing.

Q: Are there any universities or educational institutions in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal is home to XXXX University and several other educational institutions.

Q: What are some popular outdoor activities in Elektrostal?

A: Elektrostal offers several outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking in its beautiful parks.

Q: Is Elektrostal well-connected in terms of transportation?

A: Yes, Elektrostal has good transportation links, including trains and buses, making it easily accessible from nearby cities.

Q: Are there any annual events or festivals in Elektrostal?

A: Yes, Elektrostal hosts various events and festivals throughout the year, including XXXX and XXXX.

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the students focused on teaching the creative arts in the primary school. Learning the arts for arts sake is vitally important (Mahlmann, n.d.; Mills, 1998). Children need to experience and understand the complexity and beauty of the world of music, drama, dance, and visual arts for themselves. Being involved in the arts gives

Teaching the Arts in the Primary Curriculum. Learning in the arts does not fit in with simple, conventional methodologies for teaching and assessing in the traditional sense, but it has an immense power to transform children's understanding of the world around them, and their lives. Many jobs, currently and of the future, will demand the ...

Art in the Primary School is an introductory textbook, and a second edition to Teaching Primary Art, exploring the underpinning philosophy and pedagogy of teaching and learning art, including how and why digital tools and technologies can be integrated.. This book considers practical aspects of teaching art, focusing on key processes of art making that children might experience in primary schools.

Twenty-four creative and performing arts teachers were observed teaching in the two countries followed by interviews and analysis of curricular documents. The study revealed that most creative and performing arts teachers did not consider the integrated nature of the subjects but taught the disciplines as discrete components.

The Cambridge Primary Art & Design curriculum was created to give learners the space to explore and express themselves freely, supporting the development of social and reflective skills, and encouraging teachers to nurture an environment where learners can take risks and build resilience. Art and design nurtures creativity in young minds, which ...

Pedagogy in 250 Words. Importance of Teaching Art. Planning a Creative Curriculum. Assessment & Progression. Drawing. Drawing Pedagogy. The Drawing Journey. Ten Minutes Five Times a Week. Six Week Introduction to Drawing.

This unit of work, for Year 6, explores science, technology, engineering, arts and maths through the lens of the butterfly. This unit of work begins by asking the students how to draw a butterfly. The picture below was drawn by my Grade 6 daughter. Elements of teaching with creativity: Asking open-ended questions.

The arts are making their mark in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics/medicine (STEAM). Integrating creative expression-poetry and other visual and performing arts-can help ...

Abstract: This formative case study follows 13 undergraduate students planning to become classroom teachers and who are completing a field study placement in an elementary school. The placement involves teaching or assisting in a variety of arts-based projects during the school day and after school. The study addresses outcomes for the student ...

This study examined the possibility of improving the teaching and learning of Creative Arts among Pupils of Akom D/A Primary School. The study aimed at using demonstration and activity methods to enhance the quality of teaching and learning of Creative arts and also to develop pupils interest in the subject. The study used

This is a case study survey conducted to investigate the teaching and learning of Creative Arts as a component of the standard-based curriculum in Ghana. The focus was on primary school teachers' instructional strategies and challenges. The study aimed at investigating strategies utilized by teachers to teach Creative arts in the Nanumba North Municipality of the Northern Region of Ghana.

The ability to plan and make decisions like this is an important creative skill. 2. Include options for response. When students respond to artwork, consider including multiple options or letting them use their own ideas. If you're teaching about Van Gogh, have students make observations about the artwork.

QUALITY ARTS EDUCATION CAN produce positive learning outcomes, such as creating positive attitudes to learning, developing a greater sense of personal and cultural identity, and fostering more creative and imaginative ways of thinking in young children (Bamford, 2006; Eisner, 2002; Robinson, 2001). Arts-based processes allow children the opportunity to express their knowledge, ideas and ...

In 2019, a survey of primary school teachers found that two thirds believed arts education was in 'dramatic decline', and half felt the remaining provision was poorer than in 2010. However, the National Theatre would argue that the arts in education is more important now than ever before. Theatre is one of the few art forms which ...

materials used in primary Fine Arts and Crafts lessons. • Carefully explore all teaching and learning methods, techniques and strategies to be used by primary schools teachers in order to effectively deliver an engaging, active and enjoyable Fine Artss and Crafts lessons. • Critically investigate the importance of teaching and learning

A six-book series to help pupils understand and appreciate the various elements of creative and Cultural Arts around them. Rasmed's New approach to Creative and Cultural is a three-book series for students in junior secondary classes. To order these books, Visit https://buybooks.ng/. For a wide range of books spanning across different age ...

Semantic Scholar extracted view of "DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING CREATIVE ARTS IN THE LOWER PRIMARY SCHOOLS: A CASE STUDY IN AGONA SWEDRU DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION 'B' SCHOOL" by G. K. Ampeh ... @inproceedings{Ampeh2011DEVELOPINGES, title={DEVELOPING EFFECTIVE STRATEGIES FOR TEACHING CREATIVE ARTS IN THE LOWER PRIMARY SCHOOLS: A ...

teaching challenging topics in english language, mathematics and natural science in primary school using creative arts methods August 2020 DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.30068.37766

This is a mass-produced replica of a famous miracle-working icon of the Virgin and Child, brought to Russia from Byzatium in the 12th century, known as the "Virgin of Vladimir", and currently kept in Moscow (State Tretyakov Gallery). The Virgin and Child are each identified by abbreviated inscriptions.

But, like any creative person, I would like to know that my work is not indifferent. Therefore, I am glad to any opinion expressed or acquired work. ... Children's art school, Bender (Moldova). Work experience. since 2019. Communication designer. CheckCars24 (online car dealership) Teltow (Germany). 2015 — 2017.

A book report is typically assigned to students in middle or high school, but it can also be assigned in college.... Students in a Seattle English class were told that their love of reading and writing is a characteristic of "white supremacy," in the latest Seattle Public Schools high school controversy....

Elektrostal is known for its prestigious schools and universities, offering a wide range of academic programs to students. Committed to cultural preservation. The city values its cultural heritage and takes active steps to preserve and promote traditional customs, crafts, and arts. Read also: 32 Facts About Qionghai .

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Unlock M4 iPad Pro power with these apps for creative professionals

It’s been a big week for the iPad. The M4 iPad Pro and iPad Air 6 will make their way into users’ hands in a matter of days. That makes now the perfect time to start making a list of all the best iPadOS apps to enjoy while using the latest and greatest iPad hardware.

The question of getting things done on the iPad is evergreen. So we’ve assembled a collection of some of the best iPad apps specifically for creative professionals, spanning a variety of fields.

Want to create great things using Apple’s tablet? Here are some of the top tools to get started. Many of them will push the power of the new M4 iPad Pro, but even those that don’t will still run smoother than ever on the new hardware.

• FiLMiC Pro is a video capture app that gives you full manual control of your footage. It supports shooting in ProRes and was even touted by Apple for that feature when the iPhone 13 Pro debuted. As an alternative, be sure to check out Apple’s new Final Cut Camera app when it debuts later this spring.
• LumaFusion is the gold standard third-party app for video editing on the iPad. Our own Fernando Silva even uses LumaFusion for his video work at 9to5Mac.
• Final Cut Pro is Apple’s own solution for iPad video editing. Years in the making, the app finally debuted last spring and is getting a big upgrade to version 2 soon.

• Spotify for Podcasters is the new name for what was once known as Anchor until Spotify acquired it. Anchor built a strong reputation for making podcasting easy and accessible to the masses, with a streamlined set of tools that take the complexity out of recording and publishing a podcast.
• Ferrite Recording Studio is the app I used to edit the now-retired Adapt podcast on my iPad Pro. It’s a versatile audio editing tool that works equally well when just using touch, or with an Apple Pencil, or a connected Magic Keyboard.

Photography

• Affinity Photo was the Photoshop-equivalent on the iPad long before Photoshop debuted on iPadOS. A powerful, touch-native design, Afffinity proves that iPad apps don’t have to be second-class citizens to their Mac counterparts.
• Photomator provides user-friendly but dynamic tools to users of all skill levels and has been especially on the front lines with utilizing AI and ML.
• Adobe Photoshop may not be the exact replica of its Mac sibling, but Adobe has done significant work to bring some of the most important editing tools to the iPad.
• Darkroom is a far more approachable app than tools like Photoshop, providing valuable tools for those who don’t need a full-fledged editing suite. Darkroom’s secret weapon is that it’s built for editing not just photos, but video too.

• Ulysses is my app of choice for writing on the iPad Pro. It features an elegant, exceedingly native feeling design, while also providing powerful tools that scale from smaller works like writing 9to5Mac articles to drafting entire books.
• Scrivener is a fan favorite among novelists especially, with an array of tools built specifically for managing and keeping track of various author notes, character details, and other world-building information.

Illustration

• Procreate has a long history on the iPad and continues to receive noteworthy updates all the time. It’s the most popular app for sketching, painting, and illustrating and has truly earned its success.
• Linea Sketch is a lighter weight illustration tool for anyone intimidated by Procreate. The app does a great job of curating a core set of tools and providing a distraction-free interface for creating.

• BandLab provides a one-stop shop for music creation on the iPad, with tools that span the whole process from recording to editing and even sharing your music online.
• Logic Pro is Apple’s iPad version of the well-known Mac tool that musicians and producers have relied on for decades. Logic’s upcoming stem splitting feature seems set to take full advantage of the iPad Pro’s M4 chip.

The above apps are just scratching the surface of the powerful tools available to creative professionals on iPad. While it’s undeniable that iPadOS comes with a variety of restrictions and limitations that don’t plague the Mac, the platform can still be a fantastic place for creative work if you find the right tools for the job.

What are your thoughts? Do you have any go-to apps for getting creative work done on the iPad? Let us know in the comments.

FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.

Check out 9to5Mac on YouTube for more Apple news:

Lead the curve on tomorrow’s iOS and Mac app h…

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Ryan got his start in journalism as an Editor at MacStories, where he worked for four years covering Apple news, writing app reviews, and more. For two years he co-hosted the Adapt podcast on Relay FM, which focused entirely on the iPad. As a result, it should come as no surprise that his favorite Apple device is the iPad Pro.

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Arborists & Tree Trimming Services in Elektrostal'

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• Elektrostal', Moscow Oblast, Russia

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