Teaching Creative Writing


Throughout the field experience I have completed I obtained several tips on teaching students how to write. Hopefully these creative writing tips can help you as well...

Benjamin Franklin Academy Plus, a Kindergarten through Eighth grade Philadelphia public school is where I am currently conducting fieldwork. Mrs. B’s eighth grade English class is where I spend every Monday afternoon.
She has been teaching for five years. After discussing how to teach Creative Writing to students with the teacher, here is a summary of her advice:

A. Provide several examples of creative writing, emphasizing vocabulary specific to the material.
B. Establish structure with clear expectations by providing a rubric – list the things you are looking for in the rubric (for instance; title, main character, setting, climax, vocabulary, dialogue, etc.)
*Remember quality is better than quantity (some students may find it hard to write to the page maximum; however they may have an above average piece).
C. Have students use a proofreading checklist when editing; students need to improve all writings.
D. Connect creative writing to projects linked to reading material.

Mrs. B’s tips are for inclusive classes with special education and English Language Learners.
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Fortunately I was able to interview Mrs. M at The Philadelphia High School for Girls during an observation. Mrs. M has been teaching for eleven years. Her advice for teaching creative writing is as follows:

A. Provide several examples of figurative language.
B. Have students practice the application of figurative language through class exercises.
C. Give students choices; have students write a story using a starter sentence as a springing board (for example; “The woman was finally ready to walk through the doors.”)
*Exceptions apply depending on grade level; teacher may have to directly state what cannot be included in the writing.
D.  Encourage student writing by providing feedback for improvement; it is not necessary to grade creative writing pieces. The practice of writing is more important.
E. Motivate students by explaining the top three creative pieces will be posted in the class and on the teacher’s webpage for the class (with student permission), allow the best final pieces to be read in class.

Mrs. M states once you know your students and their capabilities the method you choose may vary.

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