Let’s be honest - getting kids excited about writing isn’t always easy. But a creative writing club? That’s where magic happens. Think less “five-paragraph essay” and more “zombie unicorn space adventures.” Whether you’re a poetry buff or someone who still has PTSD from high school grammar drills, here’s how to build a club that turns reluctant scribblers into storytelling ninjas.
Equipment You’ll Need
You don’t need much to start - just the basics and a dash of creativity. Notebooks and pens are non-negotiable (bonus points for funky gel pens). If your budget allows, grab a few bulk journals from the dollar store. For tech-friendly setups, laptops or tablets can work, but don’t underestimate the charm of scribbling ideas on paper.
Stock up on writing prompts. A jar filled with quirky questions like “What would your cat say if it became president?” saves the day when inspiration tanks. But some story dice or print out story dice templates or grab a whiteboard to brainstorm plots. And if you’re feeling fancy, a printer lets students compile their work into zines or anthologies.
Optional but fun: Art supplies for comic strips or illustrated stories, a Bluetooth speaker for ambient writing music, and stickers because, well, stickers make everything better.
Suitable Locations
Any quiet(ish) space works. Classrooms are classic, but libraries offer that “serious author” vibe. For a change of scenery, try outdoor spaces - a courtyard under a tree can spark ideas. Just avoid spots near the gym; dodgeball sounds and dramatic soliloquies don’t mix.
Arrange desks in clusters for workshops or in a circle for sharing. If your room feels like a dungeon, string up fairy lights or slap motivational posters on the walls (“Write Like J.K. Rowling… But Faster”). Comfort matters: Cushions or a rug can turn that stiff classroom corner into a cozy writing nook.
Age Range
Creative writing adapts to all ages, but tweak the approach. 6-9-year-olds thrive on short, playful activities - think collaborative stories or diary entries from a pet’s perspective. 10-13-year-olds dive into genres like mystery or fantasy, while high schoolers can tackle memoirs, podcasts, or even screenplay writing.
Mixing ages? Doable, but tricky. Pair older teens as mentors for younger kids - it’s heartwarming until the middle schooler insists their vampire romance is literary fiction. Set clear guidelines to keep things respectful.
Who Will Enjoy This?
This club isn’t just for the kid who’s always buried in a notebook. Daydreamers will thrive, but so will reluctant writers who need a nudge. Quiet students often blossom when given the freedom to create worlds on paper. And let’s not forget the class clown - channel their humor into satire or comedy scripts.
Surprise attendees: Perfectionists learn to embrace messy first drafts, and gamers get hooked on building RPG-style quest narratives. Even sports fans might sneak in if you promise they can write a hot-takes sports blog.
Things to Consider
Time management is your lifeline. Mix structured activities (15-minute prompts) with free writing blocks. For sharing sessions, use a “kindness sandwich” feedback rule: Compliment → Suggest → Compliment. Trust me, it prevents tears over harsh critiques.
Sensitive topics will pop up. Kids write what they know - family drama, friendships, even grief. Set boundaries early: Fiction only, or allow personal stories with a content warning system. Always check in privately if a piece raises red flags.
And boredom? Combat it with variety. One week, write spooky campfire tales. Next week, draft tweets for a fictional celebrity. Throw in a “writing Olympics” with timed challenges. Keep it loose - rigidity kills creativity.
Further Pathways
Once the stories flow, take it beyond the club. Competitions like Scholastic’s Art & Writing Awards or NaNoWriMo’s Young Writers Program give kids real deadlines (and bragging rights). Publish their work in a school anthology or partner with the art club for an illustrated chapbook.
For techy teens, launch a blog or podcast - just keep it password-protected for privacy. Connect with local authors for Zoom Q&As or field trips to libraries. High schoolers can submit to teen literary journals like Polyphony Lit or chase writing scholarships. Have a look at this huge list of creative writing competitions for children.
And for the kid obsessed with fantasy world-building? Point them toward game design camps or fanfiction communities (with parent approval, of course).
Final Draft
Running a creative writing club is like herding cats - chaotic but wildly rewarding. With minimal supplies, flexibility, and a tolerance for absurd plot twists, you’ll create a space where kids discover the power of their own voices. And hey, you might even rediscover your love for haikus about cafeteria pizza. Win-win.