Online Class: How to Write Short Stories for Children

In this course we'll teach you how to write stories for children by looking at the elements that go into an effective children's story, from initial idea to finished manuscript.

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$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
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  • 12
    Lessons
  • 20
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 4,876
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 11
    Hours
    average time
  • 1.1
    CEUs
 
 
 

Course Description

The Art and Craft of Children's Storytelling: Unleashing Your Inner Author

Do you find yourself brimming with stories and ideas that you yearn to share with the world, yet constrained by the hustle and bustle of daily life? You're not alone. Many potential authors are inhibited by their hectic schedules. But what if there's a way to craft tales that not only suit your routine but also have a profound impact on young minds?

Welcome to the world of children's writing—a realm where imagination takes flight, condensed into short yet powerful narratives. Interestingly, some renowned children's authors began their journey by jotting down tales during brief intervals, like during a tranquil lunch break or as their little ones ventured into dreamland.

However, let's clear a common misconception: writing for children isn't a walk in the park. The brevity of children's stories doesn't mean they're void of depth. Editors in the realm of children's literature anticipate well-fleshed characters, immersive plots, and vivid descriptions, all tightly knit into a concise narrative. A skillful children's author will master the art of precision, ensuring every word holds value. The challenge lies in engaging young minds with comprehensible language while avoiding a patronizing tone.

Course Outline:

  • Lesson 1: Igniting Your Passion - Begin your journey into the vibrant universe of children's literature, understanding its nuances and potential.

  • Lesson 2: Dive Right In - Overcome hesitations, and understand the importance of taking the leap to put your thoughts on paper.

  • Lesson 3: Crafting Lovable Characters - Dive deep into the creation of memorable, relatable characters that resonate with young readers.

  • Lesson 4: Weaving the Narrative - Explore the intricacies of plotting for children, ensuring tales that captivate and inspire.

  • Lesson 5: Painting with Words - Understand how to build vivid settings and the subtle art of description to transport young readers.

  • Lesson 6: Conversations that Matter - Delve into the craft of authentic, engaging dialogues that drive the story forward.

  • Lesson 7: Story Sculpting - Explore various models and structures that can shape your narrative.

  • Lesson 8: Crafting the Initial Narrative - The importance of getting the first draft out, imperfections and all.

  • Lesson 9: The Refinement Process - Understand that writing is an evolving process. Learn techniques for revising and refining your tale.

  • Lesson 10: Sharing Your Tale - Gain insights into presenting your story to the world, and absorbing feedback.

  • Lesson 11: Navigating the Publishing Landscape - Decipher the dynamics of the publishing world, understanding target markets and potential outlets.

  • Lesson 12: Persevere and Shine - Writing is a journey filled with ups and downs. Learn strategies to keep the motivation alive and continue your creative journey.

Whether you aspire to pen down stories solely for your children or dream of seeing your book on store shelves, captivating the hearts of thousands, this course offers the guidance you seek. Beyond techniques and methodologies, it promises the joy of molding young minds, sparking their imagination, and leaving a lasting impact.

Writing for children is not just an endeavor; it's a responsibility and a privilege. And with the right tools and guidance, it can evolve from a mere hobby to a fulfilling career.

Step into this magical journey, sculpting tales that resonate with purity, wonder, and endless possibilities. Enroll today, and redefine your narrative, one story at a time.

  • Completely Online
  • Self-Paced
  • 6 Months to Complete
  • 24/7 Availability
  • Start Anytime
  • PC & Mac Compatible
  • Android & iOS Friendly
  • Accredited CEUs
Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider
 
 

Course Lessons

Average Lesson Rating:
4.55 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(3,293 votes)

Lesson 1: Let's Go!

111 Points
One of the biggest obstacles writers face is finding the time to write. This lesson provides some strategies for finding the time to work on your writing projects.
  • Lesson 1 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Writing Experience; Reasons for Taking this Course
  • Complete Assignment: An Introduction
  • Assessment: Lesson 1 Exam: Let's Go!

Lesson 2: Just Do It

150 Points
The way to become a writer is to simply sit down and begin to write. This lesson will provide some strategies for doing this.
  • Lesson discussions: Do You Write Regularly?
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment: A Writing Exercise
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam: Just Do It

Lesson 3: Creating Characters Kids Will Love

130 Points
This lesson will show us how to create characters that our readers can relate to and thus become interested in. Additional lesson topics: Creating Characters
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment: Create Your Own Characters
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam: Creating Characters Kids Will Love

Lesson 4: And Then What Happened? Plot and the Children's Story

150 Points
In this lesson, tools for creating an engaging plot are described. Additional lesson topics: Story Writing Tips
  • Lesson 4 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment: Creating Conflict
  • Assessment: Lesson 4 Exam: And Then What Happened? Plot and the Children's Story

Lesson 5: Setting and the Art of Description

115 Points
In this lesson, you will learn the importance of creating vivid descriptions and how these descriptions will help to engage and captivate your reader.
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam: Setting and the Art of Description

Lesson 6: He Said, She said. Dialog in the Children's Story

120 Points
Dialog is an essential part of any story. This lesson provides dialog-writing tips. Additional lesson topics: Writing Dialogue for Children
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam: He Said, She said. Dialog in the Children's Story

Lesson 7: Modeling

145 Points
This lesson describes how modeling can help aspiring writers to practice and perfect their craft.
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Your Influences
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment: Modeling Applications
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam: Modeling

Lesson 8: The First Draft

150 Points
In this lesson we will discuss strategies that will help you hang in there and get your first draft written.
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment: Taking the First Step
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam: The First Draft

Lesson 9: Writing is Rewriting

115 Points
In this lesson, we will discuss some techniques that will help you revise and improve your own work.
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam: Writing is Rewriting

Lesson 10: Don't Despair, Share!

150 Points
In this lesson, we will learn how seeking other people's viewpoints can prove to be valuable to your finished story.
  • Lesson 10 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Your First Reader
  • Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment: Find a Support Group
  • Assessment: Lesson 10 Exam: Don't Despair, Share!

Lesson 11: Target Practice: Studying the markets

115 Points
In this lesson, you will learn how getting to know the markets you are aiming for can increase your chances for publishing success.
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam: Target Practice: Studying the Markets

Lesson 12: Don't Give Up

415 Points
In this lesson, you will learn how patience and perseverance are two important keys to becoming a successful, published writer
  • Lesson 12 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Ready to Start?; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
  • Assessment: Lesson 12 Exam: Don’t Give Up
  • Assessment: The Final Exam
1866
Total Course Points
 

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:
  • Describe creating characters kids will love.
  • Define plot in the children's story.
  • Describe setting and the art of description.
  • Describe dialog in the children's story.
  • Define modeling.
  • Create a first draft.
  • Describe the revision process and what to look for.
  • Describe ways to handle rejection and learn from criticism.
  • Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.
 

Additional Course Information

Online CEU Certificate
  • Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
  • Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
  • Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online
  • View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
  • Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media
Document Your CEUs on Your Resume
 
Course Title: How to Write Short Stories for Children
Course Number: 9770549
Lessons Rating: 4.55 / 5 Stars (3,293 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: This course is available online in all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. It’s also offered in English-speaking countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: May 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 1.1 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)
CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).
Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.
Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams
Instructor: Dana Kristan
Syllabus: View Syllabus
Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars

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Student Testimonials

  • "I feel like writing again! I will tackle my original book of quotes first then move on to writing for young adults." -- Amy F.
  • "Easy to follow and was clear and concise. Excellent!" -- Sharon C.
  • "The course and instructor feedback was very helpful. Excellent course." -- Anthony D.
  • "Loved the instructor. She was great! Would love to take another class from her." -- Rebecca M.
  • "Very enjoyable." -- Julie F.
  • "What was most helpful was generally the course content. I'm a beginner at writing childrens stories and found it fascinating." -- Julie F.

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