Online Class: How to Write Short Stories for Children

Unleash your storytelling potential with this course, guiding you through overcoming barriers to creativity, crafting compelling narratives, and understanding the publishing landscape. Discover the techniques necessary to compose tales that resonate with young readers and embark on a transformative journey from hobbyist to professional writer.

$95.00
no certificate
- OR -
$120.00
with CEU Certificate*
Start Right Now!
$120.00 (with CEU Certificate)
Taking multiple courses? Save with our platinum program.
 
  • 12
    Lessons
  • 20
    Exams &
    Assignments
  • 113
    Students
    have taken this course
  • 6
    Hours
    average time
  • 0.6
    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:
4.5 / 5 Stars (Average Rating)
"Extraordinarily Helpful"
(3,294 votes)

Lesson 1. Time Isn't Found, It's Made: Scheduling Tips for Writers

In a fast-paced world teeming with distractions, seize odd moments to write and sidestep the fear of inadequacy, celebrating even failed attempts. Embrace the boundless imaginings of a childlike perspective to turn life's simplicities into rich storytelling inspirations. 111 Total Points
  • 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. Unlocking the Writer Within: Practical Exercises for Aspiring Authors

Nike's motto encapsulates the writing journey: you must write to become a writer, even if it's just letters or childhood memories. Practicing different writing exercises can flex your creative muscles and refine your unique voice. 150 Total Points
  • Lesson discussions: Do You Write Regularly?
  • Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment: A Writing Exercise
  • Assessment: Lesson 2 Exam: Just Do It

Lesson 3. Crafting Kid-Friendly Characters

Successful storytelling for children balances realistic characters with those they aspire to be, creating a compelling narrative that entertains and educates. By weaving relatable viewpoints and age-appropriate challenges, a story becomes a canvas reflecting a child's journey and dreams. Additional lesson topics: Creating Characters 130 Total Points
  • Lesson 3 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment: Create Your Own Characters
  • Assessment: Lesson 3 Exam: Creating Characters Kids Will Love

Lesson 4. Creating Tension: The Role of Conflict in Children's Stories

In children's stories, conflict is essential to drive the plot, creating engaging situations where characters face and solve relatable problems. Characters' responses to tension provide insights into their personalities, while authors can deepen the readers' emotional experience through vivid description and characters' thoughts. Additional lesson topics: Story Writing Tips 150 Total Points
  • 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 Sensory Details: The Art of Vivid Storytelling

The magic of storytelling lies in creating a believable setting through vivid description that encompasses all five senses, making characters and scenes come alive. Balanced use of adjectives, coupled with detailed specifics, allows readers to visualize and emotionally connect with the story without overwhelming them with details. 115 Total Points
  • Lesson 5 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 5 Exam: Setting and the Art of Description

Lesson 6. Dialogue Dynamics in Children's Tales

Dialog is a vital tool for writers, driving the story forward and revealing character and setting, but it requires skill to create realistic and efficient exchanges. While real conversation is messy, written dialog should sound natural without unnecessary interruptions, focusing on clarity and purpose. Additional lesson topics: Writing Dialogue for Children 120 Total Points
  • Lesson 6 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 6 Exam: He Said, She said. Dialog in the Children's Story

Lesson 7. Learning from Literary Masters: The Art of Typeovers and Imitation

Emulate celebrated writers to enhance your own storytelling skills, starting with typeovers to intimately understand their style before moving onto imitating and then riffing on their work. This structured approach allows you to gradually infuse originality into your narratives until you can produce unique stories worthy of publication. 145 Total Points
  • Lesson 7 Video
  • Lesson discussions: Your Influences
  • Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment: Modeling Applications
  • Assessment: Lesson 7 Exam: Modeling

Lesson 8. Jumping into the Deep End: Crafting Your First Draft

Crafting your initial story involves navigating uncertainty, but every word penned, whether terrible or brilliant, breaks new writing ground. Balance experimenting with outlines, quelling self-doubt, and committing to paper even your worst words as they accumulate to eventual mastery. 150 Total Points
  • Lesson 8 Video
  • Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment: Taking the First Step
  • Assessment: Lesson 8 Exam: The First Draft

Lesson 9. Crafting Immortal Pages: The Art of Rewriting

The revision process, essential for crafting enduring narratives, involves letting drafts rest, incorporating constructive feedback, and editing elements such as dialogue and description. Authors can heighten stakes and appeal by carefully balancing story components and refining narrative leads. 115 Total Points
  • Lesson 9 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 9 Exam: Writing is Rewriting

Lesson 10. Critique and Confidence in Creative Writing

Displaying your children's stories to the target audience offers simple yet valuable feedback, as their enthusiasm or confusion can guide your revisions. 150 Total Points
  • 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. Finding Your Audience: A Comprehensive Guide to Submitting Your Work

Efficiently manage your submissions with a detailed log to track where and when you sent your stories. Patience is key, as response times can be lengthy, but organized records help in determining when to follow up. 115 Total Points
  • Lesson 11 Video
  • Assessment: Lesson 11 Exam: Target Practice: Studying the Markets

Lesson 12. Persisting Through Rejection: The Path to Success for Writers

Respond to editorial rejections with professionalism, using thank you notes as an opportunity for future acceptance; this tactic subtly markets your name and showcases a resilient, adaptable writer’s demeanor. Embrace constructive criticism, and rather than acting like a prima donna, judiciously choose which editorial battles are worth fighting. 415 Total Points
  • 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: 4.5 / 5 Stars (3,294 votes)
Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries
Availability: With online access available nationwide, this course reaches all U.S. states, including California, Texas, Florida, New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Ohio, and Georgia. Additionally, it’s open to learners in English-speaking countries such as the UK, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Last Updated: May 2024
Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class
CEU Value: 0.6 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

Choose Your Subscription Plan

Course Only
One Course
No Certificate / No CEUs
$95
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate X
Includes CEUs X
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Certificate Course
One Course
Certificate & CEUs
$120
for 6 months
 
Billed once
This course only
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 6 months
No. of courses 1 course
Platinum Yearly
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$189
per year
 
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 12 Months
No. of courses 600+
Platinum 2 Years
ALL COURSES
Certificates & CEUs
$299
for 2 years
You save $79.00!
Billed once
Includes all 600+ courses
Includes certificate Yes
Includes CEUs Yes
Self-paced Yes
Instructor support Yes
Time to complete 24 Months
No. of courses 600+
 

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.

Related Courses