How do you teach children to write creatively or be better writers?

Even if your child loves to read and has had writing practice in school, he may need that extra help from experts who know the ins and outs of writing.

Why not give your child a head start to build their English skills ahead of the new school year?

Hone your child’s creative writing chops by letting them learn from the best! British Council has a whole new line-up of creative writing courses for Kindergarten 2 and Primary 1 to 5.

Creative Writing Classes For Children

1. Writing Stars (Kindergarten 2)

Is your child able to read with confidence? It’s time to take their writing skills to the next level!

In this programme, your child will be engaged in different comprehension activities and explore the text of a well-loved tale. Your little one will even get a chance to act out parts of the story!

After learning the story’s key features, the class will come together and brainstorm for ideas. Each student will then get to create and write their own alternative version of the story.

Writing Stars (Kindergarten 2) adopts the Talk4Writing method that is currently used in many UK schools. It incorporates elements of drama, comprehension and composition to give young learners the confidence to write their very own creative texts.

➡️ Related Read: Mistakes to Avoid for PSLE English Composition

This course is specially developed for little learners ready for a taste of Primary 1, and aimed at advanced students and confident readers.

Course fees: $660 (5 days)

2. Fact And Fiction – Creative Writing (Primary 1)

If you’re looking for a programme to give your child a solid foundation in creative writing in Primary 2 – this is it!

This course for Primary 1 students is aimed at honing their creative writing skills and confidence in writing. From poetry to narrative, your child will be immersed in a range of creative text types.

But it’s not just about sitting down and writing all day. English-related games will be incorporated in each session so children get to learn through play.

By the end of the course, your child will be able to:

• Be familiar with common text types in Primary English
• Have an awareness of the features and purpose of each text type
• Have an awareness of metalanguage associated with grammar and text types
• Produce simple versions of each text type
• Take home a folio of written work they have created, which includes feedback from the class teacher.

This course is suitable for students who completed Primary 1 this year.

Course fees: $740 (5 days)

3. Fact And Fiction – Creative Writing (Primary 2 – 3)

When your child progresses in primary school, they will be expected to do basic situational and continuous writing.

What is the difference between these two text types? And what kind of skills does your child need to understand these two types of writing?

In this course, your child will explore situational writing and continuous writing. They will learn the methods of analysing both text types and also get a chance to practise them.

This course will also give children a running start on character development and plots in narratives. They will also learn how to use technical language in informational texts.

Worried that your child might forget about the skills learnt during this holiday class? After the course, each child gets to go home with a portfolio of their work, which they can use as a reference.

This course is suitable for students who completed Primary 2 and 3 this year.

Course fees: $740 (5 days)

4. Fact And Fiction – Creative Writing (Primary 4 – 5)

What makes a character and story interesting? How do you conclude a story with a good ending?

Besides learning the ropes of developing characters and plots in narratives, children in the course will also tackle how to write a good ending.

For situational writing, your child will practise letter writing, sports reporting and explanations. Teachers will impart important skills and share tips on how to write a good situational piece. For example, children will learn how to find the most important content points and arrange them chronologically.

At the end of the course, your child will take home a portfolio of work that they can use as a guide for reference.

This course is suitable for students who completed Primary 4 and 5 this year.

Course fees: $740 (5 days)

British Council Creative Writing Holiday Classes 2018

Course start dates: 19 Nov, 26 Nov, 3 Dec

Courses are offered at all British Council centres: Napier Road, Tampines, Toa Payoh, Marsiling.

Each course runs from Monday to Friday. Note that schedules differ based on the course and centre.

For more information, visit here.

Why British Council

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. They work with over 100 countries in the fields of arts and culture, English language, education and civil society. In Singapore, the British Council’s work includes teaching English to adults and young learners from nursery to primary and secondary; teacher and corporate training, as well as a pre-school.

This post is brought to you by the British Council.

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