Writing ideas

[Lily]

When kids first start writing, the best thing to do is just copy work. Find some good writing that is interesting to them, and let them copy. Imitation is the best way to learn.

Later on, after they are a bit older, maybe 10 or so, depending on the particular child, you can have them read a short story and then write it from a different point of view, or in another tense, or perhaps in a different place setting or time period. This gives them a basic framework with which to start, so they don't have to do all the creating themselves, while at the same time, allowing them to use any creativity they may be able to add to the assignment.