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Writing Together: How Families Can Support Young Storytellers at Home




In our recent family writing workshop, something magical happened: parents and children became co-authors. They laughed, imagined, revised, and celebrated their stories together. This wasn’t just about writing, it was about connection, creativity, and confidence. And the best part? You can bring this magic home.

Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or community literacy advocate, writing with children is one of the most powerful ways to nurture their voice. Here's how to create a joyful co-authorship experience at home, inspired by our workshop model:


Start with Story Seeds

Imagination blooms when you plant the right seeds. Begin by brainstorming story ideas together using silly, wacky prompts. Try:

  • “What if your pet could talk for one day?”
  • “Imagine a world where everyone has wings.”
  • “Write about a sandwich that saves the day.”

Let your child lead the way. These playful prompts spark creativity and build confidence in their ideas.


Teach the Building Blocks of Storytelling

Before diving into writing, explore the key elements of narrative:

  • Character: Who is the story about?
  • Setting: Where and when does it take place?
  • Plot: What happens?
  • Theme: What’s the big idea or message?

Use anchor charts, sticky notes, or visual templates to make these concepts accessible. You don’t need to be a teacher, just a curious partner in the process.


Rotate Through Co-Authoring Stations

To keep energy high and ideas flowing, try rotating through these four activities:

  1. Character Development
    Create character profiles with names, traits, motivations, and even sketches. Ask questions like: “What does your character want?” or “What makes them unique?”
  2. Setting & Plot Mapping
    Draw story arcs and design immersive settings. Use maps, mood boards, or even LEGO builds to visualize the world of the story.
  3. Revision Station
    Practice revising together using sentence frames like “I noticed…” or “Can we add more detail here?” Celebrate changes as signs of growth.
  4. Reading Time
    Read narrative fiction together—especially stories that reflect your child’s interests or heritage. In our workshop, Liam’s Faith Adventures series sparked ideas and affirmed storytelling voices. Let books be both mentor texts and mirrors.


Celebrate Every Step

In our workshop, families earned badges for completing co-authorship activities. You can do the same at home! Create simple certificates like:

  • “We Finished Our Story Map”
  • “We Designed a Story Character”
  • “We Used Descriptive Words”

These joyful markers build momentum and pride.


Final Thoughts: Writing as a Bridge

Writing with children isn’t just academic—it’s relational. It’s a way to say, “Your ideas matter. Your voice is powerful. I’m here to listen.” Whether you're building a bedtime story or crafting a classroom narrative, co-authorship invites children to see themselves as creators.


So grab a notebook, a silly prompt, and a cozy corner. The next great story might be waiting in your living room.


Want printable templates, badges, or story maps to get started? Reach out, we’re here to support joyful, bilingual storytelling at home and beyond.


Let’s keep writing, together.

Warmly,

 Lisa Renea Shaw

Author of Liam’s Faith Adventures & Aaliyah es Una Chica Especial |amazon.com/author/lisareneashaw | Chief Language Specialist, My Other Tongue Language School |www.myothertongue.com/courses | Educator, Curriculum Designer & Mompreneur | https://linktr.ee/lisareneashaw

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