In this project area, 4-H members will understand multiple writing genres and work on the development of themes, plot, character, and more.
Exploring 4-H Creative Writing
Exploring 4-H Creative Writing
Spark Activity: Writing Prompts
Short writing prompts are an excellent way to get ideas flowing, especially if you’re experiencing writer’s block. The following are just a few ideas to get you started. In 100 years, people will open a time capsule you created. What items did you put inside it and why?
Write a short 1-2 paragraph story in which you have to use at least four unrelated items somewhere within the story. (For example: Lunch Tray, Headphones, Owl, 4 Leaf Clover); and/or...
Write a short 1-2 paragraph story in which you speak from the perspective of another person, telling your story with future generations.
Normally, you would title your chapters last, but try creating a fun title first, then begin writing. For example: your story’s first chapter is entitled, “The Ground Gave Way”. Write what happens next!
4-H Project Levels and Goals
- Define the terms genre, perspective, story arc, and character
- Learn about different genres of creative writing
- Experiment with different writing prompts
- Create simple story arcs
- Basic character descriptions
- Write in first person perspective
- Start a writing portfolio
- Explore writing through different perspectives (First/Second/Third Person)
- Write in different genres (poetry, non-fiction, fiction, scripts, etc.)
- Experiment with different sentence structures and lengths
- Create and maintain a daily writing journal/diary
- Identify your writer’s voice
- Have a strong command of grammar
- Refine editing process
- Organize master portfolio
Put Your Project Into Action
Show Your Skills
- Exhibit your work at your local 4-H Show
- Submit something to a creative writing contest
- Publish a poem in your town paper/ youth poetry venue
- Develop a script for a youth-led community play
Service and Leadership
- Choose your favorite genre in which to write and share your writing with nursing home residents
- Host an open mic night for your peers and/or community members
- Research and publish a story highlighting a local veteran
- Serve as the 4-H reporter or historian and document the significant events of your club and community
Entrepreneurship
- Submit a story to a publishing company
- Begin a writing blog
- Start an editing service
Technology Connection
- Start an online writing blog
- Facebook groups geared for writers
- Online writing labs
- Connecting with a Mentor
- Connect with a school English teacher
- Reach out to university or community college writing faculty/ writing lab
- Local authors / poets
- Community theater directors/ script writers
- Local library
Events
- 4-H writing workshops
- Local and state 4-H exhibit opportunities
- Local writing contests
- Local newspaper’s community column
Careers
- Teacher
- Editor
- Poet
- Librarian
- Novelist
- Script
- Writer
- Copywriter
- Advertising
- Public Relations
- Communications
- Specialist
Start a Conversation
- What kinds of books spark your interest?
- What don’t you like to read? Why?
- What makes you turn the page while reading?
- Who is your favorite author and why?
- What about their writing style do you like?
- What ideas, or what in your environment, inspires you?
- If you had the opportunity to tell one story to the world, what would it be?
- How would you tell it?
Credits
Credits: Iowa State University Extension 4-H Hot Sheet
“The Writer in You” 4-H Manual
Alcha Corban, Extension Educator, 4-H Youth Development
Reid Young, Extension Program Coordinator
Samantha Klumb, Extension Office Support Assistant
Sara Attig, Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development
Afiwa Tete, Extension Program Coordinator, 4-H Youth Development
