Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest from Coursera

This course is for curious students and aspiring authors with a passion for writing for young readers. Participate in a dynamic online community of writers as you experiment with your own writing and develop your voice. This course will guide you with a combination of video lectures, online readings, peer reviews, and guest appearances from world-renowned children’s authors. As you work through the writing exercises, you will give and receive feedback from your peers and gain tools and techniques for improving your writing.

During this course you will identify stories that matter to you, explore cultural significance and boundaries, and shape your identity as a writer; become familiar with standard elements of narrative (character, setting, plot, theme, language, dialogue, point of view); reflect on your own work and practice essential self-editing skills; see the different ways in which words and art interact, and the possibilities of longer narrative forms; come away with practical insights into publishing options; and create a plan for pursuing your enthusiasm for writing. By the end of the course, you will have ten to twelve extracts of writing that you can develop into a portfolio.

Join a dynamic community of many voices from around the world. Find inspiration in your own voice, heart, and place so that you can tell the stories for young readers you’ve always wanted to tell.

What's inside

Syllabus

Your Writing Identity

Good children’s writing commonly has a strong sense of identity. This module will give you a chance to think about and practice putting yourself into your writing. We will start by looking at how you can establish effective writing habits and how you can use your own experiences and culture to enrich your writing. We will also discuss ways that you can add depth to your writing by drawing on myths and legends, and by experimenting with different viewpoints.

Genre, Form, and Audience

In this module we will give you an overview of genres and forms that are popular for young readers. We will then move on to a discussion of audience – who your readers are and how you can make your work appealing to your chosen audience. By the end of the module you will have a good sense of the wide range of genres and forms available to you and some techniques that you can use to make the most of the genre or form you are working in.

Structure

We’ve covered qualities of writing that make it appeal to an audience – its form, its genre, and its strong personal voice. Now we’ll move on to some structural elements that are key to holding your writing together. We’ll start by looking at character and setting, then move on to plot and theme. Finally, we will focus on language. Language can really bring your writing to life by adding a layer to your characters and setting and by giving your plot a good pace. This is the last module where we look at creating new writing. In the next two modules we’ll focus on editing your work and getting it published.

Editing and Proofreading

In this module you will learn how to transform your draft work into something that flows well, is free of errors, and is ready to be published. We’ll start by looking at structural editing, where you look at your work’s plot, structure, and themes. Then we’ll move on to the copyediting and proofreading stage, where you focus on perfecting grammar and spelling. We have provided resources and checklists that will help you to practice applying our editing tips to your own work.

Publishing

In this final module you’ll learn about different ways that you can get your work published and into the hands of young readers. We have included information about a range of different publishing methods available to you, from traditional print publishing to digital publishing. You can also listen to our guest writers talking about how they publish their own work. This MOOC is just a starting point for your writing life. You will soon be ready to join a global network of writers.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores a range of familiar genres and forms that are popular with young readers

Puts an emphasis on developing your own voice as a writer

Offers a focus on editing and proofreading techniques

Taught by experienced writing instructors Alex Alexandrou and Maria Gill

Provides a comprehensive study of the elements and techniques of writing for young readers

Reviews summary

Treasury of tools for young writers

learners say this course is largely positive and helpful for writers of all levels. According to students, it's great for sharpening creative skills, practicing writing, improving organizational skills, and understanding the editing, proofreading, and publishing processes. Many appreciated clear explanations from the instructors, David Hill and Maria Gill, and found the author interviews to be motivating and inspiring. Others specifically enjoyed engaging assignments, while some felt these were a bit too basic. Students say the course gives a solid overview of characters, plot, dialogue, theme, setting, and other foundational writing elements. It covers the basics of editing and proofreading, and provides some guidance on publishing. However, some learners felt there wasn't enough information on writing for young readers specifically, and that the course is more suitable for general writing than for children's writing.

Instructors David Hill and Maria Gill are clear and engaging.

"Mr. David Hill has an excellent way of presenting the course material and he also extracted relevant and helpful ideas from the guest speakers."

"He gave us good examples of Writing, before giving us the Assignment. Thank you, Sir!"

"I wish you could come up with more courses on Editing and Proofreading, so that we can work from home and give Professional help to Researchers, etc."

The course is valuable for both beginner and experienced writers.

"I'm a non-beginner writer and though I did get the sense early on that there would be a lot of "Writing 101" content, I stuck around due to the course leader's promise that more experienced writers could get a lot out of it too."

"I was waiting for it to delve into its promised topic, but it never really did."

"What I WOULD say I got out of this course, and why I didn't ultimately abandon it, was the sense of accountability, which gently forced me to get some writing done, to finish pieces. So that was good."

Learners found the author interviews inspiring and motivating.

"I enjoyed the lectures and interviews; I've learned of some new authors I plan on reading more of."

"The author interviews, which really inspired me as I look to develop my writing skills."

"I was also penalised for technical difficulties that the reviewer had (this was rectified by the course organisers once I flagged it). It would have been helpful to give guidelines on how to critique other people's work. This was lacking in the course."

Peer review can be helpful, but quality can vary.

"While I had some very useful feedback, much of it was basic and did not provide any guidance in writing better."

"I also enjoyed the assignments which gave me the opportunity to practice the concepts taught."

"The peer reviews were my least favourite aspect of the course."

The course covers the nuts and bolts of writing, but not much on writing for children specifically.

"Despite claiming to be specifically about writing for young readers, the course really doesn't have much content related to this."

"There are brief mentions here and there and the interviews are all with children's authors, but it's mostly very general stuff."

"Additionally, because it tries to cover a lot of ground, no topic is every delved into very deeply."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest with these activities:

Create a Writing Resource Kit

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Organize and reference key materials to support your writing journey.

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Gather materials such as notes, articles, and writing tools.
Organize the materials in a logical and accessible manner.
Review the materials regularly to reinforce your learning.

Explore Writing Prompts and Exercises

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Expand your writing repertoire by following guided prompts and exercises.

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Identify and research writing prompts or exercises that align with your interests and goals.
Engage with the prompts or exercises, experimenting with different writing styles and techniques.
Share your work and seek feedback to refine your writing.

Review Elements of Narrative

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Review the basic elements of narrative to strengthen your understanding of story structure.

Browse courses on Character

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Define each element of narrative (character, setting, plot, theme, language) in your own words.
Provide an example from a favorite book or movie for each element.

Five other activities

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Sentence Structure and Punctuation Practice

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Sharpen your writing skills by practicing sentence structure and punctuation exercises.

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Identify and correct errors in sentence structure and punctuation in provided passages.
Rewrite sentences to improve clarity and flow.

Write a Character Sketch

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Develop a detailed character sketch to practice creating well-rounded and believable characters.

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Choose a character from a story you are writing or plan to write.
Describe the character's physical appearance, personality, backstory, motivations, and flaws.
Write the character sketch in the form of a short story or narrative.

Peer Writing Workshop

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Provide and receive feedback on your writing from peers to refine your storytelling skills.

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Exchange writing samples with a peer.
Provide constructive criticism on each other's work, focusing on strengths and areas for improvement.
Revise and edit your writing based on the feedback received.

Analyze "The Elements of Style"

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Enhance your writing style and precision by studying the classic guide to writing.

View The Elements of Style, Fourth Edition on Amazon

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Read and annotate the book, highlighting key principles and examples.
Apply the principles to your own writing.
Discuss your insights with other students or a mentor.

Write a Short Story Collection

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Immerse yourself in the writing process by crafting a collection of short stories that showcase your storytelling abilities.

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Brainstorm and develop ideas for multiple short stories.
Write and refine each story.
Compile the stories into a cohesive collection.
Obtain feedback and make final revisions.

Career center

Learners who complete Writing for Young Readers: Opening the Treasure Chest will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Children's Book Author

This course is highly relevant for an aspiring Children's Book Author, as it provides the fundamental skills and knowledge required to write for young readers. The course covers a wide range of topics, including the elements of narrative, developing a unique writing voice, and the publishing process. By participating in this course, aspiring authors can gain valuable insights and practical tools that will help them craft engaging and meaningful stories for children.

See salaries and explore the career path for Children's Book Author

Teacher

Teachers who are passionate about fostering literacy and creativity in young students may find this course particularly valuable. The course provides guidance on how to create engaging and inclusive writing environments, as well as techniques for teaching writing skills. Moreover, the course emphasizes the importance of cultural diversity and representation in children's literature, a crucial aspect for teachers who want to promote inclusive education.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Journalist

While this course focuses on writing for young readers, it can still provide a strong foundation for aspiring Journalists. The course covers essential elements of narrative writing, such as character development, plot structure, and language usage. These skills are transferable to journalistic writing, where clear and compelling storytelling is crucial. Additionally, the course's emphasis on ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity can be valuable for journalists reporting on issues affecting children and young people.

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Editor

Those interested in a career as an Editor may find this course beneficial in honing their editing and proofreading skills. The course provides a comprehensive understanding of structural editing, copyediting, and proofreading techniques. Furthermore, the course emphasizes the importance of attention to detail and accuracy, qualities essential for effective Editors.

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Librarian

Librarians who work with children and young adults may find this course helpful in enhancing their understanding of children's literature. The course provides insights into the different genres and forms of children's writing, as well as the factors to consider when selecting books for young readers. Additionally, the course's emphasis on cultural diversity and representation can assist Librarians in building inclusive and diverse collections that meet the needs of their patrons.

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Speechwriter

This course may be of interest to aspiring Speechwriters who wish to develop their storytelling abilities. The course covers techniques for crafting compelling narratives, developing characters, and using language effectively. These skills are essential for Speechwriters who need to create speeches that engage and persuade audiences.

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Technical Writer

While this course is primarily geared towards writing for young readers, it may provide some foundational skills for aspiring Technical Writers. The course covers the basics of narrative writing, including structure, character development, and language usage. These elements are also important in technical writing, where clear and concise communication is essential.

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Poet

Aspiring Poets may find this course helpful in expanding their understanding of language and storytelling. The course covers techniques for crafting vivid imagery, using figurative language, and exploring different poetic forms. These skills can be applied to poetry writing, where the effective use of language and imagery is paramount.

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Marketing Copywriter

This course can provide a foundation for individuals interested in pursuing a career as a Marketing Copywriter. The course covers techniques for writing clear, engaging, and persuasive copy. These skills are essential for Marketing Copywriters who need to create marketing materials that capture the attention of target audiences.

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Grant Writer

Aspiring Grant Writers may benefit from this course's focus on storytelling and persuasive writing. The course provides guidance on how to craft compelling narratives and present information in a persuasive manner. These skills are crucial for Grant Writers who need to write grant proposals that effectively communicate the value and impact of their projects.

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Fiction Writer

While this course is tailored towards writing for young readers, it can provide a foundation for aspiring Fiction Writers. The course covers the elements of narrative writing, including plot development, characterization, and setting. These elements are essential for Fiction Writers who need to create engaging and immersive stories.

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Screenwriter

Aspiring Screenwriters may find this course helpful in developing their storytelling abilities. The course covers techniques for creating compelling narratives, developing characters, and using language effectively. These skills are essential for Screenwriters who need to write scripts that engage and captivate audiences.

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Novelist

Individuals interested in a career as a Novelist may find this course beneficial in developing their storytelling and writing skills. The course covers techniques for crafting compelling narratives, building characters, and using language effectively. These elements are essential for Novelists who need to create engaging and immersive novels.

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Playwright

While this course focuses on writing for young readers, it may provide some foundational skills for aspiring Playwrights. The course covers techniques for crafting compelling narratives, developing characters, and using dialogue effectively. These elements are also important in playwriting, where the effective use of language and dialogue is essential.

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Content Creator

This course can provide a foundation for those interested in becoming Content Creators. The course covers techniques for writing clear, engaging, and persuasive content. These skills are essential for Content Creators who need to create content that captures the attention of target audiences.

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