Children’s writing is about more than just books. There is also a need for specialised children’s writers for websites, games, educational content, and apps. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to develop their writing skills for a young audience.
The Certificate of Children’s Creative Writing is an online professional development program that draws on writing craft and child psychology to teach aspiring writers to produce strong, authentic stories that engage young readers.
In this children’s creative writing course, you will learn about children’s cognitive development and the implications for writers, and the different types of children’s writing, including magazines, short stories, non-fiction, fiction, and picture and storybooks.
You will also learn how to develop ideas, concepts and plan your writing, about the editing process, and how to submit your work to improve your chances of becoming a published author.
On completion of this course, you will have gained a deeper understanding of how to write for children so that you can release your creativity to write your own children’s story or content with confidence.
Course Structure
Topic - Children’s Writing
Unit 1 – Introduction
- Understanding children
- Learning
- Children’s cognitive development
- Implications for the writer
- Socialisation
- Culture
Unit 2 – Overview of children’s writing
- Categories of children’s writing
- Marketplace
- Frequent bookshops
- Keeping track of children’s book awards
- Attending writers’ festivals
- Writing resources
- Personal experience and observations
- Writers, editors and publishers
- Other resources
Unit 3 – Conception and development concepts
- Conceptualisation
- Generating ideas
- Developing a concept
- Planning your writing
- Tips for the beginning writer
- Making meanings clear
Unit 4 – Children’s writing for periodicals
- What publishers consider
- Genre or type of writing
- Risk management
- Reader interest and expectations
- News values
- Storyline
- Short feature articles
- Submitting to periodicals
- Writing style for periodicals
- Conciseness
- Common problems
Unit 5 – Short stories
- Elements of a short story
- Theme
- Short story plot
- Short story characterisation
- Assessing your short story
Unit 6 – Non-fiction books
- Non-fiction genres for children
- Characteristics of good non-fiction writing
- Teaching goal
- Organisation
- Accuracy
- Format and style
- The mechanics of writing
- Chapter content
- Writing structure
- Drafting
- Writing routine
- Equipment
- Submitting a proposal
- Reviewing your writing
Unit 7 – Fiction
- Plot development
- Creating characters
- Perspective
- Finding the right voice
- Setting
- Other factors to consider
Unit 8 – Picture books and storybooks
- Picture books
- Babies and toddlers
- Preschool and early school age children
- Storybooks (2 – 5 years)
- Storybooks (4 – 8 years)
Topic 9 – Editing your work
- The editing process
- Self-editing
- Things to look for
- Content, structure, presentation and accuracy
- Clichés and inappropriate language
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Spelling
- Submitting for publication
Study Hours
Estimated duration 50 hours
Course Delivery and Start
Start anytime, self-paced and 100% online
Assessment
Assessment will be comprised of written exercises, including short-answer questions, reflective tasks, short reports and/or projects. There are no examinations or due dates for assessment. As a result, you can complete training in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Testimonials
Great tutor support. Thank you
Kate | Mount Duneed, VIC | Certificate of Children’s Creative Writing
Great course thanks, loved it!
Lisa | Redlynch, QLD | Certificate of Children’s Creative Writing
About Us
Graduation
A Certificate of Attainment and Statement of Results will be issued upon successful completion of this course.
How to Enrol
Enrol Online: Enrol Now
Enrol via Live Chat (Business Hours)
Enrol via Telephone 1300 76 2221 (Business Hours)
Enrol via Purchase Order/Tax Invoice
Enrolling Multiple Staff?
To enrol multiple staff, please complete the Employer Enrolment Form. We’ll be in touch within 60 minutes during business hours!
Payment Options
Visa, Mastercard, BPAY and EFT/Direct Deposit. Please allow 1-2 Business days for processing for EFT and BPAY.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no course or subject pre-requisites for entry into our programs. However, our professional development programs are generally intended for people over the age of 18. In some circumstances, enrolments from younger people may be considered. Please complete the AOC Parent Guardian Consent Form prior to enrolling and submit here.
Are there any computer requirements?
To study online with Australian Online Courses you will need a computer (desktop PC/laptop) running a current/updated operating system with reliable high-speed internet access. You will need to use the Google Chrome browser to access your course.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
How is this course delivered?
This course is delivered online via our easy-to-navigate Learning Management System (LMS), where you will discover interactive online learning/written content, resources and assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our LMS and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email only during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Children’s Authors
- Freelance Writers
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