Write a Story - Fun at-home activities for Kids.

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Write a Story

Write and illustrate a short imaginative story using a simple outline, character ideas, plot twists, and drawings to share with family or friends.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to write and illustrate a short imaginative story

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Writing Tips: How To Make Writing Fun For Kids

What you need

Paper, pencil, eraser, coloring materials (crayons markers colored pencils), tape or stapler, quiet workspace

Step 1

Create a fun title for your story and write it big at the top of the first page.

Step 2

Pick a main character and write one short sentence with their name and a special trait.

Step 3

Choose two supporting characters and write one short sentence about each of them.

Step 4

Decide where your story happens and write two short phrases that describe the setting.

Step 5

Make a simple three-part outline by writing one sentence for the beginning one sentence for the middle and one sentence for the end.

Step 6

Invent a surprising plot twist and write one clear sentence describing it.

Step 7

Write your story draft by expanding each outline sentence into a short paragraph.

Step 8

Draw one picture for each main paragraph on a new page to show what happens in that scene.

Step 9

Add captions or speech bubbles to at least three drawings to explain who is talking or thinking.

Step 10

Create a decorated cover page with the title your name and a small drawing.

Step 11

Put the pages in order and bind them together with tape or a stapler.

Step 12

Practice reading your story aloud once so you can tell it clearly to others.

Step 13

Share your finished story on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a stapler, tape, or access to DIY.org?

Instead of binding with tape or a stapler, punch two holes and tie the pages with yarn or use a large paperclip, and if you can't upload to DIY.org you can photograph the pages and email or save them as a PDF to share.

My child can't expand the outline into paragraphs or match drawings to scenes—how can we fix that?

Help them turn each outline sentence into a short paragraph by asking two simple detail questions (who is there, what happens next), and for the drawings either trace a photo or use stickers and labels so each picture clearly shows the corresponding paragraph.

How should we adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children, have them dictate one-sentence lines, use coloring or stickers for each drawing, and staple or tape a simple cover, while older kids can write longer paragraphs, craft a clever surprising plot twist, add detailed captions or speech bubbles to at least three drawings, and decorate an elaborate cover page with their name.

How can we extend or personalize the finished story beyond the basic instructions?

Make the book special by adding a fold-out map for the setting, turning three scene drawings into pop-ups, recording a practiced video reading after you rehearse aloud, and decorating the cover page with fabric, stickers, or glitter before binding to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to write and illustrate a short imaginative story

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Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

STORIES for Kids 🐉 Characteristics and Elements 📚 Language Arts for Children

4 Videos

Facts about creative writing and illustration for kids

📖 Ernest Hemingway is famously (though apocryphally) linked to a six-word story: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”

🖍️ Most children's picture books follow a 32-page format — it's a standard in the publishing world.

🐰 Beatrix Potter both wrote and illustrated classics like The Tale of Peter Rabbit, inspiring author-illustrators everywhere.

✏️ Many writers use a simple story outline (beginning, middle, end) to build a twist that still feels satisfying.

👪 Sharing stories aloud with family not only entertains—it helps children learn new words and understand feelings.

How do I help my child write and illustrate a short imaginative story?

Help your child write and illustrate a short imaginative story by starting with a simple outline: pick a main character, setting, problem, and a surprising twist. Brainstorm ideas together, then have the child write short sentences or dictate while you write. Encourage three scenes—beginning, middle, end—each with a small drawing. Add a cover, title, and let the child read the finished book aloud to family or friends.

What materials do I need to write and illustrate a short imaginative story?

You'll need basic craft and writing supplies: plain paper or a small notebook, pencils and eraser, colored pencils, markers or crayons, and a black pen for outlining. Add scissors and glue for collage elements, stickers, and a stapler or ribbon to bind pages. Optional: templates, sticky notes for planning, a ruler, and a tablet or drawing app if you prefer digital illustration. Keep materials non-toxic and age-appropriate.

What ages is writing and illustrating a short imaginative story suitable for?

This activity suits ages roughly 4–12, with adjustments: preschoolers (4–6) can dictate a short story while drawing bold pictures, and practice simple sequencing; early elementary (7–9) can write short paragraphs, add a basic plot twist, and illustrate scenes; older children (10–12) can develop characters, complex plots, and more detailed art. Tailor prompts, time, and support to each child’s reading and fine-motor level for success and confidence.

What are the benefits and safety tips for having kids write and illustrate stories?

Writing and illustrating stories boosts vocabulary, creativity, planning, fine motor skills, and emotional expression. It builds confidence when children share finished books with family. Safety tips: use non-toxic art supplies, supervise scissors and glue, and avoid sharing personal information if you post online. Variations include collaborative family stories, comic-strip formats, picture-only books for younger kids, or choose-your-own-adventure layouts to extend imagination.

Ready to create?

All Activities

Write a Story

Write and illustrate a short imaginative story using a simple outline, character ideas, plot twists, and drawings to share with family or friends.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to write and illustrate a short imaginative story

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

Writing Tips: How To Make Writing Fun For Kids

What you need

Paper, pencil, eraser, coloring materials (crayons markers colored pencils), tape or stapler, quiet workspace

Step 1

Create a fun title for your story and write it big at the top of the first page.

Step 2

Pick a main character and write one short sentence with their name and a special trait.

Step 3

Choose two supporting characters and write one short sentence about each of them.

Step 4

Decide where your story happens and write two short phrases that describe the setting.

Step 5

Make a simple three-part outline by writing one sentence for the beginning one sentence for the middle and one sentence for the end.

Step 6

Invent a surprising plot twist and write one clear sentence describing it.

Step 7

Write your story draft by expanding each outline sentence into a short paragraph.

Step 8

Draw one picture for each main paragraph on a new page to show what happens in that scene.

Step 9

Add captions or speech bubbles to at least three drawings to explain who is talking or thinking.

Step 10

Create a decorated cover page with the title your name and a small drawing.

Step 11

Put the pages in order and bind them together with tape or a stapler.

Step 12

Practice reading your story aloud once so you can tell it clearly to others.

Step 13

Share your finished story on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can we use if we don't have a stapler, tape, or access to DIY.org?

My child can't expand the outline into paragraphs or match drawings to scenes—how can we fix that?

How should we adapt this activity for younger or older kids?

How can we extend or personalize the finished story beyond the basic instructions?

Watch videos on how to write and illustrate a short imaginative story

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

STORIES for Kids 🐉 Characteristics and Elements 📚 Language Arts for Children

4 Videos

Facts about creative writing and illustration for kids

📖 Ernest Hemingway is famously (though apocryphally) linked to a six-word story: “For sale: baby shoes, never worn.”

🖍️ Most children's picture books follow a 32-page format — it's a standard in the publishing world.

🐰 Beatrix Potter both wrote and illustrated classics like The Tale of Peter Rabbit, inspiring author-illustrators everywhere.

✏️ Many writers use a simple story outline (beginning, middle, end) to build a twist that still feels satisfying.

👪 Sharing stories aloud with family not only entertains—it helps children learn new words and understand feelings.