Write a Short Story
The Spark
Concept
Creative writing at Year 1 focuses on generating ideas, sequencing events and using language to paint pictures in a reader's mind. Describing words (adjectives and action words/verbs) make writing vivid. The key structure is: Who + Where + What happened.
Activity
Show your child a interesting picture (from a magazine, book or drawn by you). Ask: 'Who might live in this place? What might happen to them?' Spend 3 minutes brainstorming before writing — this filling of the 'ideas bucket' is the most important step.
Check
Does the story have a character, a setting and at least one event? Are there some describing words? Does every sentence start with a capital and end with a full stop?
What Makes a Story?
Every story needs three things. Circle the three things a story must have.
A story must have:
A story must have:
A story must have:
Match Story Parts (Set A)
Draw a line from each story part to its example.
Plan Your Story (Set A)
Fill in the story map to plan a story BEFORE writing.
WHO is my story about? (name + one describing word):
WHERE does it happen? (place + one describing word):
WHAT happens? (one event):
Choose the Best Describing Word (Set A)
Circle the describing word that best fits each sentence.
The ___ cat climbed the tree.
She wore a ___ dress to the party.
The ___ giant stomped through the forest.
Add Describing Words (Set A)
These sentences are a bit dull. Add a describing word to make each one more exciting.
The dog ran away. -> The _______ dog ran away.
A cat sat on the mat. -> A _______ cat sat on the mat.
She found a flower. -> She found a _______ flower.
Sort Words into Story Parts (Set A)
Sort each sentence into Beginning, Middle or End.
Write Your First Story
Use your plan from activity 3 (or make a new one). Write a story with at least 3 sentences: a beginning, a middle and an end.
My story:
Choose the Best Describing Word (Set B)
Circle the describing word that fits best.
He found a ___ shell on the beach.
A ___ wind blew through the window.
The ___ baby cried all night.
Story Beginning: Set the Scene (Set A)
Write a strong opening sentence for each story idea. Include the character's name and one describing word.
Story idea: A dragon who cannot breathe fire
Story idea: A girl who finds a magic door
Match the Character to the Setting
Draw a line from each character to the best setting.
Add Describing Words (Set B)
Add TWO describing words to each sentence.
The boy laughed. -> The _______, _______ boy laughed.
A bird sat in the tree. -> A _______, _______ bird sat in the tree.
The house was old. -> The _______, _______ house was old.
Which Is a Better Sentence?
Circle the sentence that paints a better picture in the reader's mind.
Which is better?
Which is better?
Which is better?
Expand the Sentence (Set A)
Make each short sentence longer by adding details. Who? What did they look like? Where?
The cat ran. -> ______
A man walked. -> ______
The ball bounced. -> ______
Describing Words: Size, Colour or Feeling?
Sort each describing word by what it describes.
Draw Your Character
Draw a character for a story. Then write 3 sentences describing them.
Draw your character here:
My character's name is:
Three describing sentences about my character:
Setting Description (Set A)
Describe each setting using at least two describing words.
A beach:
A spooky forest:
A busy city:
Action Words (Set A)
Circle the most interesting action word for each sentence.
The cat ___ up the tree.
The boy ___ across the room.
The dragon ___ into the sky.
Replace Boring Words (Set A)
Replace the underlined word with a more interesting one.
'The dog went to the park.' Replace 'went' with a better word:
'She said hello.' Replace 'said' with a better word:
'The bird went into the sky.' Replace 'went' with a better word:
Match Boring Words to Better Words
Draw a line from each boring word to a more interesting replacement.
Story Starters at Home
Use these prompts to spark creative writing at home!
- 1Story starter: 'One morning, I woke up and everything was made of...' — continue!
- 2Draw a character first, then write a story about them.
- 3Tell a story out loud together — one sentence each. Then write it down.
- 4Keep a family 'story jar' — write ideas on slips and draw one when stuck.
Plan Your Story (Set B)
Plan a new story using this extended story map.
Character (who + 2 describing words):
Setting (where + 2 describing words):
Problem (what goes wrong?):
Solution (how is it fixed?):
Ending (how does it finish?):
Write a Story With a Problem
Use your plan from activity 21. Write a story with a beginning (character + setting), middle (problem) and end (solution).
My story (at least 5 sentences):
What Is the Problem?
Circle the problem in each story idea.
A rabbit wanted to cross the river, but the bridge was broken.
A girl lost her favourite book at school and could not find it anywhere.
A dog was hungry but his food bowl was empty and no one was home.
Think of a Problem (Set A)
For each character and setting, think of a problem that could happen.
A pirate on a ship — problem:
A cat in a garden — problem:
A child at school — problem:
Think of a Solution (Set A)
For each problem, think of a solution.
Problem: The bridge is broken. Solution:
Problem: The dog is lost. Solution:
Problem: The cake is burnt. Solution:
Sort Words into Story Parts (Set B)
Sort each sentence strip into Beginning, Middle or End.
Dialogue: What Did They Say? (Set A)
Add speech to each scene. What would the character say?
A boy finds a puppy in the rain. He says: '______'
A girl sees a rainbow. She says: '______'
A dragon sneezes and accidentally starts a fire. He says: '______'
Which Dialogue Fits?
Circle the dialogue that best fits the character and moment.
A scared child in a dark room:
A happy winner of a race:
A tired mum at bedtime:
Write a Story With Dialogue
Write a short story (4 to 5 sentences) that includes at least one line of dialogue (speech). Remember to use speech marks.
My story with dialogue:
Show, Don't Tell (Set A)
Instead of TELLING the reader how a character feels, SHOW it through actions.
Instead of 'She was happy', show it: ______
Instead of 'He was scared', show it: ______
Instead of 'The dog was excited', show it: ______
Match the Feeling to the Action
Draw a line from each feeling to an action that shows it.
Story Openings (Set A)
Write 3 different opening sentences for stories. Make each one interesting and exciting.
Opening that starts with an action:
Opening that starts with a question:
Opening that starts with a sound:
Which Is a Better Opening?
Circle the story opening that would make you want to keep reading.
Which opening is better?
Which opening is better?
Which opening is better?
Story Endings (Set A)
Write a strong ending sentence for each story idea.
Story about a lost kitten that finds its way home:
Story about a child who wins a race:
Story about two friends who have an argument and make up:
Write a Story: The Magic Box
Write a story about finding a magic box. Use the plan below, then write.
Where did you find the box?
What was inside?
What happened when you opened it?
My story (at least 5 sentences):
Action Words (Set B)
Circle the most interesting action word.
The snake ___ through the grass.
The baby ___ with laughter.
The wind ___ through the trees.
She ___ the ball across the field.
Replace Boring Words (Set B)
Replace the underlined word with a more interesting one.
'The boy got the ball.' Replace 'got': ______
'She looked at the stars.' Replace 'looked': ______
'The monster ate the food.' Replace 'ate': ______
'He was happy.' Replace 'happy': ______
Senses in Writing (Set A)
Good writers use the five senses: see, hear, smell, taste, touch. Write a sentence about each setting using a different sense.
At the beach (hearing):
In the kitchen (smell):
In a garden (sight):
Match the Sense to the Description
Draw a line from each sentence to the sense it uses.
Be an Author!
Try these creative writing challenges at home.
- 1Write a story and make it into a mini book with a cover, title page and pictures.
- 2Tell a story to a family member using puppets or toys — then write it down.
- 3Start a story jar: write interesting characters, settings and problems on slips. Pull one of each and write a story!
- 4Write a letter from a character in your favourite book to another character.
Character Profile (Set A)
Create a detailed character for a story. Fill in every section.
Name:
What they look like (at least 3 details):
What they like:
What they are scared of:
Their special talent:
Their biggest wish:
Write a Story About Your Character
Use the character you created in activity 41. Write a story where your character faces a problem.
My story (at least 6 sentences):
Story Starters: Which Is Best?
Circle the most interesting story starter.
Which starter makes you want to read more?
Which starter makes you want to read more?
Continue the Story (Set A)
Read the story starter and continue it. Write at least 4 more sentences.
Starter: 'The old wooden door creaked open. Inside, the room was dark except for a glowing light in the corner. I took a deep breath and stepped inside...'
Continue the story:
Show, Don't Tell (Set B)
Rewrite each sentence to SHOW the feeling instead of telling it.
'He was angry.' Show it: ______
'She was cold.' Show it: ______
'The baby was tired.' Show it: ______
Strong or Weak Writing?
Sort each sentence: is it strong (detailed, interesting) or weak (boring, plain)?
Dialogue: What Did They Say? (Set B)
Write dialogue for each character. Use speech marks.
A pirate finds treasure. He says: '______'
A teacher welcomes a new student. She says: '______'
Two friends see a shooting star. One says: '______'
A knight faces a dragon. He says: '______'
Write a Story: The Talking Animal
Write a story about an animal that can talk. Include dialogue, describing words and a problem.
Which animal talks?
What is the problem?
My story (at least 6 sentences, with dialogue):
Senses in Writing (Set B)
Describe each setting using at least 2 different senses.
A campfire at night:
A busy playground:
Write a Story: The Storm
Write a story about being caught in a big storm. Use senses, describing words and a problem.
My storm story (at least 6 sentences):
Plan an Extended Story (Set A)
Plan a longer story using this detailed story map.
Title:
Main character (name + 3 details):
Setting (where + when + details):
Beginning (how does the story start?):
Problem (what goes wrong?):
Steps to solve the problem:
Ending (how does it finish?):
Write Your Extended Story
Use your plan from activity 51. Write a longer story — aim for 8 to 10 sentences.
My story:
Varied Sentence Starters
Good writers start sentences in different ways. Circle the version that has more variety.
Which has more variety?
Which has more variety?
Fix the Boring Paragraph
This paragraph uses the same sentence starter every time. Rewrite it with varied starters.
Original: 'The boy walked to school. The boy saw a dog. The boy patted the dog. The boy was late for school.' Rewrite with varied starters:
Write a Story: The Surprise
Write a story about a big surprise. Plan it first, then write. Include dialogue and describing words.
Quick plan — Character:
What is the surprise?
My story (at least 7 sentences):
Match the Sentence Starter to the Situation
Draw a line from each story moment to a good sentence starter.
Time Words in Stories
Rewrite this story adding time words to connect the events: first, next, then, after that, finally.
Original: 'We went to the zoo. We saw the lions. We ate lunch. We went to the gift shop. We went home.' Rewrite with time words:
Edit Your Writing (Set A)
Read this paragraph. Find 5 things to improve (boring words, missing details, repeated starters). Rewrite it better.
Original: 'The cat went to the shops. The cat got some food. The cat went home. The cat ate the food. It was nice.' Improved version:
Which Word Is More Interesting?
Circle the more interesting word to use in a story.
Instead of 'big':
Instead of 'said':
Instead of 'walked':
Instead of 'nice':
Writing Adventures
Take your writing skills into the real world!
- 1Write a story set in YOUR house but with one magical change (e.g. the furniture comes alive).
- 2Interview a family member about an interesting memory, then write it as a story.
- 3Write a story from the point of view of your pet (or an animal you wish you had).
- 4Create a comic strip version of a story — draw it first, then write the words.
Character Profile (Set B)
Create a villain or a tricky character.
Name:
What they look like:
What makes them tricky or villainous:
A secret about them that nobody knows:
Write a Story: Hero vs Villain
Write a story where a hero faces the villain you created. Include a problem, a confrontation and a solution.
My story (at least 8 sentences):
Continue the Story (Set B)
Read the starter and write what happens next.
Starter: 'Nobody believed me when I said I could talk to animals. But one morning, when the old grey cat on our fence looked at me and said, Very nice weather today, I knew I was not imagining things...'
Continue:
Beginning, Middle or End Words?
Sort each time word or phrase by where it usually appears in a story.
Write a Story: The Race
Write a story about a race (running, swimming, cycling or anything else). Include feelings, actions and an ending.
My race story:
Similes (Set A)
A simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as'. Finish each simile.
As fast as a ______
As quiet as a ______
Her smile was like ______
The moon looked like ______
Write a Poem
Write a short poem (4 to 6 lines) about an animal. Use at least one simile and one describing word.
My poem:
Write a Story: The Unusual Pet
Write a story about someone who has a very unusual pet (e.g. a dragon, a unicorn, a talking frog).
What is the unusual pet?
What problem does it cause?
My story (at least 7 sentences):
Edit Your Writing (Set B)
Read your story from activity 68. Check these things and rewrite any parts that need improving.
Does every sentence start with a capital? (yes/no)
Did I use at least 5 describing words? (yes/no)
Did I include dialogue? (yes/no)
Write one sentence you improved:
Write a Different Ending (Set A)
Think of a fairy tale you know (e.g. Goldilocks, Three Little Pigs). Write a DIFFERENT ending for it.
The fairy tale I chose:
My different ending:
Setting Description (Set B)
Write a detailed setting description (5 sentences) using senses and describing words.
Describe an enchanted garden:
Write a Story: The Time Machine
Write a story about going back in time. Where did you go? What did you see? What happened?
Where and when did you travel to?
My story (at least 8 sentences):
Which Ending Is Best?
Circle the strongest ending for each story.
Story about a lost dog finding its way home:
Story about two friends solving a mystery:
Write a Story: My Best Day Ever
Write about your best day ever (real or imagined). Make it vivid with details, feelings and dialogue.
My best day ever:
Self-Editing Checklist
Go back to ANY story you have written on this worksheet. Use this checklist to improve it.
Story I am editing:
I added more describing words: (yes/no)
I replaced a boring word with a better one: (yes/no)
I varied my sentence starters: (yes/no)
The best improvement I made:
Write a Story: The Treasure Map
Write a story about finding a treasure map. Plan first, then write.
Where did you find the map?
Where does the map lead?
What challenges do you face?
My treasure story (at least 8 sentences):
Write a Letter From a Character
Choose a character from one of your stories. Write a letter from that character to another character.
Dear ______,
From, ______
Similes (Set B)
Write your own similes. Then use one in a sentence.
As brave as a ______
As soft as ______
The thunder sounded like ______
Write a sentence using one of your similes:
Write a Story From a Picture
Look at something around you right now. Write a story inspired by it.
What I see:
My story inspired by what I see (at least 6 sentences):
Creative Writing Challenge Week
Challenge yourself to write something every day this week!
- 1Monday: Write a story about a dream you had.
- 2Tuesday: Write a poem about your favourite food.
- 3Wednesday: Write a story where YOU are the hero.
- 4Thursday: Write a description of someone in your family — so detailed that a stranger could recognise them.
- 5Friday: Write a story with a surprise twist ending.
Write a Recount
A recount tells about something that really happened. Write a recount of something you did recently, in order.
Title: The Day I...
My recount (at least 6 sentences):
Story or Recount?
Sort each piece of writing: is it a story (fiction) or a recount (true events)?
Write a Narrative Poem
Write a poem that tells a story (a narrative poem). It can rhyme if you want, but it does not have to.
My narrative poem:
Write a Story: The Wish
Write a story where a character gets ONE wish. What do they wish for? Does it turn out the way they expected?
Character:
The wish:
My story (at least 8 sentences):
Write Two Points of View
Write about the same event from TWO different characters' points of view.
The event: A ball breaks a window.
Point of view 1 (the child who kicked the ball):
Point of view 2 (the person whose window broke):
Write a Story: Under the Sea
Write a story set under the sea. Include interesting sea creatures, a problem and sensory details.
My underwater story:
Revise and Improve (Set A)
Take the story you wrote in activity 86. Make it even better by adding or changing at least 3 things.
Change 1 — I added/changed:
Change 2 — I added/changed:
Change 3 — I added/changed:
Write a Story: The Day I Became Invisible
Write a story about waking up invisible one morning. What happened? Was it fun or scary?
My story:
Write a Story for Someone Else
Write a short story as a gift for someone you love. Think about what THEY would enjoy reading.
Who am I writing for?
What do they like? (this will help me choose a topic)
My story for them:
Author Reflection
Think about yourself as a writer. Answer these questions honestly.
My favourite story I have written on this worksheet:
What am I good at as a writer?
What do I want to improve?
My favourite describing word I have used:
Write a Story: The New Planet
Write a story about discovering a new planet. What is it called? What lives there? What happens?
Planet name:
My story:
Write a Sequel
Choose one of your favourite stories from this worksheet. Write a sequel — what happens AFTER the original story ends?
Original story:
My sequel:
Write a Fairy Tale
Write your own fairy tale. Include: a hero, a villain, a magical element, a problem and a happy ending.
My fairy tale:
Write a Story: The Swap
Write a story where two characters swap lives for a day (e.g. a child and a teacher, a cat and a dog). What happens?
Who swaps?
My story:
Publish Your Best Story
Choose your absolute best story from this entire worksheet. Copy it out neatly as a final published version.
Title:
By (your name):
My published story:
Design a Book Cover
Design a front cover for your published story. Include the title, your name as author, and a picture.
Draw your book cover here:
Write a blurb (a short description to make people want to read it):
Write an About the Author Page
Pretend you are a famous author. Write your 'About the Author' page for the back of your book.
About the Author:
Write a Story: Free Choice
Write about ANYTHING you want. This is your story, your rules. Make it your best writing yet.
My free-choice story:
Writing Portfolio Reflection
Look back at all the stories you have written on this worksheet. Reflect on your growth as a writer.
The total number of stories I wrote:
My favourite story and why:
The writing skill I improved the most:
A writing goal for next term:
Keep Writing Forever!
You have completed 100 creative writing activities! Now keep the writing habit going.
- 1Start a daily writing journal — even just 3 sentences a day.
- 2Write and illustrate a picture book for a younger child.
- 3Start writing a chapter book — write one chapter per week.
- 4Enter a writing competition at school or your local library.
- 5Create a class newspaper or family newsletter.