Writing Tips for the Little Ones.
Have you ever read a book that made you say, “Just one more page…”—and then suddenly you’ve finished the whole thing? That’s the magic of a page-turner, and it’s something even young writers can learn to create.
In Video #4 of my Writing Craft Series for Kids, I share strategies to help elementary students write stories that grab attention and keep readers engaged. As a multi-published author and teacher, I know how powerful these techniques can be—not just for writing, but for building confidence and creativity.
Why Page Turners Matter
When readers feel curious, they keep reading. Page-turners create suspense and anticipation, making your story irresistible. For kids, learning this skill early helps them understand that writing isn’t just about putting words on paper—it’s about making readers feel something.
3 Ways to Hook Your Readers
1. Use Page-Turner Tools
Simple tricks, such as ellipses (…) or “but” “then…” can make readers wonder what’s coming next. These small details create tension and make your story feel alive.
2. Make Readers Care About Your Characters
Suspense is great, but if readers don’t care about your characters, they won’t stick around. Show your character’s dark moments—their struggles, fears, and feelings. When readers connect emotionally, they’ll root for your character and keep reading.
3. Be Yourself
This lesson includes a Social Emotional Learning (SEL) component: Be Yourself—even when you feel different. Writing is a safe space to explore identity and emotions. Encourage kids to embrace their uniqueness in their stories. When they write from the heart, their stories shine.
Mentor Texts for Inspiration
In the video, I share mentor texts that demonstrate these techniques in action. Seeing how professional authors use page-turners helps kids understand the craft and apply it to their own writing.
Ready to Practice?
Download the FREE activity kit at http://anafiction.com. It’s packed with exercises to help kids create suspense, develop characters, and write stories that readers can’t put down.
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Let’s help kids fall in love with writing—one page turner at a time!
If you enjoyed this post, share it with parents, teachers, and young writers. Together, we can inspire the next generation of storytellers.
Ana - The Teacher and the Writer 