Draw First, Then Write: Help for Reluctant Writers

Drawing before writing helps reluctant writers because it lets them plan their ideas visually and gives them something concrete to describe. A quick sketch turns a blank page into a story with characters and details, making writing feel much less scary.

Many kids freeze when asked to write. They do not know where to start. Drawing first gives them a starting point and a plan.

Why draw first?

• Ideas come easier with a picture to look at.
• Details appear. Drawing a character prompts kids to think about its clothes, expression and setting.
• Confidence grows. Kids who enjoy drawing feel successful before writing begins.
• Planning happens naturally. A comic or story map is a visual outline.

A simple draw-then-write routine

1. Draw a character.

2. Draw where they are.

3. Draw what happens.

4. Write one sentence for each drawing.

Aliens make great writing prompts

How to Draw: Silly Aliens features goofy aliens that are full of story potential. After drawing one, kids can write about where it comes from, why it came to Earth and what it thinks of pizza.

Draw-then-write prompts

• Draw a creature and write its biography.
• Draw your perfect day and describe it.
• Draw a monster's lunchbox and write a menu.
• Draw a map and write directions to the treasure.
• Draw a comic, then turn it into a paragraph.

For different ages

• K to 1: Draw, then dictate or write a sentence.
• 2 to 3: Draw a three-part story, then write a paragraph.
• 4 and up: Draw a story map, then write a full story.

For more on comics and writing, see kids making comics.

More in teachers and classrooms, or browse all 217 posts on the blog.