In association with a non-profit writing organization, I am creating a website that I hope will help 3rd-5th grader learn to love to write. The classroom module (Kids'Magination Learning Center) of the website uses a standard online classroom, open source code. I currently have only two units up (plot and description), which were prepared by a 3rd grade teacher who is also an avid writer, but am very curious as to whether there is a need for this type of online course. I'd love to hear your opinions.

Hi Sue, we have been looking for some kind of writing course for our son (4th grade). This sounds really interesting. I will check out the link and look for the modules you have posted. With the holidays upon us, I probably won't get back to you before the new year. Thanks for posting this! Don

Thanks, Don. I look forward to hearing what you think!

I just wanted to mention that the Kids'Magination online creative writing course at http://www.kidsmagination.com/moodle is ready, and we'd love to have people try it out. I put a $5 fee on it only to control spammers. You can try the introductory course free and if you'd like to take the full course, just let me know. My email is sue@silverpen.org. And I'd love to hear your opinions.

There are so many reasons to teach creative writing. A couple that come to mind are that creative writing encourages innovation and creative thought, as well as improves problem solving skills. Do any of you have additional experience with how creative writing has helped you?

Hi, Sue.

My son did the sample lesson and he really liked it. This is huge news, since he's an avid reader but a very reluctant writer. You said there is a $5 fee. How long does that give a user access?

INteresting site!

@Dannie

YAY! The $5 fee gives a member a one year access to the course. But because the site is so new, we are really more interested in having people try it out than in the fee. So if you'll email me, I can register you manually without the fee. My email address is sue@silverpen.org

I'll do this for anyone who is a member of this forum  :)

Wow, thank you, Sue. I'll email you now :)

Hi Dannie,

I was wondering how your son was liking the lessons and the writing. If there is anything you or he would like comments on, send it my way - I'd be glad to give some (very gentle) comments.

Super, lisavyonne! Once you create an account, I'll go in and enroll you in the course.

I have received some comments back that the course is a little hard to navigate, so over the next few months, I'll be working on putting the material in a more accessible format, but the material that is there is very good, and has been used successfully numerous times in (live) classrooms.

I will email you .