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StoryBuilders: Help for writer’s block

by | Dec 23, 2020 | Writing & Journal Prompts, Writing Games & Activities

The Perils of Writer’s Block

Writer’s block. We shudder at the very word.

It’s reduced many a child to tears because any creative thought that may once have lurked in his mind is now shrouded in fog.

Don’t laugh! I know you wince at the memory of wads of paper thrown in frustration to gather at your son’s feet like so many tumbleweeds.

Writer’s block. It makes the bravest of writers want to race out the door to chase butterflies. Shoot, we’ll gladly shovel snow, clean up after the dog, or scrub the toilet if it means not having to engage in a stare-down with that blank page.

Perhaps you’ve heard of the prolific child whose words fall over themselves in their eagerness to adorn her paper.

But the fact is, she doesn’t live with you.

Truth be told, you sometimes wonder if she’s a myth altogether, because when it’s time to write, no one at your house can ever seem to think of anything to say.

Thankfully, here’s something that just might help! It’s a series of fun little e-books called StoryBuilders. Sometimes, all a child needs to feel inspired is a catchy or clever or silly topic to send her off and running with pencil flying and words racing. And that’s what StoryBuilders are all about!

Fantasy & Fairy Tales StoryBuilders | Printable Writing Prompt Cards

What Are StoryBuilders?

“So,” you ask, “What are these StoryBuilders of which you speak?”

Well, they’re printable card decks that arm your kids with the basic elements of a story—character, character trait, setting, and plot.

Using the StoryBuilders card decks as writing prompts, kids develop their tales by picking one card from each category. Does the hero save the day? Will the notorious bad guy learn a lesson? And what twists and turns appear in the character’s path? A hurricane? A bag of loot? A mysterious letter?

Each StoryBuilders set offers a fresh, unique assortment of cards for hours of writing fun. Themes include:

  • Adventure Builder
  • World of Animals
  • Fantasy and Fairy Tales
  • Historical Fiction
  • World of Sports
  • World of People
  • Spin-A-Story (uses printable spinners instead of cards)

Sometime in the next week or two, take a little break from writing lessons and let your children write for the sheer joy of playing with words! Most StoryBuilders contain 192 printable cards and lots of ideas for incorporating them into your family writing time.

Go ahead! Blow a few fresh ideas into your kids’ brains and clear out the fog of writer’s block!

Historical Fiction StoryBuilders | Printable Writing Prompt Cards