Children’s writing is about more than just books. There is also a need for specialised children’s writers for websites, games, educational content, and apps. This course is ideal for anyone who wants to develop their writing skills for a young audience.
The Certificate of Children’s Writing is an online program that draws on writing craft and child psychology to teach aspiring writers to produce strong, authentic stories that engage young readers.
In this professional development course, you will learn about children’s cognitive development and the implications for writers, and the different types of children’s writing, including magazines, short stories, non-fiction, fiction, and picture and storybooks.
You will also learn how to develop ideas, concepts and plan your writing, about the editing process, and how to submit your work to improve your chances of becoming a published author.
On completion of this course, you will have gained a deeper understanding of how to write for children so that you can release your creativity to write your own children’s story or content with confidence.
Course Structure
Topic - Children’s Writing
Unit 1 – Introduction
- Understanding children
- Learning
- Children’s cognitive development
- Implications for the writer
- Socialisation
- Culture
Topic 2 – Overview of children’s writing
- Categories of children’s writing
- Marketplace
- Frequent bookshops
- Keeping track of children’s book awards
- Attending writers’ festivals
- Writing resources
- Personal experience and observations
- Writers, editors and publishers
- Other resources
Topic 3 – Conception and development concepts
- Conceptualisation
- Generating ideas
- Developing a concept
- Planning your writing
- Tips for the beginning writer
- Making meanings clear
Topic 4 – Children’s writing for periodicals
- What publishers consider
- Genre or type of writing
- Risk management
- Reader interest and expectations
- News values
- Storyline
- Short feature articles
- Submitting to periodicals
- Writing style for periodicals
- Conciseness
- Common problems
Topic 5 – Short stories
- Elements of a short story
- Theme
- Short story plot
- Short story characterisation
- Assessing your short story
Topic 6 – Non-fiction books
- Non-fiction genres for children
- Characteristics of good non-fiction writing
- Teaching goal
- Organisation
- Accuracy
- Format and style
- The mechanics of writing
- Chapter content
- Writing structure
- Drafting
- Writing routine
- Equipment
- Submitting a proposal
- Reviewing your writing
Topic 7 – Fiction
- Plot development
- Creating characters
- Perspective
- Finding the right voice
- Setting
- Other factors to consider
Topic 8 – Picture books and storybooks
- Picture books
- Babies and toddlers
- Preschool and early school age children
- Storybooks (2 – 5 years)
- Storybooks (4 – 8 years)
Topic 9 – Editing your work
- The editing process
- Self-editing
- Things to look for
- Content, structure, presentation and accuracy
- Clichés and inappropriate language
- Grammar
- Punctuation
- Spelling
- Submitting for publication
Assessment
Assessment Information
When you study with Australian Online Courses, you will be assessed using a competency-based training method.
Competency-based training focuses on the achievement of skills and knowledge against set criteria to meet industry-standard and is not benchmarked against other students’ work.
In this course, the assessment will be comprised of written assignments and exercises, which may include short answer questions, reports, essays, research projects and reflective tasks.
If you do not achieve a competency result on your first attempt, you have two more attempts to pass your assessment. So, you have three attempts in total to obtain a competency result.
In this way, you can complete your course in your own time and at your own pace with the assistance of unlimited tutor support.
Course FAQs
Why Choose Australian Online Courses?
- Professional development that is widely recognised and respected;
- Improve your employment opportunities;
- Study online, anywhere via our elearning system;
- High-quality professional development programs written by industry experts;
- All course materials provided online – no textbooks to buy;
- Unlimited tutor support via email;
- We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply);
- Course may be tax deductible; see your tax advisor.
Are there any entry requirements or pre-requisites?
There are no entry requirements or pre-requisites for entry into this program.
How long will it take to complete this course?
The approximate study hours for this course is 50 hours. We offer twelve (12) months’ access, with extensions available upon application (fees apply).
Can I purchase optional printed materials?
While printed materials are not available for purchase, PDF copies are available for download and self-printing for this program.
When can I start this course?
You can start within 60 minutes during business hours when you enrol and pay in full with a credit card!
Credit card: Within 60 mins during business hours.
BPAY: Within 1-2 working days.
Internet Banking: Within 1-2 working days.
Cheque/Money Order: Upon receipt of mailed cheque.
Will I receive a certificate upon completion of this course?
Yes! You will receive a Certificate of Attainment upon successful completion of your assessment.
Do I need to attend classes or undertake any work placements?
No. All courses are delivered online via our e-learning system and there are no work placement requirements in this course.
What support can I expect from Australian Online Courses?
Unlimited tutor support is available throughout your studies via email during business hours Monday to Friday. Our Administrative team are available Monday to Friday via email, live chat and telephone.
I am an international student. Can I enrol into this course?
Yes! We accept enrolments from individuals both within Australia and internationally; location is no barrier to entry into our programs.
Career Pathways
Future growth
Strong
Unemployment
Low
Professional Development for:
- Children’s Authors
- Freelance Writers
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