They can tell it, but not write it
A lively spoken story becomes two flat sentences when the pencil reaches the page.
September 2026 intake | Ages 8-13
YOUNGAUTHORS
Turn big ideas into stories worth sharing.
A hands-on writing programme that helps young storytellers build an idea, shape a narrative, write independently, revise with purpose and work towards publication.
A story studio for real writersAgesAges 8-13
Term10 lessons
Each lesson2 hours each
WeekendSaturday or Sunday
Does this feel familiar?
The ideas are there. The blank page still wins.
The story loses direction
They begin enthusiastically, then the character, problem or ending stops fitting together.
Editing feels like starting over
Feedback can feel discouraging when they do not know what to change or why it matters.
A different way in
Do not begin with the blank page. Build the STORY first.
Story Magnets make invisible ideas visible. Children can move characters, settings, wants, problems and consequences before turning their constructed story into independent writing.
When the pieces of a story can be moved and tested first, the writing has somewhere to start and somewhere to go.
Character and setting playMove the WHO and WHERE before a single line is written.
Cause-and-effect storytellingUse BUT and SO to build problems and consequences.
Independent writingTurn the planned story into the child's own draft.
Revision with purposeChange things for a reason, not by starting again.
The Young Authors method
Five moves from idea to finished piece.
Hover, tap or focus each card to see what that step may help a young writer begin to do.
Selected work may progress towards publication. We never promise publication for every learner or every draft.
Inside the classroom
A story studio where ideas can move.
Writers build a story with their hands first, tell it aloud to test it, then move into writing they can shape and improve for a reader.
1
Meet the storyteller
2
Create the problem
3
Make something happen
4
Write the scenes
5
Revise for a reader
A studio where ideas can move.
The opening learning cycle
The first four weeks, with a purpose behind every step.
These four weeks are the opening cycle of a complete 10-lesson term. They are not the full programme.
01
Week 1
BUILD
The story exists before the writing does.
Children build characters, settings, motivations and story possibilities using Story Magnets before beginning a full draft.
What happens in classThey move Story Magnets to create WHO, WHERE and WANT and try different possibilities.
Why this step mattersIt removes the blank-page fear by giving the writing a planned starting point.
What parents may begin to noticeYour child may begin a writing task with a clear idea already in place.
Why it works
A finished story begins as pieces a child can move.
The aim is not to supply a formula forever. Story Magnets provide temporary scaffolding that is progressively removed, helping young writers move towards greater independence. Selected work may continue towards publication later in the 10-lesson term.
September 2026 intake
Choose the first lesson that fits your weekend.
Select Saturday or Sunday, then add the first lesson directly to your calendar.
SEP05SAT
First lesson
Saturday, 5 September 2026
1:30 – 3:30 pm
Questions? We have got you.
A few things you may be wondering.
Will my child actually finish a piece of writing?
The programme works towards a polished piece. Selected work may progress towards publication, though we never promise publication for every learner or every draft.
Is this a four-week course?
No. The programme runs for 10 lessons. The first four weeks shown on this page are the opening learning cycle, not the entire term.
What are Story Magnets?
Story Magnets are hands-on pieces for characters, settings, wants, problems and consequences. Children build and move a story with them before writing it, then the scaffolding is progressively removed.
Can I choose Saturday or Sunday?
Yes. Select your preferred cohort in the questionnaire below, and the Schola team will confirm availability with you.
Not sure yet? That is okay.
Let us find out if Young Authors fits your child.
Answer a few quick questions. We will listen first, then talk through the most suitable starting point with you.