7 Mystery Writing Projects for Kids

Kids don't always see writing as fun, but rather as a homework-and-school related project. If you encourage your kids to write -for fun at home the way they play sports or do art , and give them help by presenting them with subjects they like, they can come to see writing as a creative and enjoyable outlet. This attitude may very well make them life-long lovers of writing.

Kids like a good scare as much as anyone does. Or at least, they like to jump up behind you and yell "boo!".  Ask a kid to tell you a spooky story or come up with a mystery, and you’re likely to be impressed by his creativity and enthusiasm. Elementary and middle school aged kids can be encourage to write by giving them a topic they like: mystery stories. From creating their own monster to telling us what’s lurking in a haunted house, they will have fun while practicing important writing skills.

To make these activities even more fun for kids, try using Halloween paper or letting the kids write with markers or glitter pens. While you can provide help and encouragement, try to let your child do his or her own thing. These prompts are meant to make your child realize how fun writing can be. Perfect spelling and grammar aren’t necessary.

Writing Project 1: The Spooky House
Have your child describe a walk through a spooky house. Get them describe the outside and the inside, what they see, hear, smell, and feel. If they want, they can tell a story about staying overnight in this spooky locale.

Writing Project 2: The Mystery of the Sound In The Trunk
Have your child make up a story about a car trip where a spooky sound comes from the trunk. Encourage the child to describe the sound and how the people in the car react to hearing it. The story can go forward to describe the actions the passengers take to discover the source of the sound. What is in the trunk? Is it something funny, or scary? And what happens once the trunk is opened? These are all questions your young mystery writers can answer.