Parents' Guide to

Story Starter~Creative Writing

By Keri Wilmot, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 9+

Offers creative writing inspiration with some iffy content.

Story Starter~Creative Writing Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this app.

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Our review:
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This story starter definitely provides kids with many strategies to use during the writing process, but the organization is a bit tricky, and some of the sounds and images might not fit the target age. Overall, there's definitely a lot here that could get a kid's creative juices flowing. However, some of the categories are listed in an order that feels random and unorganized. Given that there are quite a few categories, it could be overwhelming for children to choose on their own and it could lead to distraction as they explore each one looking for the "perfect" prompt. A few categories, especially the sound one, which happens to be listed first, is very confusing and is the most difficult to navigate. Based upon the writing assignment and the child's abilities, narrow down some of the strategies that might be most appropriate. Some of the content seems unnecessarily provocative, like the sound of gunshots or a picture of a military sniper. A few writing prompts, while they may have been written to be funny in order to appeal to a child's imagination, can be a little insensitive, like "woman grows a beard." So while Story Starter~Creative Writing definitely includes some great ideas for kids to use in their writing, parents should definitely preview it ahead of time to get the most out of it and should have a solid plan for how they will use it.

App Details

  • Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad
  • Subjects: Language & Reading: storytelling, using supporting evidence, vocabulary, writing, writing clearly
  • Skills: Creativity: developing novel solutions, imagination, producing new content, Self-Direction: academic development, initiative, motivation
  • Pricing structure: Paid
  • Release date: February 24, 2017
  • Category: Education
  • Publisher: Matthew Knowles
  • Version: 2.0
  • Minimum software requirements: iOS 10.0 or later
  • Last updated: September 16, 2021

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