Exploring Creative Writing With Your Child

 

Whether your child is a natural storyteller or not, exploring creative writing with them is a great way to improve their grammar, punctuation and help them use their imagination. As soon as your child can write a sentence, you can begin exploring creative writing with them.

 

How to begin creative writing with small children

 

A good exercise is to discuss books they enjoy. You can ask them questions about the characters and plot – this will get them thinking in a different way. Here are some good questions to ask:

 

·      Which character did you like best?

·      Was the ending of the story good?

·      Why was the ending good?

·      Can you think of a different ending?

 

When a child begins to think in this way, they realise that they’re also capable of storytelling and it can be quite exciting.

 

Helping your child write a story

 

Some children are full of stories – they tell them all day long. Others need a bit of help to get started. If your child isn’t a natural storyteller, give them some prompts to begin creating a character.  You can tell your child you’re going to ‘invent a character. Ask your child would they like their character to be a person or an animal…or even something else!

 

Now ask them all about their character – what do they look like? What is their favourite food? Where do they live? Is there anything in life that they’d wish for above all else? Now you have some basics, you can help your child tell a short tale based on their character. They can even illustrate their story.

 

For older children

 

Older children who show an interest in writing should be encouraged as much as possible. Discuss their efforts with them and help them to understand as much as possible about the plot – you can worry about spelling, grammar and punctuation later.

The most important part of storytelling is actually telling the story. 

 

Help your child by ensuring they know you’re taking them seriously. Provide a desk and a good light so they can work quietly. There are lots of writing clubs online where teens share and critique work. It’s also a good idea to encourage your child to enter some competitions as these often come with written critiques from professionals.

 

Students with English as a second language should definitely be encouraged to write creatively. Not just stories but also poems and songs. This International Study Centre utilises its highly qualified staff to ensure that students get every opportunity to expand their written English as well as their spoken.

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