Some Ideas For Encouraging Young Kids To Write
In this technological age, writing perhaps is becoming a lost art. Kids are more likely to be playing video games, watching TV, messing around on the computer, or text messaging their friends than exercising their imaginations. But it is essential that parents not give up: kids must learn how to communicate effectively in writing, no matter what career they end up in; traditionally, young children learn to write by making up and writing down their own stories. Here are some ideas that you can use to help spur their imaginations.
– Cloud formations: Using a digital camera, go outside on a beautiful day and let your child take 5 to 8 pictures of cloud formations. Once the photos are printed, let him study them for a while and determine what he thinks the clouds “are.” Then let him use a pen to make a sketch of what he sees right on the cloud. Then he can use his “cloud creations” as characters in a story he makes up.
– Magazine people: Great stories seldom start with a plot; rather, they start with characters! If your child is having a hard time picturing a character to write about, let her sift through a magazine and pick out some pictures that intrigue her. They may be of people; they may be animals, even plants or a car. The point is, you are giving her a visual jumping off point from which to create the characters she can then write about.
– Summer camps: Summer camps are great for going swimming and canoeing, but how about for writing? Your child may really benefit from getting her writing juices flowing in a fun environment with others who want to write too. If you are looking for San Francisco summer camps that offer something creative, look into the Lekha School of Creative Writing. Lekha’s young campers actually publish their works and learn strategies for better, more creative writing from trained professionals who also make it FUN!
Don’t let writing become a lost art in your family: do everything you can to help your children learn a love of writing.