Children can be a lot of fun to hang out with! They are full of energy and are always happy to share their thoughts and ideas. Naturally, as parents, we want to maximize their potential. One of the ways we can help them develop is by encouraging them to write down their stories and ideas. There are so many benefits to teaching creative writing to children, so let’s explore the basics of how to do it.
Why Should You Teach Creative Writing To Kids?
Writing is a fundamental human skill. It allows us to store our thoughts and express our feelings. It also helps us make sense of the world around us. However, many people believe that creative writing is the sole preserve of adults. This couldn’t be further from the truth! We can help our children develop their creative writing skills and allow them to explore the wonders of fiction and non-fiction writing! Here are just a few of the reasons why you should teach your kids how to write creatively:
Encourages Self-expression
We all want our children to be happy and to feel comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings. One of the ways they can do this is through writing. When they write down their stories, they are able to explore their imagination, as well as identify their feelings and the circumstances that provoked them. This is a massive step forward for children who may have previously felt inadequate or insecure when expressing themselves.
Develops Social Skills
Just like adults, children crave social interaction. However, children have fewer life experiences to draw upon. This means that they may engage in more simplistic behavior and rely more heavily on their social skills. One of the best ways for children to practice their social skills is via writing. Through fictional or non-fictional narratives, children are able to interact with characters similar to themselves. This allows them to explore different perspectives and situations and develop their social skills.
Allows For Research
One of the wonderful things about storytelling is that it allows for so much research. Whether you are writing a story for pleasure or for school, you can conduct extensive fact-finding. From gathering evidence to back up your claims, to simply understanding the motivations of the characters, you can’t beat a good story for learning.
Teaches Critical Thinking
When we are young, we are surrounded by stories. From fairy tales to myths, from legends to lore, we are constantly fed narratives that help us make sense of the world. These stories often provide morals as well as lessons. Through creative writing, we can help our children develop their critical thinking skills. Encouraging them to ask questions and search for the answers is an invaluable skill for future employment.
A Good Place To Practice English
Speaking English is a must for any child who wishes to enter the world of work. However, for those who were deprived of a decent education, limited English may be a barrier to employment. One of the best things about creative writing is that it can be used to practice English. Through fiction or non-fiction, you can pose questions to your child and see how well they do in analyzing the answers. This is also a good way to review vocabulary that they have learned through learning how to read and write in English.
It Can Be A Stress reliever
Stress is something we all have to deal with. It can be a good thing, like when we are excited about a new adventure or challenge, or it can be something that is draining us physically and mentally. For children, particularly those who may have social anxieties or are prone to anxiety attacks, writing can be a great way to relieve that stress. Through creative writing, they can engage in a hobby that helps them express their thoughts and feelings in an organized and structured manner. It is also a great way for them to learn to relax and unwind.
How Can You Start?
If you are looking to give your children a hobby that will benefit them in the future, investing in some good quality creative writing products may be a worthwhile investment. There are plenty of fantastic storybooks out there that will inspire your children to write. If you are looking for a low-cost option, consider looking into e-books or using materials from your local library. Whatever you decide, make sure that you start small and build up from there.
There is no denying that creative writing is a difficult skill to learn. It takes an awful lot of patience and practice to get right. That said, children can have a great deal of fun with it, and it can help develop their imaginative skills as well as their creative and critical thinking. If you are looking to develop your children’s writing skills, then consider encouraging them to write short stories for enjoyment or practice. You can also start a blog for teachers who want to gain more inspiration and share their learning experiences with others. Lastly, if you want to have some fun with it, consider writing down a list of famous imaginary friends and having your children interact with these fictional characters. What better way to learn about friendship and loyalty than via fiction or non-fiction?