14 Aug 3 Simple Tips To Improve Your Child’s Writing

Writing is a complex, beautiful art that kids can learn with a bit of encouragement. If they’re already creatively expressing themselves, they’re on a good path. Perhaps you’ve already seen them scrape out a few sentences that are above their grade level or heard them talking about an adventurous dream they had. How do you build on this? How do you help your kids get to the point where they feel comfortable with writing? Here are three simple things you can do:

1. Keep them reading.

The first step, of course, is to keep them reading. If they are into storytelling, chances are they already read quite often, so make sure to encourage their interest in reading. Even better? Gently push them to expand the variety of what they read. When kids read authors with different writing styles, they can subconsciously figure out what writing style they prefer, and it will reflect in their papers and speech. Reading will also open your kids up to more creative possibilities they might want to include in their stories. Maybe that means adding a little bit of magic to a plot line. Maybe it means changing the story to an entirely new location–another country or even another planet. Maybe it means starting with an intriguing idea. Check out these fun story starters from Pack-n-Go Girls to get your kids’ creative juices rolling.

2. Don’t criticize.

Besides keeping their bookshelf stocked, what else can you do to encourage a child’s creativity? Well, you can start by doing one thing: never criticize one of their ideas. You can put in your opinion from time to time, but if your child comes to you with a grin and tells you about her story or an idea that came to mind, don’t immediately point out the difficulty of the plot or the combination of characters. You’ll encourage your young writer to do more when you give a positive response. Never say that the writing business does not pay well because even if it’s true, it’s discouraging to hear. Telling them that their stories make you happy, that they’re incredible, and that you can’t wait to read them will help your child find the motivation to keep creating.

3. Ask them questions.

There are many more things you could do as a parent, librarian, or teacher, but the most important one is this: ask your child questions about his or her story. When you ask questions, you’re making them think more about the details of the worldbuilding, plot, or characters, which will only make the story better. For instance, if you were that character, what would you do next? What would happen if you did the opposite? Asking also shows them, in the best way possible, that you care about what they are creating. By being active in their writing process you are not only presenting yourself as their first fan but also that their ideas are not silly and worthless.

The most divine thing on this planet is the mind of a child. It is limitless in imagination. When you support your child on their journey of writing, you’re allowing her or him to explore the true depths of their creativity. A flower cannot bloom without water, so give your child the water she needs to grow. And if you’re looking for writing prompts to get your child started now, we’ve got them. Click here.