Figuring out how to inspire your child to write takes a mixture of role modelling, opportunities, and a shade of persuasion. Children may balk at the notion of writing, but with a bit of prompting, they can allow their imagination to soar, and their creativity to flourish. Writing is a tremendous outlet for thoughts and ideas, and can allow children to explore different time periods, or to visit exotic locales. Inspiring a child to write may take some coaxing, but as a parent, it is worthwhile in the long run.
Children, much like adults, need some form of inspiration to write. Children need to learn how and where to look for inspiration, so this is where the parent can role model some clever ways to come up with topics of interest. First off, get your child a writing journal where they can store ideas for future writing topics.
Take your child out to a crowded place and have them write down things that they see, focusing on using all of their senses. A place such as an amusement park is a great place to start. Have your child look around for inspiration to write about, and this can be further enhanced by eliminating one of their senses. If you temporarily blindfold your child, or have them wear ear plugs, they will have to focus their other senses in order to ascertain their surroundings. Ask your child to write about the people they see, perhaps coming up with a scenario as to what they think the people do for a living. No matter how absurd the thought, the writing can be done in a clever manner.
Another way to inspire a child to write is to have them write short summaries of a favourite show or sporting event. This can also be used in order to reach a compromise if the child wants to watch a movie or television show instead of working on their writing skills. Make an agreement that the child must write a descriptive account of what they viewed. You as the parent could also write on the same topic, even doing some brainstorming together. You could then write, and combine the best portions of each writing to make one version that is done well.
Inspirations are all around, as long as we take notice of them. The beautiful colours of a crisp autumn day can lead to all sorts of vivid imagery, much the same as the serenity of a calm lake during sunset. The more you expose your child to the wonders of nature, the more inspired they may become. All of your child’s writings should be kept, and then revisited from time to time in order to expand on earlier thoughts as they grow and mature as a writer.
Writing is a complex task, and one that can be wrought with peril from time to time. The key to writing is to take the necessary steps to improve upon your writing skills. A great way to work on writing skills is to increase your vocabulary. This can be done through board games such as Scrabble or Boggle, or by doing simple crosswords or word searches. Reading a wide spate of material can leave impressions that are invaluable. Engage your child in spelling bees, or have them regularly search through a dictionary or thesaurus to find a word or two that they can use in a new writing endeavour.
If you get your child interested in writing, it can truly allow their creative juices to blossom. When reading with your child, encourage them to come up with alternate endings to their favourite stories. This is a fun activity, and one that can provide plenty of inspiration. All writing should be encouraged, no matter in what form.
Provide your child with several topics, or lead sentences. Have them pick something, and then give them a guideline as to what you expect from their writing. You should vary these little assignments until they become comfortable writing in a number of different styles.
Write your child a bedtime story, and read it to them several times before letting them know that you are actually the author. This may give them the idea to try and write a story themselves. Write a story together if need be, and then read that story at night. If the child has a younger sibling, have your budding young author read it to the sibling. The reaction that the younger sibling gives may provide a strong motivation for the child to continue writing.
Inspiration lives all around us. Your child needs to figure out what their inspiration is, and regularly visit that muse on a regular basis. If possible, provide your child a special place in the house where they can write. This area should be free of distractions, and should be made to feel as their own safe writing haven. The earlier you start to inspire your children to write the better. You want them to write many wonderful pieces for you to read as they grow, and you should ensure that you are always their number one fan.
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