Children are naturally creative, brimming with imagination and boundless energy. Often, the world inside their minds is vast, whimsical, and teeming with stories waiting to be put on paper. But how do you translate this innate potential into a love for writing and drawing? How do you nurture their artistic abilities and give them the confidence to express themselves?
Also Read: 8 Tips to Write Better Essays in English
Encourage Your Child to Write and Draw
Here are some strategies to encourage your child to embrace the world of words and sketches.
Create a Conducive Environment
Before expecting your child to sit down and write or draw, ensure that the environment is inviting. Dedicate a quiet corner in the house for this purpose. This ‘creative corner’ can have a comfortable desk, a plethora of writing tools, sketchbooks, colourful pens, and anything else that can inspire creativity. By setting up this space, you’re sending a clear message: writing and drawing are important, cherished activities.
Lead by Example
Children often emulate the adults around them. If they see you engaged in writing, doodling, sketching, or even just reading, they’re more likely to show an interest. Make it a habit to sit together during a designated ‘creative time’, where you too indulge in similar activities. This not only serves as a bonding moment but also instils the importance of these pursuits.
Introduce Them to Books
The world of books can be the biggest catalyst in a child’s creative journey. Reading can provide them with fresh ideas, introduce them to different styles of writing, and expand their vocabulary. Visit libraries, attend storytelling sessions, or just snuggle up with a good book at bedtime. Once they appreciate stories, they’ll naturally want to create their own.
Value the Process Over the Product
Perfection should never be the goal. It’s easy for children (and adults) to get disheartened when what they create doesn’t match their expectations. Emphasise the importance of the process. Celebrate every story, every drawing, irrespective of how ‘perfect’ it is. It’s about expressing oneself, after all, not creating a masterpiece every time.
Provide Prompt Ideas
Sometimes, all one needs is a little nudge. Give your child creative prompts to kickstart their imagination. It could be anything from “Write a story about a dragon who loves ice cream” to “Draw a world where everything is upside down”. These prompts can act as guiding points, enabling them to think out of the box.
Offer Constructive Feedback
While it’s vital to celebrate every creation, it’s also essential to offer feedback. However, ensure it’s constructive. Instead of pointing out flaws, ask open-ended questions like, “What inspired this story?” or “How did you choose these colours?”. This can encourage them to think deeper and refine their skills, without denting their confidence.
Incorporate Technology
In this digital age, technology can be a fantastic ally. There are countless apps designed to encourage writing and drawing. Whether it’s a digital art platform or a story-building app, these tools can add an exciting dimension to their creative journey. But remember, moderation is key. Physical writing and drawing have their own irreplaceable charm.
Enrol Them in Classes
Sometimes, structured guidance can work wonders. Enrolling your child in a writing workshop or an art class can provide them with the necessary skills and expose them to like-minded peers. Interacting with other budding writers and artists can be a tremendous morale booster.
Celebrate Their Work
Display their art on your fridge, create a scrapbook for their stories, or even start a family newsletter featuring their work. When children see their work being appreciated, it boosts their confidence and encourages them to create more.
Always Keep Supplies On Hand
Whether it’s a notebook, sketch pad, or just a set of coloured pencils, always have them within easy reach. You never know when inspiration might strike!
Encouraging your child to write and draw is about fostering a safe space for expression and nurturing their creativity. It’s not about churning out prodigies but allowing them to discover the joys of creation. With patience, understanding, and the right strategies, you’ll not only boost their artistic and literary skills but also help them develop critical life skills like observation, empathy, and resilience.
Also Read: What Are Pangrams? Benefits For Kids
Examples To Encourage Your Child to Write and Draw
Here are some examples that might help in encouraging your child to write and draw:
Themed Creative Sessions
Organise themed creative sessions where children can draw or write about specific subjects that interest them. It could be as simple as asking them to sketch different types of animals, draw scenes from their favourite storybooks, or write a short tale about an adventure in space. Tailoring these sessions according to seasons or festivals can also add a fresh and exciting perspective to their creative pursuits.
Story Stones
Story stones are painted rocks that have different images on them which can be used to spark a child’s imagination. You can create a set at home with pictures of various objects, animals, or environments. Encourage your child to pick a stone at random and weave a story or draw a picture inspired by the image on the stone.
Art and Writing Journals
Provide your child with a special journal where they can jot down their thoughts, doodles, or even paste pictures and other elements to create a visual story. Encourage them to make regular entries, fostering a daily habit of writing and drawing. Sometimes, maintaining a journal can be a quiet reflection time which helps in nurturing their observational and artistic skills.
Collaborative Storytelling and Drawing
Engage in activities where you and your child build a story or create a drawing together. For instance, you can start by drawing a shape or writing a sentence, and then encourage your child to add to it.
Explore Nature
Take your child on nature walks and encourage them to write about or draw what they observe. They might be inspired by the intricate patterns of leaves, the colours of flowers, or the shapes of clouds. Encourage them to carry a small notebook to record their observations through words or sketches.
Also Read: A beginner’s guide to comic art
EuroSchool embarks on this enchanting journey with your little one and lets their pens and brushes paint the canvas of life with stories and drawings that echo the vibrant symphony of their imagination.
