If your child is constantly filling notebooks and journals or insisting you read something they just finished writing, you may have a young aspiring author on your hands. If your child has a genuine love for writing, you can help that passion grow with just a little encouragement. Here are some ways to nurture your child’s passion for writing:

Start With Reading

If your child loves to write, chances are that they also love to read. Introduce them to all kinds of stories—fantasy, mystery, nonfiction, poetry—because every new genre is a new lesson in how storytelling can take shape. Readers who pay close attention to how stories are told often become the most creative and thoughtful writers. Read together and have discussions. Ask questions about the characters, plot and conflict, such as:

• What did you think of that character? Why do you think they made the decisions that they did?
• Did the ending surprise you?
• How did the author make you feel while you were reading?

Talk About Storytelling as an Art Form

Just like painting or playing music, writing is an art form, and it’s important to help your young writer to appreciate that fact. Stories can take all different forms, from novels and short stories to poems and even nonfiction articles. Each type of writing is its own craft. Help your child see how authors make deliberate, creative choices to pull their readers in and keep them turning the pages. Everything from how they structure their piece to where they end their sentences works together to tell the story, just like how a painter uses different colors and brushstrokes to create a picture.

Set Up a Writing Space that Sparks Creativity

The same way a dedicated study space helps kids focus on their homework, a dedicated creativity area can work wonders for a child who loves to write. Find a cozy corner of the home with good lighting, and stock it with their favorite pens, notebooks or a laptop. Let them personalize their space with pictures, quotes, decorations and books to truly make it feel like theirs. The goal is to create a comfortable, distraction-free zone where they can let their ideas flow freely and their imagination take off. Doing this also sends a clear message to your child that you see their passion and fully support it.

Encourage Them to Try Different Types of Writing

Along with the different forms storytelling can take come the different types and purposes of writing. Some people write to inform or persuade, while others write to entertain. The various purposes of writing call for different approaches and skill sets. Encourage your child to try their hand at each one and see which they enjoy the most. They might discover that they’re a natural storyteller, or they might discover they love to educate others.

Mix Up the Medium

While the medium they use to write may seem like a small detail, it can actually make a huge difference. Some days, they may feel more inspired to write in a computer document, while others, they may lean toward a traditional pen and paper. Even a storyboard made of sticky notes or a handwritten card to a friend can act as a creative writing opportunity for your child. Different mediums spark different kinds of creativity, and experimenting keeps everything fresh.

Do Writing Exercises Together

Sometimes the best way to nurture your child’s love for writing is to sit down and write with them. Writing exercises are an excellent way to do this. They show your child that you’re not just cheering them on from the sidelines, but that you’re actively supporting them. Here are a few exercises to try:

• Write a story using only dialogue.
• Describe a person, place or thing without naming it.
• Rewrite a fairytale from the villain’s point of view (a classic!).
• Set a 15-minute timer, and free write whatever comes to mind.
• Use five adjectives and five adverbs to describe going out to get ice cream.

No matter your child’s passions, you can show up and support them. At Lake Forrest Prep, we encourage our students to find their talents and pursue the things that interest them most. Our K-8 preparatory school sees students for the unique individuals they are, and we create a supportive, nurturing environment for them to thrive. Learn more about our campus culture here or call us at (407) 331-5144 to schedule a tour!