Benefits of Training Children to Write Stories
Amelia Hirawan, child psychologist at once art therapist and writing coach, emphasizes not to be trapped by the conventional concept that the end result of writing activities must be in the form of a story or report. Because in fact, the realm of creative writing is more attractive to children, and it can explore more of its potential.
“The culture of writing in children can be developed by writing poetry, quote, comics, reviews of films he has just watched, citing favorite parts of books he has read, or even writing status on social media, if children have been given access to them, “he explained. Children can even write their own research reports, write song lyrics, and compose lapbook (book or cover containing pictures, writings, objects, anything related to a topic).
When in the form of stories, Amelia herself tends to encourage children to write fiction (imaginary stories) or fairy tales. Based on his experience, children actually prefer writing this genre because it is fun. In fairy tales, children are free to imagine without being too risky to offend someone, or worrying about using wrong information.
“The opinion that a fiction writer is not smart and is just an imaginative is a big mistake,” said Amelia. “In fact, fiction is more challenging than defining or reporting writing, where the concept is to transfer events into writing. That fiction creates something that didn’t exist before. “
According to Amelia, when writing reports or other non-fiction matters, children will use the left brain more (language, logic, analysis, sequence, details). Meanwhile, to write fiction, children can also hone their right brain skills because there are elements of imagination, creativity, emotions, making opinions and concepts.
“So, if you want to challenge your child to write, don’t just tell him to write down his vacation experience. Ask him to write about things that are out of the ordinary that provoke the imagination, like the story of a tiger trapped in the middle of the ocean. Definitely exciting!” Amelia suggested.
