In Consultation: Creative Writing

So many children struggle with Creative Writing; it is a most difficult subject to master, yet an ability to write well is absolutely essential for examinations later on. Personal Statements for university and job applications all rely on expert use of written English. No wonder, then, that it is such a concern to parents.

We are fortunate, in this area, to be surrounded by so many excellent educational establishments, - top independent schools, and local schools with parents equally determined and ambitious for their children. Parents from all these schools invest heavily in out-of-hours tuition, and I see many of them in consultation.

And there is one universal problem: Creative Writing.

It is one of the greatest causes of anxiety. Parents say that their children 'take a long time to write', or 'have lots of ideas, but can't write'.

It always saddens me to meet children who have been under a pressurised regime with huge quantities of homework, - sometimes marked by their parents, - and are quite fed up with it all.

And well they might be. Their 'creative writing' is uninspiring, and dull. They cannot produce the quantity required in the time, and are unable to structure an essay. I am often asked what should be done.

Motivation and inspiration is the key. Children need to be enthusiastic and confident in their ability to speak, and to record their language. Their word power needs to be strong enough to support their work, and give them a choice of vocabulary.

This problem requires creative attack. Art is key. Even without such specialised knowledge, there is so much parents can do at home to assist their children, and it's never too soon to start:

Encourage young children to enjoy using the library, and continue visiting it. Make sure they also read newspapers and journals.

Spend time there, browse the books on the shelf, and read them with your child.
Make up stories with younger children, about their toys, pets or world around them.
Draw with your child; discuss your drawings, using adjectives to widen thought and assist your child in learning new vocabulary.

Write the adjectives, sentences and stories on the paper, then encourage your child to do the writing.

Work towards a page of A4 in three, clear written paragraphs.

Make sure your child learns how to plan, and work towards five, well-structured paragraphs. Continue with the art, and widen the scope. Continue looking, in 'in depth' detail, which can be translated into writing. Keep discussing, to strengthen language and thought. Children are naturally inventive, - to write well they must perceive the written word to be an extension of their general level of conversation.

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