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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Arts and Culture devider How your child could be an award-winning author someday

How your child could be an award-winning author someday

Published May 21, 2025 06:23 pm

At A Glance

  • By having your child read more, they expand their vocabulary knowledge and learn to play around with different genres.

Learning the basics of creative writing

Encouragement is always the best approach.

Writing can be an outlet that brings any child’s dreams to life. It’s a passageway into forming paths that to some seem impossible. To create new stories, we must nurture the newfound creativity of the youth and let their minds wander. Here are some ways you can help guide your child to becoming a creative writer.

Read, read, read

Reading is the first step to being an effective writer. By having your child read more, they expand their vocabulary knowledge and learn to play around with different genres. Exposing them to different narrative styles also helps them understand how to structure their stories better.

Positive feedback and gentle critiques

Good grammar goes a long way, but when dealing with young writers, it’s important to be gentle in teaching them so. Taking an aggressive and methodical approach might intimidate them and drive them away from trying again. Instead, focus on the imaginative aspect of their stories first and praise the good aspects to soften any mention of mistakes made.

Find a suitable mentor

A good teacher leaves a lasting impression, so when you have a chance to be taught by accomplished writers, don’t miss your shot. On June 7 and 14, 2025, eight-time Palanca Awardee Dr. Joem Antonio will be conducting a crash course on story writing for a young audience. Anyone who wants to learn how to write stories, even without prior training or writing experience, is welcome to enroll. It is perfect for parents, teachers, and anyone who loves kids.

In the workshop, Dr. Antonio utilizes a step-by-step approach. Aside from lectures, participants will be doing writing exercises. To know more and to enroll, please contact 09175155656 or email [email protected].

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