Children’s minds are known for their vivid imagination. It’s the best time to hone their skills in creating something that will last. While some parents might find the arts to be an unessential skill, especially with the rise of generative AI, it is important to know that tapping into your child’s creative skills is crucial to their formation. By encouraging children to be creative, you allow them to think outside the box in certain situations. Writing also lets them process their thoughts better, allowing them to think twice before doubling down on their decisions.

Fable writing is a specific type of creative writing that helps children form their moral compass. After all, fables are situational stories that often come with a lesson. By teaching children how to write such stories, you help them understand why certain things are the way they are. Take, for instance, the classic "Aesop’s Fable" of the tortoise and the hare. In it, the main takeaway is that slow and steady wins the race. From the story, we learn how the hare’s arrogance, despite its natural talents, led to its ultimate downfall. By the end, the tortoise wins the race due to its patience, perseverance, and humility.

Dr. Joem Antonio, an eight-time Palanca Award recipient and a Ph.D. graduate of creative writing from the University of the Philippines Diliman, is hosting a fable writing class for children at Sunshine Place in Makati City. He is best known for crafting children’s stories like “Ang Ampalaya sa Pinggan ni Peepo (The Bitter Gourd on Peepo’s Plate)” and “Sa Tapat ng Tindahan ni Mang Teban (In Front of Mang Teban’s Store)” under Lampara Books. Through his workshop, participants learn a simple and structured approach to turning ideas and values into clear, imaginative narratives. It’s a specially curated workshop for children aged eight years old and older. An upcoming session will be held on May 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.