Help your child master the art of story writing
Our first introduction to literature was perhaps through short stories narrated through picture books. Short stories are regarded to be one of the most popular genres of literature to exist. From folklore to modern science fiction, such stories are a wonderful method through which a narrative is communicated. Since they are concise, they are also a great way to keep in the loop with literature for leisure without having to invest too much time. So, the practice of writing short stories can sharpen your school kid’s literary skills. However, creating a short story is easier said than done. Its short nature, makes it more challenging. Articulating a narrative within literary limits but still managing to stretch the reader’s imagination without any such limits is a fine act of balance. Here is how you can guide your child towards writing a short story.
Help your kid identify the central theme
This is essentially what the short story is about. It has to be engaging enough right from the get go, and should only draw the reader in even more as the story progresses. Ask your child to brainstorm ideas and settle for one which is buildable, and not too complicated.
Help him choose clear, precise language
Again, the shorter nature of such a story does not leave enough room for your child to describe every single aspect of the narrative extensively, unlike a novel. The concepts need to be communicated to the reader quickly. This, however, does not mean that the creator doesn’t have the freedom to experiment with vocabulary. Encourage your kid to convey a big idea with the help of minimal words.
Guide your kid to create characters
It is always best to have a short story revolve around a small group of characters. If there are one too many, it becomes confusing for the reader to keep up with each of them. Help your child identify the main characters and side characters. You can also ask her to write character sketch in order to understand it better.
Explain the importance of location
Ask your kid to map out the location and setting. This can be done on a paper, with the key places highlighted.
Share your inputs on plot creation
The plot is an event or a series of events that build up a story towards the ending. Encourage kids to build on simple ideas for the plot which are easy to follow.
Familiarise your kid with conflict
A short story without a conflict will always seem empty. Ask your budding author to think about some struggle, argument, and hardship that the character(s) has (have) to overcome in order to lead to the ending or climax. The moral or the teaching of the story will be arrived through the conflict.
Give kids the freedom to experiment
A short story is not bound by too many literary rules. Encourage your child to make it as eclectic as possible. However, it must maintain the reader’s engagement throughout.