My firm belief is that stories feed children. Imaginative exploration through reading and writing is proven to help them learn to process emotional responses, to make connections leading to less loneliness and improve academic motivation. Stories open up new worlds for children that can show different viewpoints and foster curiosity, wonder and adventure. Seas are traversed, skills are practised, and people of all persuasions are introduced. But English can feel like a hostile world for some children. So how do we bring it back to life? Building their relationship with words increases their confidence generally, and then they can start reading with their feelings and writing with their souls. Unlock reluctant readers with a little paired
Finally: constructive editing lightly of their
reading and encourage them to create their
story, and plenty of praise. When one
own stories - however grubby or imperfect
focuses on enjoyment and fun playing
they may look: lovely! This is what I do:
creatively with words, the delicate qualities
reaching out to wobbly writers and anxious
of building self-esteem and mindfulness
readers as well as those gifted children who
can follow, truly.
need time to shine.
IMAGINATION IS FREE, in all senses of the
The key is to remember that their writing is
word, so over the summer holidays let’s
THEIR writing.
leave some paper out, some coloured
Emphasising creative agency; writing a short
pens in a hidey hole, in the garden under a
story from observation and experience can empower children. Give them time and space to express themselves and go their own way. First step: get them using English. Enthuse them to trust themselves to give it a go.
parasol. And when we look up at the sky, out to sea or in our own bedrooms (Where the Wild Things Are), every story starts with a wee spark, so let’s ignite their imaginations this summer. Dr.Hannah Snow Baud is a private tutor of English
Skills can be polished after the ground
for children aged between 4 and 18 in the Nice
spring of imaginative ideas bubble forth.
area. Please see English Tutoring for Children on
Secondly: nurture the enjoyment of putting words down with energy, passion, and no anxiety, whether copying or experimenting.
the Riviera on Facebook. She also works at the Hive Academy. A native English speaker from Oxford, she is also a mum of five children and enjoys rugby, cricket, music and dancing.
Next: get them sharing their stories! ENFANTS D’AZUR MAGAZINE
June / July / August 2021
17
