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My kid's first story
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6
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favorite
So, my 11-year son has just written his first literature work yesterday: A short fantasy story about werewolves in a forest chased by a group of courageous men. Half-full of mistakes of all kinds, still it seems that he is getting the taste of writing.
The problem is either he is very confident of his work or he is too lazy to improve it; he refuses to correct his mistakes. Though he looks forward to my praise, which I surely do, he gets bored every time I try to outline his flaws in the story.
How can I show him the right way to do it without making him feel obliged to, encouraging him in the same time to do better?
Note: This is my first post and I do not know if this question is posted in the right place. If it isn't, please tell me where to post it.
creative-writing children
asked 1 hour ago
Ali_Habeeb
311
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Ali_Habeeb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
So, my 11-year son has just written his first literature work yesterday: A short fantasy story about werewolves in a forest chased by a group of courageous men. Half-full of mistakes of all kinds, still it seems that he is getting the taste of writing.
The problem is either he is very confident of his work or he is too lazy to improve it; he refuses to correct his mistakes. Though he looks forward to my praise, which I surely do, he gets bored every time I try to outline his flaws in the story.
How can I show him the right way to do it without making him feel obliged to, encouraging him in the same time to do better?
Note: This is my first post and I do not know if this question is posted in the right place. If it isn't, please tell me where to post it.
creative-writing children
asked 1 hour ago
Ali_Habeeb
311
New contributor
Ali_Habeeb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
When you say "mistakes" are you talking about spelling and grammar? or character and plot?
– wetcircuit
1 hour ago
@wetcircuit some of the first two, a lot of the others. However, ideas were well put in separate paragraphs, and I felt he has got the whole idea.
– Ali_Habeeb
1 hour ago
1
I think mistakes is also a bit of a harse assessment. It is his first writing. of course things will not turn out perfect. If he takes your criticism the wrong way you are either telling him the wrong things to motivate him or he needs to be shown things can be written differently. I cannot imagine him having read any hard literature at that age (maybe i am wrong though) but an introduction to reading is a good start if he wants to learn how to write. But then again he might just only look for some attention.
– Totumus Maximus
51 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
up vote
6
down vote
favorite
So, my 11-year son has just written his first literature work yesterday: A short fantasy story about werewolves in a forest chased by a group of courageous men. Half-full of mistakes of all kinds, still it seems that he is getting the taste of writing.
The problem is either he is very confident of his work or he is too lazy to improve it; he refuses to correct his mistakes. Though he looks forward to my praise, which I surely do, he gets bored every time I try to outline his flaws in the story.
How can I show him the right way to do it without making him feel obliged to, encouraging him in the same time to do better?
Note: This is my first post and I do not know if this question is posted in the right place. If it isn't, please tell me where to post it.
creative-writing children
asked 1 hour ago
Ali_Habeeb
311
New contributor
Ali_Habeeb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
So, my 11-year son has just written his first literature work yesterday: A short fantasy story about werewolves in a forest chased by a group of courageous men. Half-full of mistakes of all kinds, still it seems that he is getting the taste of writing.
The problem is either he is very confident of his work or he is too lazy to improve it; he refuses to correct his mistakes. Though he looks forward to my praise, which I surely do, he gets bored every time I try to outline his flaws in the story.
How can I show him the right way to do it without making him feel obliged to, encouraging him in the same time to do better?
Note: This is my first post and I do not know if this question is posted in the right place. If it isn't, please tell me where to post it.
creative-writing children
creative-writing children
asked 1 hour ago
Ali_Habeeb
311
New contributor
Ali_Habeeb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 1 hour ago
Ali_Habeeb
311
New contributor
Ali_Habeeb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 1 hour ago
Ali_Habeeb
311
New contributor
Ali_Habeeb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
asked 1 hour ago
Ali_Habeeb
311
asked 1 hour ago
Ali_Habeeb
311
311
New contributor
Ali_Habeeb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Ali_Habeeb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Ali_Habeeb is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
When you say "mistakes" are you talking about spelling and grammar? or character and plot?
– wetcircuit
1 hour ago
@wetcircuit some of the first two, a lot of the others. However, ideas were well put in separate paragraphs, and I felt he has got the whole idea.
– Ali_Habeeb
1 hour ago
1
I think mistakes is also a bit of a harse assessment. It is his first writing. of course things will not turn out perfect. If he takes your criticism the wrong way you are either telling him the wrong things to motivate him or he needs to be shown things can be written differently. I cannot imagine him having read any hard literature at that age (maybe i am wrong though) but an introduction to reading is a good start if he wants to learn how to write. But then again he might just only look for some attention.
– Totumus Maximus
51 mins ago
add a comment |Â
When you say "mistakes" are you talking about spelling and grammar? or character and plot?
– wetcircuit
1 hour ago
@wetcircuit some of the first two, a lot of the others. However, ideas were well put in separate paragraphs, and I felt he has got the whole idea.
– Ali_Habeeb
1 hour ago
1
I think mistakes is also a bit of a harse assessment. It is his first writing. of course things will not turn out perfect. If he takes your criticism the wrong way you are either telling him the wrong things to motivate him or he needs to be shown things can be written differently. I cannot imagine him having read any hard literature at that age (maybe i am wrong though) but an introduction to reading is a good start if he wants to learn how to write. But then again he might just only look for some attention.
– Totumus Maximus
51 mins ago
When you say "mistakes" are you talking about spelling and grammar? or character and plot?
– wetcircuit
1 hour ago
When you say "mistakes" are you talking about spelling and grammar? or character and plot?
– wetcircuit
1 hour ago
@wetcircuit some of the first two, a lot of the others. However, ideas were well put in separate paragraphs, and I felt he has got the whole idea.
– Ali_Habeeb
1 hour ago
@wetcircuit some of the first two, a lot of the others. However, ideas were well put in separate paragraphs, and I felt he has got the whole idea.
– Ali_Habeeb
1 hour ago
1
1
I think mistakes is also a bit of a harse assessment. It is his first writing. of course things will not turn out perfect. If he takes your criticism the wrong way you are either telling him the wrong things to motivate him or he needs to be shown things can be written differently. I cannot imagine him having read any hard literature at that age (maybe i am wrong though) but an introduction to reading is a good start if he wants to learn how to write. But then again he might just only look for some attention.
– Totumus Maximus
51 mins ago
I think mistakes is also a bit of a harse assessment. It is his first writing. of course things will not turn out perfect. If he takes your criticism the wrong way you are either telling him the wrong things to motivate him or he needs to be shown things can be written differently. I cannot imagine him having read any hard literature at that age (maybe i am wrong though) but an introduction to reading is a good start if he wants to learn how to write. But then again he might just only look for some attention.
– Totumus Maximus
51 mins ago
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
What is "the right way"? Why do you consider it better than some other way to write a story? What do you consider "mistakes"?
You can ask your son about why he has made certain stylistic choices or plot choices, but at the end of the day, those are his choices to make. You can criticise aspects of the story that you feel are unoriginal, or have unfortunate implications, or do not work in your opinion for some other reasons. But those are not "mistakes" - those are artistic choices that you disagree with.
Spelling and grammar mistakes are not relevant either - they are secondary to the act of creation. You can point out that a certain word is spelled a certain way, but you shouldn't be focusing on that. Spelling and grammar are skills that your son will learn with time, regardless of whether he develops his writing skill or not. Going over those too much at this stage is focusing on minutiae, and ignoring the more important act of creating a story. In your son's place, I would be very much disappointed if I presented someone a story, and that's all they could see.
Really, I don't think that you should criticise. Just as you wouldn't criticise a child's painting for being "derivative" or for "lacking in expression". Instead, be specific with your praise. Don't say "this is very good". Mention instead what you particularly liked about the story - what you thought was original and interesting, expressive, etc.
And as @TotumusMaximus says, let your son read books in the genres that interest him, so that he may learn by observing the Masters.
answered 1 hour ago
Galastel
21.6k354122
3
A really good answer. It's good to note that "being specific with praises" is helpful whenever giving feedback, regardless the age of the author. Also, the child will have plenty of time to grow as a writer, if he likes the craft. Chances are that in a few months he will regard his earlier works as naive.
– Liquid
1 hour ago
1
I'll second this answer; the only thing I would add is that, along with praise, you can ask a question (and I'd limit this to one) about a flaw, as if you are just curious. "How did Michael get into the locked car?" ... "Um, he had a key!" ... "Okay! That's a good story!" -- In truth it may not make sense, but that isn't the point. The point of asking is to gently point out one story flaw, to encourage self-inspection next time for "what makes sense." I say limit it to one because beyond that, it feels like criticism, not curiosity. Let this one go, so there will be a next one.
– Amadeus
4 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Try giving him some books to read about the subject he wrote about. You will soon find out if he is really interested in the stories or if it was just something he used to try and get your attention. Reading about how other authors handle these stories might give him some learning experience. And maybe when he tries to write again he will keep this other stories in mind and compare.
You can't pretty much force him to learn anything. The first step to help him is to keep him interested by letting him read.
answered 1 hour ago
Totumus Maximus
1,474218
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Assuming this isn't a school assignment, subject to a grade, I think your most effective approach right now is just to encourage him in his writing rather than trying to improve it. This is a good time and age to explore his creativity. When he becomes older and starts to have ambitions for his work, he will become more open to suggestions for making it better.
One of the reasons for this advice is that he is likely to have structured writing activities in school. He will be able to learn good writing habits there. Writing on his own at home is a good sign, and should be encouraged as a fun activity rather than a duty. It is all too easy to discourage a young child's creativity, even when that is not your intention.
It's also worth noting that styles and tastes change from generation to generation. It is possible that what appears as flaws to you will be approved and celebrated by his peers. Again, it might be different if this was aimed at publication, or a grade, but in this case I would reserve your critique unless he specifically asks for it.
answered 10 mins ago
Chris Sunami
26k33198
add a comment |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
5
down vote
What is "the right way"? Why do you consider it better than some other way to write a story? What do you consider "mistakes"?
You can ask your son about why he has made certain stylistic choices or plot choices, but at the end of the day, those are his choices to make. You can criticise aspects of the story that you feel are unoriginal, or have unfortunate implications, or do not work in your opinion for some other reasons. But those are not "mistakes" - those are artistic choices that you disagree with.
Spelling and grammar mistakes are not relevant either - they are secondary to the act of creation. You can point out that a certain word is spelled a certain way, but you shouldn't be focusing on that. Spelling and grammar are skills that your son will learn with time, regardless of whether he develops his writing skill or not. Going over those too much at this stage is focusing on minutiae, and ignoring the more important act of creating a story. In your son's place, I would be very much disappointed if I presented someone a story, and that's all they could see.
Really, I don't think that you should criticise. Just as you wouldn't criticise a child's painting for being "derivative" or for "lacking in expression". Instead, be specific with your praise. Don't say "this is very good". Mention instead what you particularly liked about the story - what you thought was original and interesting, expressive, etc.
And as @TotumusMaximus says, let your son read books in the genres that interest him, so that he may learn by observing the Masters.
answered 1 hour ago
Galastel
21.6k354122
3
A really good answer. It's good to note that "being specific with praises" is helpful whenever giving feedback, regardless the age of the author. Also, the child will have plenty of time to grow as a writer, if he likes the craft. Chances are that in a few months he will regard his earlier works as naive.
– Liquid
1 hour ago
1
I'll second this answer; the only thing I would add is that, along with praise, you can ask a question (and I'd limit this to one) about a flaw, as if you are just curious. "How did Michael get into the locked car?" ... "Um, he had a key!" ... "Okay! That's a good story!" -- In truth it may not make sense, but that isn't the point. The point of asking is to gently point out one story flaw, to encourage self-inspection next time for "what makes sense." I say limit it to one because beyond that, it feels like criticism, not curiosity. Let this one go, so there will be a next one.
– Amadeus
4 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
What is "the right way"? Why do you consider it better than some other way to write a story? What do you consider "mistakes"?
You can ask your son about why he has made certain stylistic choices or plot choices, but at the end of the day, those are his choices to make. You can criticise aspects of the story that you feel are unoriginal, or have unfortunate implications, or do not work in your opinion for some other reasons. But those are not "mistakes" - those are artistic choices that you disagree with.
Spelling and grammar mistakes are not relevant either - they are secondary to the act of creation. You can point out that a certain word is spelled a certain way, but you shouldn't be focusing on that. Spelling and grammar are skills that your son will learn with time, regardless of whether he develops his writing skill or not. Going over those too much at this stage is focusing on minutiae, and ignoring the more important act of creating a story. In your son's place, I would be very much disappointed if I presented someone a story, and that's all they could see.
Really, I don't think that you should criticise. Just as you wouldn't criticise a child's painting for being "derivative" or for "lacking in expression". Instead, be specific with your praise. Don't say "this is very good". Mention instead what you particularly liked about the story - what you thought was original and interesting, expressive, etc.
And as @TotumusMaximus says, let your son read books in the genres that interest him, so that he may learn by observing the Masters.
answered 1 hour ago
Galastel
21.6k354122
3
A really good answer. It's good to note that "being specific with praises" is helpful whenever giving feedback, regardless the age of the author. Also, the child will have plenty of time to grow as a writer, if he likes the craft. Chances are that in a few months he will regard his earlier works as naive.
– Liquid
1 hour ago
1
I'll second this answer; the only thing I would add is that, along with praise, you can ask a question (and I'd limit this to one) about a flaw, as if you are just curious. "How did Michael get into the locked car?" ... "Um, he had a key!" ... "Okay! That's a good story!" -- In truth it may not make sense, but that isn't the point. The point of asking is to gently point out one story flaw, to encourage self-inspection next time for "what makes sense." I say limit it to one because beyond that, it feels like criticism, not curiosity. Let this one go, so there will be a next one.
– Amadeus
4 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
What is "the right way"? Why do you consider it better than some other way to write a story? What do you consider "mistakes"?
You can ask your son about why he has made certain stylistic choices or plot choices, but at the end of the day, those are his choices to make. You can criticise aspects of the story that you feel are unoriginal, or have unfortunate implications, or do not work in your opinion for some other reasons. But those are not "mistakes" - those are artistic choices that you disagree with.
Spelling and grammar mistakes are not relevant either - they are secondary to the act of creation. You can point out that a certain word is spelled a certain way, but you shouldn't be focusing on that. Spelling and grammar are skills that your son will learn with time, regardless of whether he develops his writing skill or not. Going over those too much at this stage is focusing on minutiae, and ignoring the more important act of creating a story. In your son's place, I would be very much disappointed if I presented someone a story, and that's all they could see.
Really, I don't think that you should criticise. Just as you wouldn't criticise a child's painting for being "derivative" or for "lacking in expression". Instead, be specific with your praise. Don't say "this is very good". Mention instead what you particularly liked about the story - what you thought was original and interesting, expressive, etc.
And as @TotumusMaximus says, let your son read books in the genres that interest him, so that he may learn by observing the Masters.
answered 1 hour ago
Galastel
21.6k354122
What is "the right way"? Why do you consider it better than some other way to write a story? What do you consider "mistakes"?
You can ask your son about why he has made certain stylistic choices or plot choices, but at the end of the day, those are his choices to make. You can criticise aspects of the story that you feel are unoriginal, or have unfortunate implications, or do not work in your opinion for some other reasons. But those are not "mistakes" - those are artistic choices that you disagree with.
Spelling and grammar mistakes are not relevant either - they are secondary to the act of creation. You can point out that a certain word is spelled a certain way, but you shouldn't be focusing on that. Spelling and grammar are skills that your son will learn with time, regardless of whether he develops his writing skill or not. Going over those too much at this stage is focusing on minutiae, and ignoring the more important act of creating a story. In your son's place, I would be very much disappointed if I presented someone a story, and that's all they could see.
Really, I don't think that you should criticise. Just as you wouldn't criticise a child's painting for being "derivative" or for "lacking in expression". Instead, be specific with your praise. Don't say "this is very good". Mention instead what you particularly liked about the story - what you thought was original and interesting, expressive, etc.
And as @TotumusMaximus says, let your son read books in the genres that interest him, so that he may learn by observing the Masters.
answered 1 hour ago
Galastel
21.6k354122
edited 1 hour ago
answered 1 hour ago
Galastel
21.6k354122
answered 1 hour ago
Galastel
21.6k354122
answered 1 hour ago
Galastel
21.6k354122
21.6k354122
3
A really good answer. It's good to note that "being specific with praises" is helpful whenever giving feedback, regardless the age of the author. Also, the child will have plenty of time to grow as a writer, if he likes the craft. Chances are that in a few months he will regard his earlier works as naive.
– Liquid
1 hour ago
1
I'll second this answer; the only thing I would add is that, along with praise, you can ask a question (and I'd limit this to one) about a flaw, as if you are just curious. "How did Michael get into the locked car?" ... "Um, he had a key!" ... "Okay! That's a good story!" -- In truth it may not make sense, but that isn't the point. The point of asking is to gently point out one story flaw, to encourage self-inspection next time for "what makes sense." I say limit it to one because beyond that, it feels like criticism, not curiosity. Let this one go, so there will be a next one.
– Amadeus
4 mins ago
add a comment |Â
3
A really good answer. It's good to note that "being specific with praises" is helpful whenever giving feedback, regardless the age of the author. Also, the child will have plenty of time to grow as a writer, if he likes the craft. Chances are that in a few months he will regard his earlier works as naive.
– Liquid
1 hour ago
1
I'll second this answer; the only thing I would add is that, along with praise, you can ask a question (and I'd limit this to one) about a flaw, as if you are just curious. "How did Michael get into the locked car?" ... "Um, he had a key!" ... "Okay! That's a good story!" -- In truth it may not make sense, but that isn't the point. The point of asking is to gently point out one story flaw, to encourage self-inspection next time for "what makes sense." I say limit it to one because beyond that, it feels like criticism, not curiosity. Let this one go, so there will be a next one.
– Amadeus
4 mins ago
3
3
A really good answer. It's good to note that "being specific with praises" is helpful whenever giving feedback, regardless the age of the author. Also, the child will have plenty of time to grow as a writer, if he likes the craft. Chances are that in a few months he will regard his earlier works as naive.
– Liquid
1 hour ago
A really good answer. It's good to note that "being specific with praises" is helpful whenever giving feedback, regardless the age of the author. Also, the child will have plenty of time to grow as a writer, if he likes the craft. Chances are that in a few months he will regard his earlier works as naive.
– Liquid
1 hour ago
1
1
I'll second this answer; the only thing I would add is that, along with praise, you can ask a question (and I'd limit this to one) about a flaw, as if you are just curious. "How did Michael get into the locked car?" ... "Um, he had a key!" ... "Okay! That's a good story!" -- In truth it may not make sense, but that isn't the point. The point of asking is to gently point out one story flaw, to encourage self-inspection next time for "what makes sense." I say limit it to one because beyond that, it feels like criticism, not curiosity. Let this one go, so there will be a next one.
– Amadeus
4 mins ago
I'll second this answer; the only thing I would add is that, along with praise, you can ask a question (and I'd limit this to one) about a flaw, as if you are just curious. "How did Michael get into the locked car?" ... "Um, he had a key!" ... "Okay! That's a good story!" -- In truth it may not make sense, but that isn't the point. The point of asking is to gently point out one story flaw, to encourage self-inspection next time for "what makes sense." I say limit it to one because beyond that, it feels like criticism, not curiosity. Let this one go, so there will be a next one.
– Amadeus
4 mins ago
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Try giving him some books to read about the subject he wrote about. You will soon find out if he is really interested in the stories or if it was just something he used to try and get your attention. Reading about how other authors handle these stories might give him some learning experience. And maybe when he tries to write again he will keep this other stories in mind and compare.
You can't pretty much force him to learn anything. The first step to help him is to keep him interested by letting him read.
answered 1 hour ago
Totumus Maximus
1,474218
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Try giving him some books to read about the subject he wrote about. You will soon find out if he is really interested in the stories or if it was just something he used to try and get your attention. Reading about how other authors handle these stories might give him some learning experience. And maybe when he tries to write again he will keep this other stories in mind and compare.
You can't pretty much force him to learn anything. The first step to help him is to keep him interested by letting him read.
answered 1 hour ago
Totumus Maximus
1,474218
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Try giving him some books to read about the subject he wrote about. You will soon find out if he is really interested in the stories or if it was just something he used to try and get your attention. Reading about how other authors handle these stories might give him some learning experience. And maybe when he tries to write again he will keep this other stories in mind and compare.
You can't pretty much force him to learn anything. The first step to help him is to keep him interested by letting him read.
answered 1 hour ago
Totumus Maximus
1,474218
Try giving him some books to read about the subject he wrote about. You will soon find out if he is really interested in the stories or if it was just something he used to try and get your attention. Reading about how other authors handle these stories might give him some learning experience. And maybe when he tries to write again he will keep this other stories in mind and compare.
You can't pretty much force him to learn anything. The first step to help him is to keep him interested by letting him read.
answered 1 hour ago
Totumus Maximus
1,474218
answered 1 hour ago
Totumus Maximus
1,474218
answered 1 hour ago
Totumus Maximus
1,474218
answered 1 hour ago
Totumus Maximus
1,474218
1,474218
add a comment |Â
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Assuming this isn't a school assignment, subject to a grade, I think your most effective approach right now is just to encourage him in his writing rather than trying to improve it. This is a good time and age to explore his creativity. When he becomes older and starts to have ambitions for his work, he will become more open to suggestions for making it better.
One of the reasons for this advice is that he is likely to have structured writing activities in school. He will be able to learn good writing habits there. Writing on his own at home is a good sign, and should be encouraged as a fun activity rather than a duty. It is all too easy to discourage a young child's creativity, even when that is not your intention.
It's also worth noting that styles and tastes change from generation to generation. It is possible that what appears as flaws to you will be approved and celebrated by his peers. Again, it might be different if this was aimed at publication, or a grade, but in this case I would reserve your critique unless he specifically asks for it.
answered 10 mins ago
Chris Sunami
26k33198
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
Assuming this isn't a school assignment, subject to a grade, I think your most effective approach right now is just to encourage him in his writing rather than trying to improve it. This is a good time and age to explore his creativity. When he becomes older and starts to have ambitions for his work, he will become more open to suggestions for making it better.
One of the reasons for this advice is that he is likely to have structured writing activities in school. He will be able to learn good writing habits there. Writing on his own at home is a good sign, and should be encouraged as a fun activity rather than a duty. It is all too easy to discourage a young child's creativity, even when that is not your intention.
It's also worth noting that styles and tastes change from generation to generation. It is possible that what appears as flaws to you will be approved and celebrated by his peers. Again, it might be different if this was aimed at publication, or a grade, but in this case I would reserve your critique unless he specifically asks for it.
answered 10 mins ago
Chris Sunami
26k33198
add a comment |Â
up vote
1
down vote
up vote
1
down vote
Assuming this isn't a school assignment, subject to a grade, I think your most effective approach right now is just to encourage him in his writing rather than trying to improve it. This is a good time and age to explore his creativity. When he becomes older and starts to have ambitions for his work, he will become more open to suggestions for making it better.
One of the reasons for this advice is that he is likely to have structured writing activities in school. He will be able to learn good writing habits there. Writing on his own at home is a good sign, and should be encouraged as a fun activity rather than a duty. It is all too easy to discourage a young child's creativity, even when that is not your intention.
It's also worth noting that styles and tastes change from generation to generation. It is possible that what appears as flaws to you will be approved and celebrated by his peers. Again, it might be different if this was aimed at publication, or a grade, but in this case I would reserve your critique unless he specifically asks for it.
answered 10 mins ago
Chris Sunami
26k33198
Assuming this isn't a school assignment, subject to a grade, I think your most effective approach right now is just to encourage him in his writing rather than trying to improve it. This is a good time and age to explore his creativity. When he becomes older and starts to have ambitions for his work, he will become more open to suggestions for making it better.
One of the reasons for this advice is that he is likely to have structured writing activities in school. He will be able to learn good writing habits there. Writing on his own at home is a good sign, and should be encouraged as a fun activity rather than a duty. It is all too easy to discourage a young child's creativity, even when that is not your intention.
It's also worth noting that styles and tastes change from generation to generation. It is possible that what appears as flaws to you will be approved and celebrated by his peers. Again, it might be different if this was aimed at publication, or a grade, but in this case I would reserve your critique unless he specifically asks for it.
answered 10 mins ago
Chris Sunami
26k33198
answered 10 mins ago
Chris Sunami
26k33198
answered 10 mins ago
Chris Sunami
26k33198
answered 10 mins ago
Chris Sunami
26k33198
26k33198
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Ali_Habeeb is a new contributor. Be nice, and check out our Code of Conduct.
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When you say "mistakes" are you talking about spelling and grammar? or character and plot?
– wetcircuit
1 hour ago
@wetcircuit some of the first two, a lot of the others. However, ideas were well put in separate paragraphs, and I felt he has got the whole idea.
– Ali_Habeeb
1 hour ago
1
I think mistakes is also a bit of a harse assessment. It is his first writing. of course things will not turn out perfect. If he takes your criticism the wrong way you are either telling him the wrong things to motivate him or he needs to be shown things can be written differently. I cannot imagine him having read any hard literature at that age (maybe i am wrong though) but an introduction to reading is a good start if he wants to learn how to write. But then again he might just only look for some attention.
– Totumus Maximus
51 mins ago