Little thread on activities for children (Reading & Writing)

1/ All children are images of God (i.e. creators). Deep down they want to create their own stories and receive recognition for it, but nobody asks them. https://twitter.com/oldergod/status/1247261218991222786
2/ Between reading & writing, the key of creativity is in writing. I've noticed that children who become good writers, from a young age, also become good readers & tough judges of books. Conversely, avid readers don't always pick up vocabulary or learn how to express themselves.
3/ I've seen this working miracles: task to write a creative piece every day. Kid uses imagination to chose topic + genre (essay, poem, story, dialogue, news article etc) with 1 condition, to use at least 2-3 given "difficult" words (to build vocabulary and habit of writing).
4/ "But... I don't have any idea!" the child may complain.

Unlike school that bans copying, children should be encouraged to read books with the sole purpose of stealing vocabulary, ideas & expressions in order to adapt them to their own stories.
5/ Greek theatre = product of awarding originality

Sophocles won #1 prize at the Festival of Dionysus 18 times.

The goal of one creative writing exercise per day is that, in time, it occupies the mind of the child. It strives to find original ideas to impress tutor/parent.
6/ On reading, I'd suggest classic stories with strong moral message.

Comes with a catch, children in the long term should memorise certain key authentic quotes from the text. It sends a signal of the level of seriousness of those texts.
7/ If a child memorises some important quotes from New Testament, some from Plato, some from Homer, those ideas will resonate during the hardest times of their life. It's a very old practice and I can't stress enough how important this is, and in how many levels.
8/ Chilon of Sparta, one of the The Seven Sages, summarised the essence of classic writing

Σοφόν το σαφές
Wise is what is clear [lucid]

The child, like a painter, makes a clear definition of the form [nuance] & add expressions [verbalism] on top. Not the other way around.
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