Stories All Around Us!

What does the adult see ? What does a child see?

To those who lament that they don't know what to write about, here is the reassuring proof. Stories are all around us. We just need to look, then, set our mind free.

Use the Correct Word

Use the Correct Word

When speaking with a young child we have this urge to “baby talk”, substitute words or even fracture grammar just to simplify matters.

My advice is to resist the urge.

It is always good to speak in proper sentences and use the correct words. Children have the innate ability to learn and absorb all that we share with them.

I became aware of this many years ago while travelling along Orchard Road in the presence of my three year old nephew. It was the Christmas season with the streets and fronts of buildings brightly decorated.

I happened to remark, “Centrepoint has a beautiful façade.”

A few days later, while navigating another stretch of road, the same nephew – all three years of him – spontaneously blurted out while pointing excitedly, “Look! That building has a beautiful façade.”

And he was spot-on accurate!

A Child’s Mind

A child’s mind is a fertile ground and a very active place. It is alive and on fire with thoughts, imaginations, arguments, fantasies, fears.....

The challenge is in helping children find positive outlets to this myriad mixture without extinguishing the fire. As adults we can be the catalyst to inspire them in their hands-on quest to learn, explore, experiment and create.

What children enjoy most is the act of doing things. They blossom to their full potential when they are surrounded by a sense of joy, wonder, spontaneity and freedom. When they are given trust and encouragement!

Let us be mindful in providing children with an environment where their thoughts are respected and their voices heard loud and clear.

R Chandran is founder-director of ACT 3 Theatrics, established in July 1984, as a children-driven professional theatre company.