World Book Day
Every child is an artist, and everyone has a story to tell.
What do I mean by that statement?
There is a powerful connection between children and adults by focusing on expression as a shared human need.
Children often tell stories through artwork, pictures, drawings and creativity. Before they fully develop writing skills, images become their language. A drawing can show happiness, fear, imagination, or experiences that may be difficult for them to explain in words. For children, art is not just drawing, it is communication.
Adults, on the other hand, tend to express their stories through the written word. Journals, essays, emails, reports, and even messages on social media, which become outlets for thoughts, feelings, and reflections. Writing creates the ability to organize ideas, process emotions, and share experiences with others.
Although the forms are different, – pictures for children and written language for adults – the purpose is the same. Both are important ways of getting thoughts out of our heads and into the world. Expression helps us understand ourselves and helps others understand us. It supports emotional wellbeing, creativity, and connection.
I have always enjoyed the time I spent in schools with my creative writing workshops, encouraging the children to think of – and incorporate – the five senses into their stories. One form of expression does not replace the other; instead, they complement each other. Even adults benefit from creative expression through art, just as children gradually benefit from developing writing skills.
My own view is that storytelling is natural to all humans, regardless of age. The method changes as our abilities develop, but the need remains the same. When schools recognize and respect different ways of expression, they create a more inclusive environment where every student can share their voice. Encouraging both art and writing shows students that their thoughts matter, whether expressed through colour, shape, or carefully chosen words.
I recall something which I read in a book recently. Every day, as adults our paths will cross with those who have done amazing things, been through trials and difficulties but survived. They may feel in some areas they truly messed up, perhaps have regrets. As they say, hindsight is a wonderful thing. Whatever, I truly believe whether it be the young child who needs to express themselves through their artwork, or the adult who needs to find freedom and expression from their writing, it is equally important to encourage our creativity.
And have you thought of the absolute joy when that small child explains their drawing. Something that quite literally looks like a scribbled image is so meaningful to them. Yes, they know every aspect of their artwork and explain it with clarity, probably wondering why we don’t recognise what is so obvious to them.
I kept journals for many years, and it is fascinating to reflect, and one notable point is that we forget so much. My studying tells me that the brain only remembers a small fraction of facts, and some studies suggest within an hour we will have forgotten 50% of new learning. That said, when reading those journals, we will certainly surprise ourselves.
As for me the most fascinating memories are those of my many visits to Mexico and the inevitable statement, ‘I can’t believe I did that.’ Wow!
On that note many celebrated World Book Day this week, and what a joy it was to see all the school children dressed as their favourite characters.
As for me my favourite writer has to be CS Lewis with good old Enid Blyton next. How I loved those stories as a child, and always rushed to watch The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe on TV.
My thought today is, explore your creativity and write your story. There will always be someone, somewhere who needs to hear it.
Chat soon.
Anna
