How to Write for Children
Children are the world’s most vulnerable people, and the most important investment society can make. Yet despite this recognition, millions of children are denied their rights and deprived of a healthy start in life, an education, a safe home and the essential opportunities that translate into productive and fulfilling adulthood.
A child is any person younger than the age of majority in a given country. It can also refer to an unborn human being or, in some cultures, to a young animal.
In literature, the term is used to represent a male or female between the ages of infancy and puberty. A child can be a main character in a story, or simply an additional or supporting character. Often, children are considered to be more innocent and naive than adults. This can be helpful for writers who want to create a character that seems more sympathetic or relatable.
Writing for children can be a challenge, especially when it comes to conveying their unique personality and worldview. In addition, many children are less able to grasp complex topics or concepts, and they may have trouble following complicated narratives. However, by using an appropriate level of vocabulary and using simple sentence structures, authors can successfully write for children of all ages.
The first step is to research the topic. This can include researching background information, identifying key themes and finding out what children are interested in. Taking the time to read a few different books on the subject can also be a valuable exercise. The second step is to plan the article. Once the outline is complete, it is time to begin writing. Depending on the intended audience, it may be beneficial to use a tool such as MS Word’s Flesch-Kincaid grade level scale to ensure that the article is at the correct reading level.
Once the draft is completed, it is important to read through and edit for clarity and accuracy. It may also be a good idea to show the article to willing family and friends to get their feedback. Finally, it is important to proofread for errors and typos.
Although there has been tremendous progress in reducing preventable deaths and getting more children into school, the world still has much to do to meet its ambitious goal of a better future for every child. The inclusion of a target on ending violence against children in the Sustainable Development Goals is a welcome sign that the global community recognizes the urgent need to do more to protect the world’s most vulnerable.