The National Story Writing Competition 2013 – Parent-Child Creative Activity

Dr Liu May (far right) with young participants proudly displaying their work

On 9 November 2013, the Singapore Centre for Chinese Language (SCCL) co-organized a "Parent-Child Creative Activity" with the Singapore Zoo and Wildlife Reserves Singapore Group. Held in conjunction with the National Story Writing Competition 2013 organized by the SCCL, the activity aimed to enhance parent-child interactions and stimulate creative writing.

The event sparked off with a sharing session by Ms. Ong Peiying of the Singapore Zoo. Her stories of animals and ecology fascinated both the parents and children alike. The audience was further aroused by Dr. Ng Tai Cheen, SCCL lecturer, when she presented her published works, Stories of the Singapore Zoo 2 and Stories of Jurong Bird Park. Amused by Dr. Ng's humorous presentation, the children could not wait to get their hands on these wonderful story books and bring them home. They also demonstrated their eagerness to illustrate their imaginations. Another highlight was a sharing session by SCCL Deputy Executive Director Dr. Tan Chee Lay on using creative writing techniques to map out an intriguing story. Enthralled by Dr Tan's talk and equipped with useful story-writing techniques, the audience was ready to come up with their own stories while embarking on a mysterious journey through the tropical rainforest accompanied by professional guides of the Singapore Zoo.

Overflowing with fun, this writing workshop at the zoo was definitely educational at its peak. As each team returned from their wildlife adventure, children plunged in to display their wild imaginations creating beautiful pictures, with their parents by their side interacting with them, trying to interpret their drawings in the form of written compositions. SCCL Senior Lecturer Dr. Liu May shared with the parents interactive communication skills so as to help them to guide their children to come up with interesting stories. The participants were totally engaged in the process and were all appreciative of this meaningful platform to encourage parent-child interactions.

The Parent-Child Creative Activity marked the commencement of the National Story Writing Competition 2013.

Participants are invited to unleash their talents in creative writings and send in their entries via the event website at Chinesehub.sccl.sg.