Here is an introduction to the “Keep Going!” works selected from the October submissions to the monthly calligraphy magazine Keirin.

All the students are writing with great enthusiasm, so we are sharing their efforts one by one.

When parents take a look and recognize the good points,
it gives the children a hundredfold boost of courage and encouragement.

If you can use specific and thoughtful words,
children feel that you truly understand them deep in their hearts.

Here are some examples for your reference:

• “You’re writing so energetically!”

• “So this is the kind of assignment you’re working on lately. I’m glad you showed me.”

• “Which part did you put the most effort into?”

• “What was difficult for you?”

• “You’ve positioned the characters just right in the middle of the paper.”

• “You wrote very carefully.”

• “You’re going to be able to write beautiful characters soon.”

Simply saying “Good job!” or “Well done!”
sometimes doesn’t convey your feelings fully.

I know it may sound like unsolicited advice,
but please tailor your encouragement to fit your family’s relationship and your child’s personality,
so you can send the strongest possible support.

May the calligraphy lessons be truly meaningful.

I am already one of those meddlesome elders,
so I ask for your kind understanding as I share this message.

Wishing you good health during this chilly season.