Start with about 10 Chinese symbols at a time when teaching kids to write characters. To become fluent, a person needs to learn approximately 4,000 to 5,000 symbols, but try not to overload kids with too many at once.
Write out the Chinese symbols on flash cards and write the English equivalent and phonetic pronunciation on the back. Use these cards to help the kids get to know the Chinese symbols and to practice writing them out themselves. Just copying the symbols can help them learn each word, phrase or concept.
Encourage the kids to visualize what the symbol represents as they practice with the flashcards and writing out each symbol. A mental image will help the kids commit the symbols to memory.
Use workbooks that are made just for kids to learn simple Chinese symbols. Chinese Child Book offers featured books that can help the kids learn Chinese symbols faster and more effectively.
Add online activities to each lesson with the kids. Again, Chinese Child Book features activities with Chinese characters made just for kids, as does China Family Adventure. With these activities and your guidance and encouragement, the kids will be excellent at writing simple Chinese symbols in no time.