Writing

Does your child:	Yes	Not Yet
...attempt to write her/his name?
...like to write alphabet letters?
...have a collection of paper, pencils, and crayons?
...like to receive notes from you and others?
...ask you to write words or notes to people?
...have a chalkboard with chalk or a magnetic board with magnetic letters?
...attempt to invent her/his own spelling while writing?
...write stories?
...see you writing (e.g., notes, recipes, lists, letters, reminders)?

Writing Tips

To become skilled, lifelong writers, children need encouragement and support as they begin the writing process. They'll play at writing, like they play at reading. Ask them to read what they've written. Children go through various stages of writing development. These stages include scribbling, drawing pictures, and pretend writing.

Parents can help this process by:

Providing materials (e.g., crayons, pencils, paper) and a space for writing.
Focusing on what your child can do.
Having a place to display your child's writing efforts.
Watching your child as she/ he writes.
Answering your child's questions about writing.
Accepting trial and error (e.g., scribbles, pictures, alphabet soup).
Making signs to Ilabel objects in your child's room or other rooms in the house.
Letting your child see you write.
Encouraging your child
Providing magnetic letters for your child to practice forming her/ his name and words she/ he want to know.
Encouraging your child to invent her! his own spelling for words (e.g., shopping lists, reminder notes, messages, signs, stories).

Special Note:

Remember to respond to the message and content of what your child is writing about, not how it looks on the surface. Writing is not just copying. By providing opportunities to write as part of your daily family routine, you will keep your child interested and excited about writing.

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Writing

Writing Tips