Learn to Read - Write On

Writing helps a child become a better reader, and reading helps a child become a better writer.

What You'll Need

• Pencils, crayons, or markers
• Paper or notebook
• Chalkboard

What To Do

1. Ask your preschooler to dictate a story to you. It could include descriptions of your outings and activities, along with mementos such as fall leaves, birthday cards, and photographs. Older children can do these activities on their own.
2. Use a chalkboard or a family message board as an exciting way to involve children in writing with a purpose.
3. Keep supplies of paper, pencils, markers, and the like within easy reach.
4. Encourage beginning and developing writers to keep journals and write stories. Ask questions that will help children organize the stories, and respond to their questions about letters and spelling. Suggest they share the activity with a smaller brother, sister, or friend.
5. Respond to the content of children's writing, and don't be overly concerned with misspellings. Over time you can help your child concentrate on learning to spell correctly.

When children begin to write, they run the risk of criticism, and it takes courage to continue. Our job as parents is to help children find the courage. This we can do by expressing our appreciation of their efforts.

Next Activity

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Courtesy of Education Publications Center

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