While I often recommend books for beginning readers, I want to be sure to mention a few activities for those same children - who are also beginning writers. Giving young children 'real' reasons to write is the perfect motivation for them to practice their developing skills.
To begin, know that any time you write down your child's words (while they watch) is a teachable moment. As I said in my 'Take Note' post, when you record your child's words you create an opportunity for them to reflect on their ideas and make choices regarding their communication.
Activity #1 -
Around the age of 4, you can introduce your child to your family's weekly grocery shopping list. Early on, I told my boys that if they wrote a food item on the list - I would buy it. While there was a period of adjustment (if you write down 'OREOS'- you get one pack of Oreos. If you write '5 Packs of OREOS' - you get one pack of Oreos). Now that they are older, I often ask my boys to help create the entire list. I call out the items we need as I peek in the fridge, cupboards, freezer. My youngest records the items.
To begin, know that any time you write down your child's words (while they watch) is a teachable moment. As I said in my 'Take Note' post, when you record your child's words you create an opportunity for them to reflect on their ideas and make choices regarding their communication.
Activity #1 -
Around the age of 4, you can introduce your child to your family's weekly grocery shopping list. Early on, I told my boys that if they wrote a food item on the list - I would buy it. While there was a period of adjustment (if you write down 'OREOS'- you get one pack of Oreos. If you write '5 Packs of OREOS' - you get one pack of Oreos). Now that they are older, I often ask my boys to help create the entire list. I call out the items we need as I peek in the fridge, cupboards, freezer. My youngest records the items.
Don't worry about spelling - that skill comes later. 'Guess and Go' is an ideal strategy, as too much attention to 'spelling corrections' can cause young writers to write less, out of fear of 'getting it wrong.' Be sure: Writing more will do more to improve spelling than any specific corrections at this point in your child's development.
Activity #2 -
I try to work with my children to write 'Thank you' notes for almost every occasion. This can be hardcopy or email - this can be through dictation or by their own hand - and (as they get older) this can be together or on their own.
It's helpful to set a few ground rules, so as to plan ahead for those smarties (like my 7 year old) who (if left to his own devices) will print 'Thank you" on the card (and then yell, I'm done!"). We say that a proper thank you card includes the name of the writer and the gift giver. It also includes three different sentences.
Activity #2 -
I try to work with my children to write 'Thank you' notes for almost every occasion. This can be hardcopy or email - this can be through dictation or by their own hand - and (as they get older) this can be together or on their own.
It's helpful to set a few ground rules, so as to plan ahead for those smarties (like my 7 year old) who (if left to his own devices) will print 'Thank you" on the card (and then yell, I'm done!"). We say that a proper thank you card includes the name of the writer and the gift giver. It also includes three different sentences.
While making your own cards is a great activity, pre-made cards still make Grandma smile and still give your beginning writer opportunity to grow.