5 Easy Ways to Support Writing Development
Writing! While we talk a lot about reading, writing is really important, too! Reading and writing are reciprocal processes, and for some readers, writing is the pathway too skilled reading. Below are five ways you can model writing as a communication tool.
❤️ Have a family message board
Use the message board as a way to model writing as a form of communication. You can:
Encourage your child to watch adults leave messages for one another.
Read those messages aloud in your child's presence.
Write messages to your child on the board. For example, on the day that you are going to visit a grandma or grandpa, you could write "Today we are going to Gigi's house!" and show your child the message over breakfast.
📝 Make lists
Make grocery lists! Make a list of the things you are going to do in a day!
📆 Make a calendar
Record special events on the calendar! At the end of each day, talk about what your child did. Let him or her dictate what he or she wishes you to record for the day. At the end of each month you have a written record of your month!
✍🏾 Write notes
Writing notes, such as thank you notes and letters/postcards to friends, cousins, grandparents, teachers, etc., is an important way to communicate the importance of writing as a communication tool.
📖 Make a small book about a recent experience
Stack two or three pieces of paper, fold them in half, and staple the edge. Then create your own book using an experience the child has had. These can become powerful motivators for reading and they don’t have to be complicated! For example, after a birthday party, you may wish to write about and illustrate the guests. "I went to Mila’s birthday party."
Suggestions modified from Ready for Reading: A Handbook for Parents of Preschoolers, by A. Bishop, R.H. Yopp, H.K. Yopp, 2000 edition, p. 37-39.
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