Suggestions to Encourage Writing at Home
Children�s literature is critical in early writing stages. Research has
confirmed that the kind of reading materials children are exposed to
directly affects children�s writing. Read daily to your child, model reading
in your home, provide a variety of books for your child to browse through.
Point out the print in the environment,e.g. stop signs, trucks,
advertisements.
Give your child plenty of opportunities to write by helping you make
grocery lists, write notes, write letters, etc. Even when they are just
scribbling on a piece of paper, they are practicing writing!
Computers are valuable tools to help young children develop and
present their ideas in written form. Let your child use the computer for
typing. Send emails to friends and family members.
Have your child create a picture book based on his/her interests. Initially
this will only include drawings or pictures cut from magazines. Soon
your child can begin labeling the pictures.
Provide a special place for your child to write with a small table or desk,
an easel-type blackboard or white board and a bulletin board for
displaying writing materials. Provide plenty of materials for writing such
as scrap paper, note cards, used greeting cards, little notebooks,
envelopes, pencils, markers and crayons would provide an excellent
environment for children to experiment with writing.
Respond positively to the message in your child writing. Do not focus on
letter formation or spelling. Once your child begins writing, encourage
him/her to spell words by using letters and sounds.Celebrate children's
efforts and encourage them to have- a -go at writing.
Write messages for your child. Include a simple message in your child's
lunchbox,e.g, I love you! Have a good lunch.
