Caregivers can create opportunities for reading and writing in daily life to help children connect written words with meaning. Preschoolers love to scribble on paper with crayons, markers, pencils, or anything available. These scribbles are a form of expression. They may very well represent a story your child wants to tell. Encourage them to look at their scribbles and tell you about them. Ask them to explain the story to you. As your child tells you the story, write down what they say next to the scribbles. Then, read the story back to them and offer praise for their efforts. Find ways to preserve and display their writing. Post them on the refrigerator, bulletin board or picture album. Here are some other ways in which you can encourage your budding author:
* Be sure to have writing materials such as pencils, markers, crayons and paper. Any type of paper will do.
* Magnetic letters on the refrigerator or chalkboard is another way to experiment with words.
* Create a personal word dictionary. Help your child write a letter of the alphabet at the top of every page in a notebook. Put pictures of familiar objects on the pages (that begin with that letter) and help your child write the corresponding words. This is a great way for them to learn names of family members and much loved objects,
* Send your child little notes. Place them in their pocket, lunch box, or pillow. If your child isn't reading yet, read the notes for them. Encourage family members to do the same.
If you pay attention, you will see opportunities everywhere to encourage your child to read and write. Give them lots of opportunities to write and they will begin to make the connection between reading and writing.
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