What Is Early Writing?
A child's ability to write letters from left to right and writing about things they read.
How Can I Teach This At Home?
Playing
1. Make paper and writing utensils easily accessible during your child's play time. This will help encourage them to use the tools if they want to!
2. Incorporate written objects into play time (e.g., if your child is pretending to be a cook, have menus available!).
Reading
1. Read books that feature characters who are learning to write! This will help children learn that they have to start somewhere.
2. Choose books that feature letter writing (including many of the ones on this list!).
3. Have your child read books about different kinds of writing utensils (e.g., pens, pencils, crayons). This will help them become more familiar with the different types of objects they can write with!
4. Read a short story or book. Ask your child, "What was your favorite part of the story? Can you write down your answer or draw a picture of it?".
Singing
1. Write/print out song lyrics you are singing with your child so they can associate the song with the written words on the page!
Talking
1. Talk to your children about their writing (both correct and incorrect) as they are doing a task!
2. When you see signs or written words outside of your home, point them out to your child. This will help them better associate the written words they see frequently (e.g., STOP signs!).
Writing
1. Have your child practice their writing and drawing skills!
2. Have children practice holding writing and drawing tools. Being able to correctly hold these objects is an important skill that children should develop by the time they get to kindergarten - but it takes practice!
Skills Checklist
Where Do I Start?
Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type by Call Number: EASY CRONINISBN: 9780689832130Publication Date: 2000
The One and Only Ivan: Draw Me a Story by Call Number: EASY ONEISBN: 9781368060240Publication Date: 2020
Need More?
The catalog for the Waco-McLennan County Library is available here!
If you want to search for more resources in our catalog in this subject, we suggest you search for the following subject headings:
For more assistance with searching and locating items held by the Waco-McLennan County Library, use our Ask a Librarian feature available on our catalog website or stop in to one of our branches!
The Waco-McLennan County Library provides patrons with access to resources through our Electronic Resources page, which can be found here. Suggested databases are listed below:
Did You Know?
One of the first words children learn to write is their own name - but this skill comes with many other benefits. Learning how to write their name helps children associate letter writing, print concepts, spelling, and alphabet knowledge too!
Online Resources
There are many different online resources for early literacy - and we know it can be overwhelming. The following apps, blogs/newsletters, videos, and websites are some of the materials we would recommend to learn more about early writing!
APPS
BLOGS/NEWSLETTERS
1. Scholastic: 5 Activities to Build Your Child's Writing Skills
2. Scholastic: 6 Ways to Encourage Young Writers
3. Teach Preschool: 6 ways to encourage writing in preschool
VIDEOS
