Writing+stories

Writing stories at home with young children.


 * //Reading and writing support each other. The more your child does of each, the better he/she will be at both.

Writing well takes lots of practice, so make sure your child doesn't get discouraged too easily. Give him/her plenty of opportunities to practice so that he/she has the opportunity to improve.

A rich language environment is the foundation for good writing. Word games and activities that build vocabulary are fun for families.

Checking your child's homework for spelling and punctuation errors will reinforce the skills your child is learning at school.

Writing is practical, is a form of communication and can be an important outlet to express feelings.//**

__Before getting started__
 * Provide a place to write that has good lighting.**
 * Provide the materials.**
 * Brainstorm about ideas, impressions, people and events.**

__What you Need__ __Activities for young children__
 * Pencils, crayons, or markers and dictionaries
 * Yarn or ribbon and kid stationery
 * Writing paper or notebook and shopping lists
 * Cardboard or heavy paper also construction paper
 * Safety scissors and a journal
 * Keep all these items in a box, such as a plastic tote box, and label it 'MY WRITING BOX".
 * Encourage the child to draw and discuss the drawings.
 * Ask your child to tell you simple stories as you write them down.
 * Encourage your child to write her name and point out the letters when you see them in other places.
 * Use games to help with vocabulary and spelling.
 * Turn your child's writing into books using construction paper, cardboard and ribbon.
 * Write lists such a grocery lists and go shopping.
 * Write thank you notes and letters to Grandparents.
 * Write a picture story with sentences at the top and a picture at the bottom of a piece of paper.
 * Older children can be a newspaper reporter and write an article using "Who, What, Where, When, and Why".
 * Encourage keeping a journal. This is excellent writing practice as well as a good outlet for venting.
 * Hang a family message board in the kitchen and write notes to family members.
 * Encourage your child to read her stories out loud. Wordless picture books allow children to make up original stories.
 * Make posters and signs for birthdays, welcomes, congratulations, etc.