Ready for School gives writing development tips pt. II

Parents, you can make a huge difference in helping your young child get ready for school. Set aside a few minutes through the week to have fun with the following activities. Together we build school success!

"Write On! Part 2"

Help your child understand the purpose for writing by talking aloud as you write:
- a grocery list
- a reminder note
- copy a recipe
- a note to school or daycare
- a greeting card message

Make or buy a note pad with your child's name on it. You can make your child's name on a pad of paper by purchasing ready made name stickers or letter stickers.

Help your child make a simple book:
- Fold or staple a few pages of paper together.
- Ask your child to tell a story with pictures.
- Print your child's story at the bottom of the page or pages as they tell it to you.
Help your child to make signs or labels for his or her room/sleeping area or to label personal things.

Acknowledge your child's attempts to write using scribbles and letter like forms:
- Ask your child to read what they have written.
- React positively to the message by acknowledging what it says.
- Show how you write the very same message, near your child's writing.
Show your child you know they understand why people write. Show them how you, as an adult, use writing in your everyday life. Over time you will see your child's writing look more and more recognizable!

Information in this column is adapted from "Getting Kids Ready for Kindergarten" published by Early Childhood & Family Services. It's available online at the following url: http://mpls.k12.mn.us/School_Readiness.html

ECFE is Early Childhood Family Education, a program within Minneapolis Public Schools. This issue (June'04) features our final article for the school year. Look for Fall '04 ECFE class information in your mail and/or at your library around mid-July. For more information find ECFE online at: http://ecfe.mpls.k12.mn.us or call 612-668-3927. Have a good Summer!