Instructions

Things you'll need:

• Paper
• Pencils
• Crayons
• Pens
• Markers
• Chalkboard/chalk

1. Make writing materials readily accessible to your child, so that they are available during her playtime activities. You can provide large or small notebooks, blank white paper, lined paper, note pads, a blackboard, envelopes, and so on. Writing utensils can include pens, pencils, markers, chalk, and crayons. Have your child help you set up her writing station.
2. Explain and demonstrate to your child how she can pretend to write by making scribbling marks in a left to right direction. Emphasize that it does not matter if she cannot write words. When you demonstrate, " read" aloud what you are writing.
3. Ask your child how she can use her writing materials. If she is having trouble thinking of ideas, think about what she typically likes to play, and suggest ideas about how she can use the materials. For example, if she likes to play restaurant, she can use a notebook and pencil to take meal orders. If she enjoys playing school, she can write " assignments" on the blackboard, or pretend to correct students' papers.

Tips

• By providing a variety of materials, you will notice that your child will experiment with different writing styles. For example, on plain white paper, your child's writing may be larger, and less structured. In a small, lined notebook, she may try to keep her writing on the lines. You may notice that her letters are block-like in style when using crayons, and mimic cursive writing when using pens.
• For your child's safety (and for the safety of your walls) provide writing utensils that are appropriate for your child's ability and maturity level. If you are uncertain about what she can handle, provide writing utensils such as pens and pencils when you are available to observe her directly.

Some other great resources:

• Developing writing skills in children.
• Preschool language & literacy development - writing.