B A C K-T O-S C H O O L
RAISING WRITERS Written by Melody Wallace
As technology continues to make a bigger impact in our world, the way our children learn continues to change. Regardless of how much technology evolves, it is still our job to teach the value and importance of the timeless skills of reading and writing. We may find our little ones typing and texting on cell phones and tablets, but our children still need to learn how to properly hold a pencil and form words. No high score on any video game will ever bring them the same pride and satisfaction as writing their letters or their name for the first time. Here are some ways to keep the excitement in writing, regardless of your child’s age. NOT JUST WORDS AND PICTURES We often want to separate the concepts of reading and writing, when, in reality, one could not exist without the other. The reason that we read to our children and expose them to a wide variety of texts, is so they may absorb thousands of new
a story with crayons and paper based on
can also be used with supervision). Include
what you have just read. Allow them to be
letter flash cards, small picture books,
as creative as they choose, spelling and
etc. for children to use as guides to form
drawing whatever their mind creates.
letters. Ask them to create letters based on their favorite characters. Ex. What
Older ones: Print off old family photos or
letter does Moana begin with?
unique images from the internet that your child can use to inspire story writing. Ask
Older ones: Construct a writing supply
them to imagine their own story events
area
based on the photo. If they choose a family
calligraphy pens, patterned papers, and
photo, e.g. grandparents’ wedding day or
sticky notes. Encourage your child to
a picture in uniform, encourage them to
design their name, passions, and hobbies
share their story with that family member.
using different materials. (They can
with
markers,
colored
pens,
always use the internet for inspiration in NOT JUST PEN AND PAPER
different lettering styles and techniques.)
It is important that children see writing as much more than painstaking sentences
NOT JUST FUN AND GAMES
words to put in their brain’s vocabulary
made using pencil and paper. By ensuring
Letter recognition is one of the key
bank. These texts also model different
that there are a variety of different
building blocks to reading and writing
sentence structures and teach children
materials available, children can explore
literacy. As children learn to recognize
how to think critically and develop their
and discover their own writing style.
what letters look and sound like they begin to transfer those skills into writing.
own concepts and ideas for writing. Younger ones: Create an indoor/outdoor
Board games are an excellent way to
Younger ones: Read a picture book or
writing supply area with play dough,
spend valuable time with your child while
storybook with your child, or have them
paintbrushes with water, and sidewalk
fostering important literacy skills.
“read” it independently. Have them “write”
chalk. (Finger paint and shaving cream
Younger ones: Have them shake up the August // September 2022 . OWENSBORO PARENT
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