Early writing skills

I read a great article today in Reading today from the International Reading Association. It reminded me of how important it is, especially in today's digital world, to teach our children to write. Simple, daily writing can easily become a challenge for our children if we do not demonstrate, use, and teach them how to use print. It reminds me of the PBS commercial in which a young boy helps his grandmother make a grocery list for his mother...the boy adds "puppy" to the list. Not only did the child practice his writing skills, but a special family moment was created as his mother read the list at the store and smiled. There is nothing quite like receiving a handwritten thank you note, letter, or birthday message. So many of our children have never experienced this, as it seems to be a lost art. I hope that you will take the time to write a personal note on each of your Christmas cards this year, instead of hastily signing, sealing, and stamping them only to ensure they get out on time. My children, this year, will be helping with our Christmas cards by writing notes and drawing pictures for our loved ones.

Some of the tips included the following (I have shortened/paraphrased/adapted a bit here)

- ensure that writing utensils & paper are readily accessible & in plain view
- print out address labels for vacation post cards, take stamps with you!
- keep your handwritten grocery list where children can see it & add requests
- have children write notes to put in others' lunchboxes & satchels
- label items around your home, let your child help you with this
- write a note to Santa, and thank yous to family members and to Santa for gifts
- make it a habit to send letters to family members: make pen pals out of cousins, grandparents, etc. that live far away.

Great tips! An extra one? My little ones love to help label Christmas gifts and decorate gift wrap. Enjoy, and have a happy and blessed holiday season!

Source of tips: Reading Today, Oct/Nov 2010 published by the International Reading Association - edited and altered for the purpose of this post.