Learning to Write

When does a child learn to write?  Does a child need to know how to read before they can write? Do they need to develop fine motor skills before they can be expected to write?

Learning to write is a process that involves more than knowing how to put letters on paper. Think about how your child has learned to talk. They began with repeated syllables (da-da, ma-ma, ba-ba, etc) and gradually moved up to complete words and then sentences. Writing skills can evolve in much the same way. Today’s scribbles are tomorrow’s printed words and sentences.

To help your child’s writing skills develop, make print a part of their environment. For example, explain why you need to make a grocery list, and give your child the materials to make their own. Make sure you bring both lists to the grocery store!  Perhaps you need to leave a note for another family member - encourage your child to write their own note. Help your child make their own greeting cards. We all know they are treasured far more than those purchased from a store! Have plenty of paper and writing materials around for your child to use. It may look like scribbles, but it’s the beginning of print.

When you are reading a book, use your finger to underline the words as you read. Every now and then show your child a period, and explain that it marks the end of the sentence. Show them a question mark and exclamation point and explain their functions.

At pre-school we use forms, cards and envelopes from “junk mail” that otherwise might be thrown away (or recycled) in our writing center for the children to write and send mail. Use your own excess paper as supplies for your child’s emerging writing skills. Don’t recycle all your old phone books - give one to your child for their pretend house or office.

Remember that print contains upper-case and lower-case letters. When your child prints their name please encourage them to use upper-case for the first letter, followed by lower case letters.