Early Writing

In her article, "Encouraging Preschoolers' Early Writing Efforts," in the November/December issue of Exchange, Leslie Falconer invites teachers to take a closer look at young children's scribbles...

"Early writing — scribbles, drawing, a child’s first attempts at letters or his  name — develops more than just fine motor skills.  It is a way for children to communicate their thoughts and feelings to others.  Learning about writing — as with reading — begins in infancy.  Before children can sound out letters, or even hold a crayon, they can observe an adult making marks on a notepad or a letter to Grandma.  Children watch their teachers write key words on a large piece of paper as they brainstorm ideas around a theme.  When the adult rereads the idea list, children make the connection that words can be expressed in symbols to be reread later.  For preschool-aged children, dictating words and ideas to an adult teacher — an activity called story dictation — who can then read them back to the children in their own words, can be a very empowering experience.  Inviting children to make creative choices in their storytelling enhances that accomplishment."

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