How can I help my preschooler with her writing skills?

The following articles will give you an idea of the types of skills that very young children should be demonstrating:

• Literacy Milestones: Ages 3-4
• Literacy Milestones: Age 5
• Literacy Milestones: Age 6

Incorporating reading and writing into everyday fun activities, such as reading a recipe and baking together, writing a grocery list, and sending notes to each other, is one of the best ways parents can help develop pre-literacy skills in their very young children. Allow your preschooler to scribble letters without correction, use letter magnets and stamps, and take dictation while she tells you her ideas. In this way, she will discover the joy, power, and practicality of literacy and will be inspired to learn more as she is ready.

The following articles may give you ideas of ways to encourage your child’s writing skills in playful, fun, and developmentally appropriate ways:

• 7 Great Ways to Encourage Your Child’s Writing
• Writing Leads to Reading
• 25 Activities for Reading and Writing Fun
• Written Language: Practical Ideas for Parents
• The Early Years Are Learning Years
• Fun Reading Tips and Activities (opens in a new window)

One of the most valuable gifts that you can give your child is to instill in her a love of reading and writing and a genuine curiosity and desire to learn. She will take this gift with her throughout her lifetime.