Deschutes Public Library

Reading and writing are both forms of communication. Encouraging your child to write, even if it’s scribbles, helps them learn print awareness, an understanding of the importance of print and an early literacy skill needed to learn to read.

What can you do?

• Make up your own version of a simple story with your child. Have the child draw the pictures and you write the words. Put it together and create a book, written and illustrated by the two of you!
• Ask your child to write out 3 items to get at the grocery store. Scribbles and nonsense letters are fine; just remember what they’re supposed to mean. Help them locate those print words at the store. “Look, there’s the word ‘apples’ just like you wrote on your list.”
• Encourage creative writing, with sidewalk chalk, washable markers, or crayons.
• If a child has a favorite subject, such as horses, help them learn to write words related to it, such as saddle, hoof, or cowgirl.
• Ask your child to print place cards or menus for special dinners.