Writing develops in stages. First, children use scribbles. Then, as they become aware of letters in their environment, their scribbles will take on letter-like forms. Later, they will begin to insert known letters into their writing. Finally, they will intentionally use letters to represent sounds.
Writing develops in stages. First, children use scribbles. Then, as they become aware of letters in their environment, their scribbles will take on letter-like forms. Later, they will begin to insert known letters into their writing. Finally, they will intentionally use letters to represent sounds.
Kindergarteners will have many opportunities to write in centers, in journals, and on calendars. They will be expected to gather and organize information and ideas to write stories. They will learn to write in different forms, such as imaginative and personal stories, labels, lists, and poetry.
Cut out pictures of items from store advertisements to make a shopping list. Have your child glue the pictures onto a large piece of paper, leaving room to write the name of the object next to it. Your child may use “kid writing,” which may just be scribbles. Keep in mind the developmental stages of writing. It is okay if your child uses scribbles in place of letters. Use the list on your next shopping trip. Let your child know how the list will be used: just for fun, to take to the store, or as a wish list.
Download Printable Activity Card
Bunny Cakes by Rosemary Wells. It's kitchen chaos when two bunnies bake a cake for Grandma's birthday.
The Jolly Postman by Allan Ahlberg. A jolly postman delivers letters to several famous fairy-tale characters.
Dear Mrs. La Rue: Letters From Obedience School by Mark Teague. Gertrude LaRue receives letters from her dog Ike, who wants to come back home.