Words & Language: Activity 5

Benefits for Your Child:

• Understands that print conveys meaning
• Expresses self through writing
• Recognizes that print is all around

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.

Kindergarten Connection

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.

Activity: Shopping List

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.

More Ideas:

• Review the store advertisements with your child. Discuss which items you will be buying at the store. You may want to circle the items you wish to buy. Have your child make the list as above, then use it at the store. Your child can also check off items as you shop.
• Have your child make a menu for a favorite meal.
• Make a list of friends to invite over to play.

Tips:

• Encourage your child to draw a picture to go with the writing and to read it to you.
• If your child is already writing and has some letter or sound correspondence, assist him/her by saying words s-l-o-w-l-y, emphasizing each sound, and remembering that your child will use “kid writing.”