Learning to read and write

Many times parents come to me wanting their 3-5 year old to learn to write their name. Usually they are unhappy when I tell them we don't do "writing" exercises. Is learning to write your name important? Yes. First we must remember that children are born to learn. They especially love to do things that adults do. So here are some tips to help children learn to write while keeping their love of learning.
1. Read to them. Point out the author and illustrator and point to the words as you read. Don't be afraid to add funny voices or let children tell you the story they see in the pictures.
2. Read in front of them. Talk about what you are reading with them.
3. Point out signs and symbols in the environment.
4. Tell stories and encourage them to tell you stories.
5. Provide plenty of fine motor skill activities such as
a. playdough
b. scissors
c. lots of writing materials such as crayons, pencils, markers and paints
d. paper of all types, scrap paper is great for this or cheap computer paper.
6. Talk about what they are drawing, ask if you can write their story on the paper for them
7. Have them write their name their way even if it is scribbling, scribbling is the first step to writing. Ask if you can now write it your way.
8. Make writing games that involve real world activities. Some that have worked well for me are making pirate maps or cut paper up in to squares staple together for books. Many times children who won't touch crayons and paper will dig right in to making their own book.

Remember children begin learning language at birth. The more you talk to them the more language they learn and this will expand into other language skills.

Must have authors

There are so many books out there that are great. But some stick out for their timelessness -

1. Any thing by Dr. Suess although I find 3-4 year olds prefer books such as A Wocket in my Pocket and I Don't Want to Get Up Today.
2. Anything by P.D. Eastman. Some of our favorites are The Best Nest and Go, Dog, Go.
3. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.
4. Any thing by Bill Martin, Jr. and/or Eric Carle. The all time favorite though is Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? which I made paper puppets for and they really enjoy telling the story themselves.

I know that there are many more wonderful books out there please feel free to comment and leave your own favorites.