Three years ago at MOPS I heard a speaker give a talk on emerging literacy for preschoolers. She gave us tons of great tips and advice on how to develop a love for reading and writing at an early age. Long before our kids could ever, you know, actually read or write.
One of her ideas that I’ve used with Max on a regular basis is writing stories with him. Even before he could talk in complete sentences, I’d ask him to write a story with me after we did something special (like go to a new park or visit the fire station, etc)
We’d sit down at the table and I’d say, “Max, tell Mommy about your favorite part”. I’d write whatever he said on a page in a notebook and then I’d ask him to draw something below the story.
Most of the drawings have been scribbles (even now as a 5 year old they’re not always what I’d expect them to look like…but he is a boy and all his drawings are action-packed with superheros and things that shoot, erupt, blow, explode or go POW!).
Doing this activity has been great for him. I think it has helped him in his speech development and he is a good storyteller and loves listening to other people tell stories.
Now, I hope you’re not picturing us all cozy around the kitchen table for anything longer than 5-7 minutes. Max is very active and has a short attention span. He’s not reading/writing on his own yet, but the story writing continues to be a favorite activity for us. And it’s so much fun to look back and read ones from the past few years.
I thought I’d share one of his stories with you. Here’s a recent one that he wrote about Halloween. Instead of asking him to draw a picture I asked him to make the ghosts and pumpkins out of play-doh and act out the story. It was hilarious! Before you read this (click on the pic for a larger view), I have to warn you that the story does not have a happy ending for Mr. Pumpkin.
Writing stories with preschoolers works for me! Got any ideas to share? Join the carnival fun at Works For Me Wednesday (hosted by Rocks In My Dryer)
I am telling you…Max and Little Miss would be quite the pair! You should hear the stories she comes up with!
HA!!! I slid in there right before you! (seriously, not that it’s a competition – cause you beat me every week) But I thought it was fun that we are right there together!
Oh, and by the way, I LOVE your tip. I was at that very same MOPS meeting, and I used to be a teacher . . . and I’m afraid my six year old couldn’t write a story that well! Hmmm – I’m feeling a bit slackerish now . . . but this would be a great thing to do with our new kids, huh?!?
as a pedi ot, i totally agree! good job!
Great idea! we have made a few of these books!
My mom did this with me when I was Max’s age (and younger). And it worked, as you can see. I guess those little books were basically My First Blog. Tee hee.
I love this tip!!! my GeekBoy (6 yrs old) makes his own “books” periodically, usually having something to do with star wars. But this is a great way to get all three of them (ds6, dd4, and ds2) to remember what they’d learned or experienced. Almost like lapbooking, which is something I’ve been trying to wrap my head around in our home school this year. Thanks for the idea!!!
My son (5) has recently asked to make a book. He’s also not writing yet, and I’ve been trying to think of a logical way to do one. This is a perfect idea. Thanks for sharing.
Yup–an all boy story! It’s a great idea. Thanks.
Found your blog via WFMW. Glad I did.
What a great idea! I love it, and I’m pretty sure my boys will love it too!
Thanks!
Too bad for Mr. Pumpkin, but great idea!!
I think you might have our next Stephen King on your hands. LOL
What a fabulous idea. And how fun to look back on those in years to come!
What a fun keepsake from their childhood! I love this idea and am going to try it with my son, as well. Thanks!
What a great idea! I am always wishing I wrote down more of what my sons say. I also love the keepsake value of this! Way to go