Write! Write! Write!

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Show toddlers that writing is an important activity by letting them see you write. Talk with them about what you are doing as you write notes or emails, make lists, or write their names. Here are a few ideas to get toddlers “writing.”

• Create a cardboard box “mailbox” for your setting.
  • Ask family members to save clean envelopes and greeting cards.
  • Print out stickers with children’s and family members’ names on them.
  • Encourage toddlers to draw, write, or dictate a note to a family member or friend.
  • Help them put the note in an envelope and place a name sticker on the front. Then “mail” it in the cardboard mailbox.
  • Prompt family members to pick up their mail. Encourage them to drop a return note into the mailbox.
  • Be mindful of the amount of mail toddlers get and also ensure that all toddlers get mail. If one toddler is getting much more mail than others, you can talk to family members. If one toddler is not getting any mail, you can write to her or ask other teachers or children to write her a letter.
• Make signs together for your environment. Label learning areas, shelves, containers, or artwork. Use the home languages of all children in your setting. Encourage toddlers to help you stamp letters, color in outlined letters, hold your hand as you write letters, or draw a picture on the label.

Arrange writing materials and be available to support older toddlers’ pretend play and explorations such as writing a shopping list for a pretend store or a menu for a restaurant.