Bringing the outdoors in, especially during
cooler months or the rainy season, is a great way to encourage writing in
toddlers and babies. A box of sand,
available at most craft stores, can provide hours of fun and enjoyment. To encourage literacy in beginning learners,
try tracing letters of the alphabet in the sand. 
You can also add a few stuff
animals and play pretend. Telling stories strengthens the oral and written communication link, encourages role
play, and unlocks the creativity in every child. Having children see you take
pen to paper raises their curiosity. When you have established a routine,
invite your child to join the party. Give her a piece of paper and something to
write with, preferably a utensil designed for children, and watch her work her
magic. Place the creation on the refrigerator, on a wall, in an inexpensive
frame, or on a door. Celebrate her. Celebrate her creation. Make a big deal about it. You can alternate
the creations, change themes according to seasons and holidays, or focus on
their favorite animal, cartoon character, etc.
No matter the time of day, you
can implement writing fun into her world.
For instance, you can write in the fogged mirror in the bathroom during bath
time, trace letters in bath bubbles, you can use foam letters to spell out her
name and let it remain suctioned to the tub, and recreate a scene from a movie
she found particularly funny or from her favorite show
using squeeze toys. Regardless of the
time – drive time, laundry time, nap time – establishing a routine that
includes activities that highlight the importance of
writing will be very beneficial for parents and caregivers.
Of course, playing outside in the sand is ideal, but it isn’t always feasible.
Activity
Infant
Finger Drawing: Scribbling and Drawing
Finger paints aren’t the only way to
finger draw. All sorts of unusual “media” are perfect for finger drawing. Among
them are dry rice, water, whipped cream, pudding, sand, play dough, and flour
or cornmeal. Recipes for infant-safe, homemade “finger paints” can be found on
the Web by searching homemade finger
paints.
● Find a place to do
finger-drawing activities with your baby. “Finger painting” with whipped
topping, pudding, or other foods can be done on a clean highchair tray. Try
finger painting in the bathtub before your child’s bath. “Painting” the
sidewalk, deck, or other outdoor surface with water dripping from your child’s
fingers is fun and easy. And there’s no need to clean up afterwards! A box with
low sides can be a makeshift sandbox. Try filling it with flour or cornmeal
instead of sand. ● Show your child how to use his fingers to “draw” by you
making different types of marks and scribbles. Let your own enjoyment show! If
you show you like the activity, chances are he will like it too! ● Show your
child he did well by smiling and commenting on his efforts and successes. A
little praise will go a long way in keeping your child playing. Try not to
overdo it! To read additional ways to enjoy finger drawing with your infant, go
to
Activities
To read about the Center
for Early Literacy Learning, go to http://www.earlyliteracylearning.org/cellnotes/CELLnotes_v6n1.pdf
Resources
Download Podcasts and audio of videos that depict infants and toddlers engaging in a variety of learning activities and games. http://www.earlyliteracylearning.org/cellcast_inf_parent1.php
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