Usually when we speak about English Literacy, we mean Reading Literacy. However, Writing Literacy is important, too. Moreover, Reading and Writing Literacy are closely related to each other, with the skills influencing each other in a bi‐directional manner.

Writing Literacy can start quite young, even in utero. Speaking, reading, and singing to your child before birth prepares them for a journey to Writing Literacy. After your child is born, continue to talk, read, and sing. Once your child is ready, advance to translating the spoken and sung words into written words.

• Read to your child and point to the written words, using books as models of written words. This focuses them on letter shapes and letter sounds.
• Then you can begin to teach them the alphabet and help them discern differences between letters in terms of look and sound.
• At the same time, give children writing instruments such as crayons and the appropriate‐size pencils. Allow them to begin scribbling, as this is pre‐writing.
• Eventually, they will begin trying to spell words that they hear. More accurate spellings come at a later time.
• Give your child regular “writing” periods at home. This type of practice develops pre‐writing literacy skills.
• During these times, speak with or sing to your child and have them “write” it down. Alternatively, have your child tell you stories or songs they create and then write the words down for your child.
• Expose your child to printed words in a broad sense in many contexts.

The tips relayed in the blog post will help your child be ready for writing in Kindergarten, by providing a wonderful pre‐writing literacy foundation. It helps them to find joy in communicating, which is the main purpose of writing. This beginning will help them master writing concepts and achieve much in the future.