Write What They Say
What you need
- a sheet of paper each
- chunky crayons
How to do it
- Kneel side by side at a low table with a sheet of paper each and the crayons between you.
- Draw a picture of your own while they draw whatever they like.
- When they stop, say "Tell me about your picture", and listen.
- Write a few of their words on the back, or along the bottom if they are happy with that, and read them back.
Why it matters
Hearing their own words read back from the page shows them that what they say about a picture matters as much as the marks.
What they're learning
- Talking about their making
- Telling you what is in the picture, in their own words.
- Mark making
- Drawing freely with a chunky crayon.
- Words on paper
- Seeing what they said turn into writing.
What to look for
Notice them pointing to different parts of the picture as they tell you about it.
A tip
Say "Tell me about it" rather than "What is it?", and write down exactly what they say, even if the picture changes halfway through. Leave their marks just as they made them.
Make it easier or harder
Easier: tell them about your picture first, then pass the turn over
Harder: let them say which part of the picture each word belongs to
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Fine motor activities · Activities for 2 year olds · Toddler activities with paper