EARLY WRITING ACTIVITY: LIST MAKING
Are you a planner? A list maker? Why not take that opportunity and use it as an early writing activity with your kids to get them writing. It is an activity that can work on so many things. Letter recognition, fine motor skills, possible early organizational skills.
To help assist in this activity I recently found 2 great books at our local library that of course has lists in them. Perfect!
The first book is The List by Hazel Hutchins and illustrated by Maria van Lieshout.
This book actually can be used for talking about how to repay kindness as well. The story is about a kingdom known for its kindness always helping neighbours in need. Then one day a royal baby is born. In another kingdom the Queen wants to repay the kingdom for their kindness. The Queen begins to make a list and her royal daughter then begins her own list.
Here is an example of the little girl’s writing in the story.
Mom and daughter travel through the kingdom collecting the gifts for the new baby. They collect such wonderous gifts that when presented to the new parents they share these gifts with all the boys and girls of their kingdom. And the daughter’s gifts on her list turn out to be the best gifts of all.
After reading this book your child could work on birthday wish list, or a thank you list of people who gave them gifts. It’s ok for early writers to write letters upside down and backwards-the key is to just get them writing.
Put It On The List by Kristen Darbyshire is a cute book to introduce making grocery shopping list and vocabulary. I also found it entertaining and related so much to this page:
which can open up a discussion on being organized and time management.
You don’t need books to begin writing lists with your kids just some paper and a pencil. These books can be a nice addition.
Here is a recent list Mr. Yoda was working on.
And here are the lists my daughter, Miss Ballerina, has recently written. No letters yet but that will come.
Enjoy creating your lists,
Bonnie
