What You Need

• Paper and pens or a computer and printer
• A clipboard or lap desk
• Envelopes and stamps

How to Do this Activity

Start by asking your child who she’d like to write to — grandma, a cousin, a friend, etc. Then, she can dictate to you, draw pictures and have you write the descriptions, or copy or write the words herself. Take the time to help her recognize letters and sounds as you go. And if you’re using a computer, you can sit together and take turns typing.

Once she’s done, have her fold the letter and put it in an envelope. She can even attach the stamp and, depending on her writing skill level, she can write the address, too!

What Your Child Learns

Through this activity, children begin to understand the power of the written word as a means to communicate thoughts and ideas. Children enjoy corresponding with others and develop positive feelings toward writing. They also learn basic print concepts, such as that print runs from top to bottom and left to right.