Emergent literacy is a hot topic in early childhood development, as more authors create reading resources for teachers and resources for children.
In an article published earlier this year, available here, experts concluded that parent-child reading from a young age increases the activation of crucial pieces of young minds. Reading was shown to stimulate parts of the brain associated with expanding vocabulary, applying meaning to words, and even sparking imagination.
In their book, Playful Writing: 150 Open-Ended Explorations in Emergent Literacy, Rebecca Olien and Laura Woodside provide fun ways to combine writing with play.
Below is one of the many activities you can use to engage your young readers and writers.
Water Writer
Pails of water and paintbrushes are all children need to see the magic of making marks with water.
Materials:
- Pails of water
- Paintbrushes
Steps:
- Bring the children outdoors on warm, sunny day, and encourage them to try painting on different surfaces.
- With a sweep of the paintbrush, water brightens the colors of stones; makes flower petals glisten; and creates shapes and designs on tables, sidewalks, or wooden fences.
For more great activities, check out Playful Writing!
Author(s)Laura Woodside, Rebecca Olien
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