​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Materials: Paper, writing materials, drawings or photos of family members.

STEP 1

Every family has a special story to tell. Think about some things that make your family special—like where you live, what jobs you might have, who lives with you, and what you like to do together. Talk to your child about how special your family is.

STEP 2

​Sit down with your child and use writing utensils and paper to start your family’s very own book. Your book may have pictures of your family, where you live, pets, or what you like to do together. Ask your child what they would like to put in your family book.

STEP 3

Add each special piece of information to your family book. Help your child draw and label each photo or drawing. Tell your child that you can read this special family book together at bedtime or naptime, just like their other books.

MAKE IT EASIER:

Younger children may need to focus on fewer items in a book. Start by making a book about the people you live with. Use drawings or photos and label each person. Read this book to your child each day and add more things to your book as they grow.

EXTEND THE LEARNING:

Have your child start to make their own special books. Help them think of what they want to write about. You can help them label pictures and write words.

WHAT IS MY CHILD LEARNING?

Your child is learning how spoken words appear as written words. Written words are used to create books and text. Younger children may not be ready to write on their own, but they can learn to link letters with words and words with stories and information. This is the beginning of the writing process.

WHY?

Your child needs to know that words make up books and books tell stories that entertain and give information.​

child drawing a picture