My First Book

You and your child will have fun writing her first book -- and she will improve her literacy skills.

My First Book

begin writing 85Most four-year-olds like to talk and have a lot to say. They generally can't write down words themselves, but they enjoy dictating a story to you.

What you need
Paper
A paper punch
Safety scissors
Pencil, pen, crayons
Yarn, pipe cleaners, or stapler
Paste, glue, or glue stick

What to do

1. Make a booklet of five or six pages. Your child can help punch holes close to one edge and thread yarn through the holes to keep the pages together. You can also bind the book with twisted pipe cleaners, or staple the pages together.

2. On the outside cover, write your child's name. Explain to him that this is going to be a book about him.

3. Let your child decide what will go on each page. Write it down. Examples: Other people in my family, my favorite toys, my favorite books, my friends, my pet, my neighborhood, my home, my bedroom, my own drawings.

Making this book will help your child develop his language skills and give him more practice using the small muscles in his hands. Your four-year-old will also love having your undivided attention.

Source: Helping Your Child Get Ready for School, U.S. Department of Education