Strategy 4: Provide opportunities for handling and exploring reading and writing materials
What to do
- Provide a variety of books, magazines and writing materials for the child to explore
- Allow the child to explore in whatever way(s) work best (initially may involve tasting, smelling or acting on the materials in a destructive way)
- Establish a consistent location for materials so child can access independently
- Allow children to explore writing using adapted and non-conventional materials if/when child is ready
- Provide opportunities for child to scribble, stamp, finger paint, use stickers and/or adapted writing tools
- Use techniques that make manipulating a book easier
- Facilitate book handling by showing a book to the child then demonstrating what to do with it
Things to consider
- Have you provided materials in a variety of formats?
- Does the child have a way to actively engage with the materials?
- Are reading and writing materials found in a variety of places in your home or classroom?
- Is there a way for children to access materials on their own (if not mobile)?
Always Ask Yourself
