Our little ones may have lots of ideas and thoughts spiraling through their minds, thoughts that we may not even be aware of.   Reading together is important and impactful, but sometimes taking the role of the author can be revealing as the words come from your child instead of a published author!

Here’s something we can do if we just want to switch it up a bit during our reading time. We can talk about a familiar character, such as Winnie-the-Pooh or the Very Hungry Caterpillar.  If we want to promote some vocabulary, we can point out that this character is our “protagonist”.  Talk about the character’s personality traits and how they deal with conflict.  Present the idea that TODAY, the two of us are going to be authors and create a story!

Depending on age of our kiddoes, we can write for them or they can actually write or draw themselves.  A cool hybrid would be where we both write and draw together as a joint creation.   We can just start talking and writing:

1. Talk first- develop a plot idea as you share ideas and then at some point, get out some fun paper and start writing!
2. Create a typical (but new) setting for the main character
3. Create a likely conflict that the character will face.  Talk about issues that may be likely in this setting, but one that you have not yet read about.
4.  Ask, “Who or what is creating this problem/conflict?”  and see what they say.  Point out that this is often called the “antagonist”. But even better, be observant of what they say; it may reveal a bit about their own worries.
5.  Start talking about the resolution; ask, how is your character going to solve his or her problem?  Listen.
6. This may sound out of order, but when the story is done, this may be the best point at which to give your story a title!  Think about a clever title that will reveal just enough, not too much, about your story.
7. Create images!   Take time to draw, sketch, or paint images into your new “book”. Again, both of you can have fun with this!
8. As you are drawing, you can actually use this time to talk about theme.  “What can we learn from this story?”  “What kind of lessons are hidden inside our story?”
9. This is the best part:  invite your kiddoes to read their stories to others, to family members, to friends, to the dog, or to their favorite dolls.  They can read over Facetime to Nana – there are lots of ways to share.

10.Encourage:  SAY, “You just wrote a book; you are an author!” Nothing will encourage reading more than self-esteem and feeling like they are GOOD at this reading-writing thing. 

Simple supplies needed:

1. Paper and colored pencils or crayons
2. Child and Care-giver
3. Patience, creativity, and a willingness to LISTEN and LEARN about the heart of your little one as you “BOOK TIME TOGETHER!!”

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

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