What to do: 1. Leave simple word-and-picture messages for your child where he’s likely to find them: on the fridge, in his cubby, in a pocket, and on the computer. They may be reminders (Grandma is coming), drawings with captions (an umbrella and the word “rain”), or photos of a party (My birthday). Help him read the messages. 2. Encourage your child to “write” his own messages and leave them for you and others to find. Ask him to read aloud the messages he writes to you. Always thank and praise him, even if the letters and words are unreadable. 3. Reply to your child’s message with another message. Why it works: Children try to write when they have a reason to do it. © 2000 National Center for Learning Disabilities
