Given the importance of early writing experiences, a key question is how educators can increase the amount and quality of writing in early childhood settings. Expert early writing teachers were observed to identify the types of activities and interactions they used to engage 4- and 5-year-olds as writers. Writing instruction occurred as part of…

This article describes a take-home literacy project in which kindergartners took home books, a stuffed animal, a camera, and a shared writing activity to complete with their families. The children later shared their writing and experiences in school. The resulting written responses and photographs depicted a level of involvement with the families…

Presents six reading and writing activities: "Details, Details, Details" (Rona F. Flippo and Judy Anderson Smith); "Reading and Writing Informational Texts" (Joyce Joranko); "The Teacher Writes: Before and for Children" (Ann Horn); "A School Newspaper: The Crown Press" (Judy Kissell); "Short Snappers…

Describes the development and use of the Traveling Tales backpack for engaging children and parents in home writing activities. Shares the experiences of one child and how his family became involved in helping him write a book. (MG)