Writing in Role

Kids live in their imagination and take on different roles naturally while they play.  As they do this they are writing stories and scripts.  Writing is more meaningful to kids if it is based on something of high interest to them.  For emergent writers they also need to say what they want to write out loud before they put it down.  They need the hands on and physical aspect of it before they move to the abstract, which is the writing piece.  

A perfect learning extension for emergent writers is to write in role.  You can do this in a few ways:
*When the play is over have them draw a picture of their character.  Have them touch their picture and first say out loud what it is about.  Then help them write the sentences.
*You can go into role as a talk-show host or journalist and interview them in character.  Have your child fill out an interview form and answer your set questions.
*They can write a 5 finger story about their character.  Have them give you 5 details about the character.
*They can draw an adventure their character was on.  Here they can draw what happened:  First, Then, Next and Finally.  After they have done this they can touch each picture one at a time and add some writing to explain what is happening in the picture.
*They can make a comic and use speech bubbles to explain the action.

I find if I go into role the writing becomes just an extension of the play.  It is a really fun incentive.  Kids love it when you play with them because you are speaking their language! :)