Books by me

Know how you feel when someone comments on your Facebook status or quotes you in the paper? Multiply that times a thousand and you'll get an idea of how a young child feels when we show how we value his ideas and words.

Begin this activity by looking through different kinds of books in your home. Point out parts of the book such as the title, author, illustrator, page numbers, table of contents, dedication, index, photo captions and glossary. Then encourage your child to make his own book that includes at least some of these book parts.

Remind your child that there are many types of books that he could write; he might choose a story book, a nonfiction nature book, a biography or autobiography, an alphabet book or counting book.

A manila folder makes a good cover. Insert blank sheets, trim the cover to size and help your child bind it using a stapler, or punch holes and lace it up with yarn.

Prompt your child to design a cover that includes the name of the book, the author and the illustrator. Then have your child number the pages and use colored pencils, markers, or crayons to illustrate the book. Help write text that he dictates, or let him write text himself if he's interested.

Share the book with friends and family and your child will begin to identify himself as a "real" writer.