Presentation

  1. 1

    Show the child a drawing they made or an object in the room.

  2. 2

    Say, "Let's write a label so everyone knows what this is."

  3. 3

    Say the word slowly and write it on a slip, saying each sound.

  4. 4

    Place the label on or next to the object.

  5. 5

    Invite the child to label another item.

  6. 6

    Read the labels back together.

Extensions, easiest to hardest

  1. Labeling the parts of their own drawing (a flower: petal, stem, leaf)
  2. Labeling a map or a Cultural work
  3. Writing a caption of two or three words

Control of error

The adult reads the labels; phonetic spelling is accepted and the child can check spelling in a picture dictionary later.

Ready to move on when the child…

  • Labels drawings without being asked
  • Writes labels that others can read

Try “pink tower”, “tummy”, “diaper”, “grace and courtesy”, or “October”.