Too Soon?

Our children want to write comics...but aren't they too young to even READ a comic?
Our children want to write scripts...but are they ready for such an undertaking?

The fact of the matter is, children are ready to write when they are ready-it's not something we should hurry or rush them into. This is not to say that we do not promote or practise writing/fine motor skills in our program-we certainly do! We just explore and use writing in more authentic ways, through play, during the course of the day. For example, in just one week we've observed children writing scripts for puppet play, writing down others "ideas" during our sharing of learning times, writing comics complete with thought and speech bubbles, using their names in tallies and charts to take a vote and of course, writing orders in a "restaurant". There has been such a great energy in the room-an excitement for writing! And it excites us to no end.

This week I had a chat with Mrs. Clarkson and our wonderful ECE colleague in room 2. It was a brief chat but it really resonated with me. Together we thought that perhaps other educator's ambivalence towards this program may be based on their belief that children are just not "ready" for this type of learning. For example, some educators feel that it's too early to teach young children the musical patterning of  "ta-ta-ti-ta". My thinking is, if students are interested in patterns (like our students) why not explore musical patters? Yes, I know this is a lesson that is traditionally taught in the primary years, but if explored early on just IMAGINE what children could accomplish or produce in the grades to come. It's a wonderful thought, isn't it?

So, my thinking? If children are showing a genuine interest in something allow them to explore it. And use the language that is true to their exploration. If they interested in rocks, call them archaeologists or even scientists. If they want to build towers, call them architects. If they want to write comics, or scripts call them writers, authors or artists. Guide them through the world that they are so curious about; it is never too soon.

Writing our comics during our weekly journal time.  During our reading to self time, some students noticed and wondered about the "white parts" on the pages of our very popular Ninjago comic. We talked about speech bubbles and thought bubbles and looked at their differences. The children were extremely motivated to write their own "comics."
This student illustrated himself going to the beach. He is saying, "Go".

This is page one of a student's journal work. His "comic" extended over two pages. The blue ninja is saying "hiya!"

The second page. The red ninja is responding with "Rrrrr"- notice the r's to the left of the page. When I commented on his work he replied, "I like it because it's my favourite thing."

We even noticed speech and thought bubbles on some clothing.

Typically a hesitant writer, this student was observed as being engaged for over 10 mins.

Two friends at the beginning stages of script writing for their The Little Pigs production.