(Describer) A dry erase basketball board: "Everyday Writing with Coach Write. Family Time Fast Break." Families play.

[shoes squeaking, ball bouncing]

(narrator) Learning through play is fun for children of all ages, so include writing in playtime activities. It's easy to include writing in playtime scenarios. Remember, let there be errors in your child's writing to allow them to enjoy this playwriting process. Here are some scenario ideas for writing and play. Encourage your child to use these opportunities for writing.

(Describer) Text appears.

Restaurant play. Create a menu with pictures. Writers can copy food ideas and prices from other menus. Choose a restaurant name and write the name on a sign. Make order forms to send to the kitchen. Find order form templates online, or just use a small notebook to write orders. Library play. Make a list of the books in your library. Your child can copy the titles for the library list. Design a logo for your library and create a library card. Create a checkout list for books borrowed from the library. Party play. Decide what type of party to play. Create a list of people to invite, along with decorations, food, and party games that will be needed. Make handwritten signs and party decorations. Grocery store play. Create labels for food cans and boxes. Write signs for the grocery store and departments in the grocery store, such as deli, dairy, fruit, and vegetables. Decorate paper bags with the store name and logo. Another playtime writing activity that is fun to play is Alphabet I-Spy. This game can be played inside or outside, at home or on a trip. Each player will need a piece of paper and a pencil or pen. Each player writes a letter of the alphabet down the left side of the paper. For younger players, only do half of the alphabet, or pick certain letters. Set a timer for five minutes. Each player will try to find as many things as possible that start with each letter of the alphabet. When time is up, players can compare what they found. Incorporating authentic writing opportunities into playtime activities makes real learning fun.

(Describer) The title appears on the dry erase basketball board: "Everyday Writing with Coach Write. Family Time Fast Break." Funding Provided By: Ohio Broadcast Educational Media Commission. In Partnership With: Ohio Department of Education. This program is a production of PBS Western Reserve. Accessibility provided by the US Department of Education.

[shoes squeaking, ball bouncing]