Encourage your child to become a writer
For beginning writers of any age, the blank page can be daunting. To support your child's first writing assignments, we made lists of picture books that match up with the six traits that teachers in Arizona look for in children's writing.
They'll give your child a great start, with examples of how to put these basic concepts into action in simple and fun ways.
- Word Choice, opens a new window
- Sentence Fluency, opens a new window
- Voice, opens a new window
- Organization, opens a new window
- Ideas, opens a new window
- Conventions, opens a new window
Word Choice
Word choice is all about using descriptive and imaginative words. Max's Words is one of the books our children's librarians turn to for kids working on this skill. Find more picture books with interesting words here, opens a new window!
Sentence Fluency
Sentence fluency includes grammar and lots of variety in the way sentences sound. Another Important Book's simple rhymes make it one of our favorites to recommend -- see more here, opens a new window!
Voice
Voice brings the author's viewpoint to the reader in a strong manner. Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus is a storytime favorite that will leave children clamoring to discuss the instructions the author gives! Find more here, opens a new window.
Organization
Organization is all about how you structure your writing, and the order in which you develop your ideas. If your kids loved the Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs movies, they might be delighted to find out that the book it's based on is also educational. Discover more ways to organize writing in this list, opens a new window.
Ideas
Ideas for writing often come from everyday situations. Beautiful optical illusions illustrate some less everyday ideas in Imagine A Day. These selections, opens a new window also show how to use ideas to deliver a clear and focused message.
Conventions
Conventions like punctuation make text easier to understand. Grownups who love language-related humor will get a chuckle as Eats, Shoots & Leaves demonstrates conventions gone awry. These, opens a new window picture books are more great examples of how to use punctuation to enhance meaning.
How else can the library support your child's education?
Chat with the children's librarian at your local library, opens a new window to find out more about our resources and events, take a look at the Homework Center, opens a new window on our website for instant access to a treasure trove of study material, 24/7!
