REAL Reading and Writing

It is amazing what a literacy learner can do when they set their mind to it.  One of our students who is an emergent reader (level A) wrote this note up on the board today:

I watched the child write it and it was done without any help from anyone.  Off  course, last week he saw my note up on the board that said the same, but that had been long erased.

Anytime you can find a REAL reason for children to read and write, they will excel.

Real reasons to read:
menus
signs outside
to learn about an interest
Is ______ on the grocery list already?  (Have them check for you)
Read you a story while you are driving

Real reasons to write:
add an item to the grocery list
Keep Out signs for bedroom doors
I love you notes to family and friends
requests to have a treat  (You ask them to put it in writing so you don't forget)
Writing words you see in the car