Dictation

Merriam-Webster defines dictation as 2 a (1): the act or manner of uttering words to be transcribed (2): material that is dictated or transcribed.

My suggestion for you today is to write down what children say, word for word. That part is important because you give the child ownership of the story. When you do shorthand or leave words out, you're writing your own version of the story.

The messages you send to a child when doing this are "Words are important. YOUR words are important. Words on paper have meaning. Writing something down is a way to remember it later or pass on information." It develops language and literacy skills. It strengthens the imagination!

You can use dictation:

Next time your child brings you a piece of artwork try "Tell me about that!" and write it word for word on the back. Read it back to the child.

Ask your child to describe a photograph. Write down their account of what was happening in the photo. What's important to them might be quite different than what you remember. This can be quite amusing.

Have the child tell you a story. You write it, then the child can illustrate it.

Kids say the darndest things. Capture those moments by writing down what they say so someday you can look back together and laugh!