If it were possible to peek inside a child's head when she is learning to write, you'd witness, according to one of the first literacy researchers, Edmund Burke Huey, one of the most "remarkable performances that civilization has learned in all its history." Here are some activities to help a preschooler on that complex, marvelous journey toward literacy learning.

LOW-TECH

Make a Word Box

When I was teaching at the High/Scope preschool, we used to give every child a small recipe box with empty index cards at the start of the year. This "word box" was always kept nearby so that new words could be collected and used or referred to for children's writing activities. Tip: Make sure that each word is accompanied by a small, simple sketch representing that word.

MIDDLE-TECH

Label, Label, Label!

Look around your classroom. How many words do you see? A print-rich preschool classroom has meaningful words taped, glued, or written on objects and equipment in each learning center. To make labels, use any word processor with a large, clear font. Type out a list, print it on regular paper, and tape the printed words on objects. Tip: Digital cameras are great for adding pictures to labels.

HIGH-TECH

Make an Art Documentary in 15 Minutes or Less!

The idea of collecting and displaying children's work is not new. But scanners and camcorders are-and they offer exceptional ways to digitally document a child's literacy development. The next time you have a pile of artwork on the drying rack, grab your camcorder and start a Mozart CD on your boom box. Make sure all the lights are on the more light, the better. Zoom in for a tight shot on each picture before moving in on the next. By carefully planning the sequence of pictures, you can create a beautiful video showcase of children's artwork in a very short time. Play your movie during parent nights.