Write a How-To Book for Dad

Forget the trip to the mall, or the ride to the hardware store. This Father’s Day, give Dad something he’ll really appreciate: a book about him, written by his favorite author … his son or daughter!

What You Need:

• drawing paper
• construction paper
• stapler or brass clips
• markers or crayons

What You Do:

1. Set it Up. With your child’s help, make a blank book, by sandwiching 5-10 sheets of drawing paper between two sheets of construction paper. You can attach them either with brass clips, or by using a stapler.
2. Do a Little at a Time. Each day over the course of the next few days, your child will make a “How To…” book of things his daddy does. For example, “How To Cook Dinner”, “How to Drive a Car”, “How to Wash Dishes”… Your child can do it all at once, or work on it one page at a time. Each page will feature a hand-drawn picture of dad doing something he does well, along with narration written by your child. Remember that the main point of writing at this age is getting as much down on paper as possible, without worrying about proper spelling—so hands off as your child does it himself! (You’ll smile about those creative spellings a few years from now…)
3. Write a Great Ending. On the book’s last page, ask your child to draw something he does together with his dad, and write some words to accompany the picture. 

Create a cover and a title, and it’s ready for wrapping! The result? Your child got in some great writing practice. And dad got a book he’ll treasure for years to come.

Adapted with permission from "The Weekly Curriculum" by Barbara Backer, Gryphon House (2003).