Speech Bubble Writing
To develop understanding of written dialogue through speech bubble writing activities.
- Framework: EYFS
- Unit: EYFS Literacy
- Learning area: Literacy
- Level: EYFS 3-4
Objectives
- Understands speech bubbles show spoken words
- Writes in speech bubbles
- Creates dialogue for characters
- Reads back speech bubble content
Materials
- Speech bubble templates
- Character pictures
- Pencils and crayons
- Example comics with speech bubbles
Instructions
Show children a comic strip or picture book with speech bubbles: 'Look — these bubbles show what the character is SAYING. The words inside the bubble are the character's words!'
After reading a story, provide a character picture with a blank speech bubble: 'What is Goldilocks saying here? When she sees the porridge, what does she say?'
Model writing in the bubble: 'Goldilocks says 'Yum yum!' Let me write that: Y-U-M. Yum! Now you write what YOUR character says.'
Accept all attempts. A child who draws wavy lines in the bubble and says 'That says Help me!' understands the concept perfectly — the transcription will develop.
Create class comic strips: each child contributes one speech bubble to a shared story. Display as a comic strip on the wall.
This activity bridges the gap between oral storytelling and written text — children see that writing can capture spoken words.