Answer to Question 1
Research shows that instruction should be organized around natural methods of reading and writing. Play promotes talk that can be written down and later read back to children to connect speech to print. Play provides many opportunities for talking, reading and writing, all important activities for young children's literacy development.
Answer to Question 2
Items on the Do list might include: encourage children to make markings on paper; model writing for children; give them a real purpose for writing, such as grocery lists; and encourage spelling inventions. Items on the Don't list might include: don't ask, What is it? and don't require the child to explain scribblings or markings.