In this article, we first summarize research-based arguments for the importance of offering 2-to 6-year olds opportunities to write. To set the context, we provide some examples of the kinds of writing that can be expected from children in this age group when they are learning to write in English and other alphabetic languages. Next, we explore the main question for this article: How can teachers engage young children as writers in the years when they are not yet producing conventional print? Although the literature provides suggestions for types of writing activities that might be included, there are fewer guides that can help teachers think about what they might do and say when interacting with a young writer.